Haywood County is known for offering some of the most authentic and purely simple experiences in Western North Carolina. We are proud to promote an authentic experience that is as fresh and natural as the water that flows through our mountains.
With over 200 years of history and heritage, Haywood County is home to a variety of homegrown traditions, activities and offerings. We are the heart of real Appalachian culture and we pride ourselves on true experiences, none of this fabricated stuff. Food, music, heritage, art and the great outdoors are just a few of our specialties. But no matter what you may choose to do during your visit, we guarantee your stay will stay with you long after you depart.
Check Out the Farms in Haywood County!
Visit a third-generation family owned and operated sustainable trout farm located below Cold Mountain and Lake Logan. Learn about the aquacultural process and how they naturally farm-raise rainbow trout to create 15 gourmet products.
Meet Danny Barrett and learn about he grows and produces a wide variety of products on his beautiful working farm, including lettuce, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, berries, sweet corn, beans, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, squash, cut flowers, eggs, honey, jams and jellies.
This backcross orchard, a joint project with the American Chestnut Foundation, is part of an extensive effort to restore the American chestnut to our eastern woodlands. Enjoy a private guided tour of the orchard to learn more about the American chestnut and the restoration process.
The 46 miles of twisting mountain roads that run through Haywood County are one of the most popular attractions in the area. Hop on the parkway just outside of Canton on Hwy. 276 and head south toward Maggie Valley for an exquisite drive through the Balsam Mountain Range, which is where Haywood's native bluegrass band, Balsam Range, got the inspiration for their name. Stop and stretch your legs at two of the county's most popular hiking areas, Graveyard Fields and Devil's Courthouse, which are sure to inspire you too!
One of the area's cultural gems, a performance at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre, or better known by the locals as The HART, is not to be missed. This year-round theatre features productions from classics like Macbeth to Broadway musicals like Hello Dolly. The company is proud of its regional and local performers and their wide range of singing and acting abilities. Check out the 2015 expansion of a second performance venue and bistro!
After breakfast stop by one of our visitor centers and pick up a Quilt Trail guide to begin your heritage adventure. The Quilt Trail project helps Haywood County tell its history by featuring colorful and meaningful quilt squares installed on barns, public buildings and shops around the community. Spend the morning visiting and learning the stories of the almost 50 blocks scattered throughout the county.
The Shelton House was built in 1875 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Housed in and around the Shelton House, the Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts features comprehensive exhibits of 19th-century crafts. This is also one of the featured stops on the Haywood County Quilt Trails.
You must be getting thirsty! Haywood County is the proud home of four microbreweries: BearWaters Brewing Co., Boojum Brewing, Frog Level Brewing and Tipping Point Brewery and Tavern. Spend the afternoon at one (or more) trying their various taps. Order up a frosty flight and don't forget to grab a growler of your favorite to take home.
As one of the many stops on the Blue Ridge Music Trail, the Maggie Valley Opry House may be a simple building, but is alive with authentic homegrown mountain music! You will spend the evening enjoying live traditional bluegrass and mountain music accompanied by legendary bluegrass artist, Raymond Fairchild.
Restaurant Suggestions – Haywood County is home to such a wide range of locally owned and operated restaurants that we couldn't just pick a few! From casual, down-home eateries to gourmet, fine dining and everything in between, we have it all here in Haywood. For a full listing and more information, visit our Dining Page.