Things to do in Waynesville

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Waynesville Travel Guide

Just in my backyard. From Waynesville North Carolina

Summer day stroll around Lake Junaluska in Haywood County NC #mountains

Francis Grist Mill. One of the small treasures in Western NC. Owned by a very special family, dear to my heart..They hold a couple of events each year to help them keep their mill functional. Look it up on the National Register of Historic Places.

A view of the Cataloochee Valley. This is an area in the northern-most section of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is one of the best areas of the park to see elk but the drive down the mountains into the valley is a white-knuckled drive the entire way. But it is well worth it, not only for the beautiful scenery, but also because you're almost guaranteed to see elk. #blue #smokymountains #mountains #tennessee #greatsmokymountain #nationalparks #EndlessSummer #Green

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What to do in Waynesville

Discover the most popular places to visit in Waynesville

Peaceful little day retreat - close to home. Great walking path and plenty of ducks to watch!

Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center

Learn about the events happening at Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center during your trip to Waynesville. Stroll along the riverfront or discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area.

Charlotte which includes a river or creek and forest scenes

Cataloochee Valley

Spot elk and visit historic buildings while camping, driving and hiking in the tranquil countryside of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Sign on Richland Balsam overlook on Blue Ridge mountains parkway in North Carolina with mist fog spruce coniferous trees and highest elevation at 6053 feet

Blue Ridge Parkway Balsam Entrance

Explore the great outdoors at Blue Ridge Parkway Balsam Entrance, a lovely green space in Waynesville. Discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area, or enjoy its golf courses.

Lake Junaluska Golf Course

Enjoy a round of golf in Waynesville at Lake Junaluska Golf Course. Stroll along the riverfront or discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area.

Queen's Farm Stables

Meet the animals who live at Queen's Farm Stables during your travels in Waynesville. Stroll along the riverfront in this family-friendly area, or seek out the golf courses.

Waynesville Recreation Center

Take the family on an outing to Waynesville Recreation Center during your trip to Waynesville. Amble around the area's riverfront or seek out the golf courses.

Smoky Mountain Jumphouse

Catch an event at Smoky Mountain Jumphouse, and enjoy other activities in Waynesville such as golfing. Wander the riverfront or discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area.

Balsam Spa

Enjoy a trip to Balsam Spa and popular activities like golfing in Waynesville. Wander the riverfront or discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area.

LoneBackpacker Gallery of World Photography

You can spend time exploring the galleries in LoneBackpacker Gallery of World Photography during your trip to Waynesville. Amble around this family-friendly area's riverfront, or seek out the golf courses.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Waynesville

Settlers Ridge

Though Settlers Ridge might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Cataloochee Ski Area and Maggie Valley Festival Grounds.

Fairway Hills

Fairway Hills might not have many top sights, but Lake Junaluska Golf Course and Waynesville Recreation Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Downtown Waynesville

While Downtown Waynesville might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Waynesville Recreation Center and Lake Junaluska Golf Course.

Ivy Hills

When in Ivy Hills, you can plan a visit to Lake Junaluska Golf Course and Waynesville Recreation Center, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Mountain Springs

When in Mountain Springs, you can plan a visit to Cataloochee Ski Area and Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Hemphill Heights

While there might not be top attractions in Hemphill Heights, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Cataloochee Ski Area and Wheels Through Time Museum.

Popular day trips from Waynesville

Gatlinburg

Maggie Valley

Difficult hike. Worth the effort! Boulders 3/4 my height to navigate. I'm 5'3". It took 1.5 hr in and 1.5 hr out. Beautiful foliage and wildlife to view! Enjoy

Cullowhee

Frequently asked questions

Is Waynesville worth visiting?

Renowned for its golfing and history, discovering awesome things to do in Waynesville is a cinch. Make sure to add Cataloochee Ski Area to your itinerary when here.

How do I spend a day in Waynesville?

Once you've checked off key attractions like Queen's Farm Stables and Fantasy Golf & Game Room, spend the rest of your day enjoying Waynesville's shopping and food scene.

What is the top tourist attraction in Waynesville?

Cataloochee Ski Area is one of the top tourist attractions in Waynesville and deserves a place on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.

Is three days enough to stay in Waynesville?

Three days will give you plenty of time to check out the leading city sights, such as Fantasy Golf & Game Room, Blue Ridge Parkway Balsam Entrance and Lake Junaluska Golf Course. The average stay in Waynesville is two days. If you have the time to extend your trip, Asheville isn't far away.

Is Waynesville a walkable city?

It all comes down to what you want to see and do in Waynesville. Several attractions, such as Lake Junaluska Golf Course and Balsam Spa, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Waynesville's best neighborhoods, Apple Creek Acres is 3 kilometers away from downtown, while Downtown Waynesville is 0.16 kilometers away from the center and also within walking distance.

What are some activities to do in Waynesville with kids?

Planning what to do in Waynesville with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're vacationing with little ones or teenagers, there are plenty of family-friendly tours and activities to keep them busy here.

What to do in Waynesville for adults?

Wheels Through Time Museum and Maggie Valley Gem Mine are just a few of the things to do in Waynesville. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.

Are there free things to do in Waynesville?

One of the top ways to discover free things to do in Waynesville is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on exciting neighborhoods, parks and other major attractions you can experience without reaching into your pocket. Blue Ridge Parkway Balsam Entrance is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.