Waynesville vacation rentals

Nestled between the borders of the Great Smoky Mountains and Nantahala Forest, the town of Waynesville draws visitors to North Carolina for one primary reason: the outdoors. Just 10 miles west, Maggie Valley is the launching point for the region’s winter sports hub, Cataloochee Ski Area. With nearly half the mountain’s trails aimed at beginners, it’s a great place for first-timers to strap on their boots and test out the terrain. The North Carolina Smokies are ripe for adventure no matter the season, as the snow melt creates gushing waterfalls in the spring, and the natural swimming holes beckon those who have been cooped up for winter. Hikers, backpackers, and anglers have no shortages of trails and waterways to explore, either. Waynesville is also a jumping-off point to the Blue Ridge Parkway for anyone who wants to drive part (or all) of the 469-mile scenic route, which starts in western North Carolina and winds its way up through Virginia.

If you’re coming to Waynesville for the powdery runs, January and February are typically the best months to ski in North Carolina. Because of the South’s mild climate, ski season ends in mid-to-late March. For hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities, the peak foliage months of fall are glorious; plan a trip for October, when the weather and scenery are at their most brilliant. Summer in Waynesville is nice, but you’ll encounter heavy crowds and reduced rental availability, particularly in July and August, when schools are out and it seems everyone wants to see Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Three times a year — in April, late June, and mid-September — Thunder in the Smokies, an epic three-day motorcycle rally, zooms into Maggie Valley, the perfect time for motor sports enthusiasts to visit.

Cataloochee Valley

Cataloochee may be best known for winter skiing, but the rest of the year the valley is primed for elk spotting, particularly at dusk and dawn (just keep at a safe distance and respect the wildlife). The elk retreat to the forest during the harsh winter months, so your best chance to see them is between May and October.

Waterrock Knob

The mile-high visitor center at Waterrock Knob is your starting point for a 1.2-mile hike that will take you to the peak and reward you with some of the best sunrise and sunset views in the Smoky Mountains.

Wheels Through Time

Whether you’re a casual collector or a complete novice, you’ll appreciate the history of the motorcycle at the Wheels Through Time museum, as well as enjoy the 375-piece collection of rare motorcycles and other pieces of vintage transportation equipment.