Outdoor Activities

cast a line
Fishing/Guide Services
Fly-Fishing On Jonathan Creek

Rushing streams, sparkling rivers, rippled ponds, and serene lakes are plentiful in Haywood County. And a unique feature of the water here is that it all originates here. No water flows into the county. Filled with native mountain trout, the creeks, streams and rivers are ideal for fly fishing. So grab your tackle box, get ready to cast your fly rod and enjoy the pleasures and peacefulness of Fishing in our mountain waters.

swing away
Golf/Miniature Golf

Haywood County is home to six beautiful golf courses, each offering challenges to golfers of all skill levels. And like the game of golf itself, there's plenty of ups and downs on these mountain courses. The setting for a round of golf is nothing short of spectacular, no matter where you might find yourself on the course. For the ultimate golf outing, make sure to pack your clubs and visit Haywood County. Tee it high and let it fly. If the undulating greens of these championship courses prove too difficult, take the Happy Gilmore approach to improving your putting. After all, miniature golf is a fun way to get the entire family involved. Check out all the options on the Golf page.

stroll through nature
Hiking/Walking

Take a leisurely walk around Lake Junaluska. Test your stamina with a strenuous climb to the top of Cold Mountain. Or try something a little more moderate, but equally rewarding. The wide range and high number of trails (from easy to difficult, from short to steep) in Haywood County and Western North Carolina render these mountains a hiker's paradise. Learn more about hundreds of miles of Hiking/Walking trails in the area.

get wet

Rafting/Tubing

There's no better way to spend a warm day in the mountains, and there's enough fast-flowing H₂O in Haywood County and the surrounding region to quench your whitewater thirst. Whether its via raft, kayak or inner tube, the thrill, excitement and fun are the same. With several outfitters providing all you'll need, for a fierce adventure or for a more family-friendly journey, traveling by river is a great way to soak up the scenery of the mountains. Learn more about the Rafting/Tubing trips in Haywood County and the surrounding area.

saddle up
Horseback Riding

Round up the family and saddle up. One of the most popular activities in Haywood County, horseback riding is an ideal method of traversing the mountains. From hourly rides to all-day trips offered by a host of stables, this is a great way to spend some quality time with family and friends, enjoying some spectacular scenary all the while. Whether traveling on a forested trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or through an open field atop a bald, you'll love Horseback Riding through this Appalachian paradise.

play in the snow
Skiing/Winter Activities

Just because you might not see snowflakes falling from the sky during your winter vacation to Haywood County doesn't mean you can't play in the snow. Hit the slopes, on skis or snowboard, at Cataloochee Ski Area. Slide down the powder-covered hill at Tube World. Or bring the kids to Winter Valley Snowmobile Park, where they can enjoy riding specially designed youth snowmobile around the oval track. And when the real snow does appear, there are plenty of opportunities to have some fun or just enjoy its scenic beauty. Learn more about the Winter Activities in Haywood County.

Download a Guide to Outdoor Activities in Haywood County (PDF 773KB)