sun setting on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Waynesville
Waynesville NC sits at the foot of the highest mountains along the Blue Ridge Parkway and is a model for the classic small town, with Main Street consisting of three blocks of very interesting shops, galleries and eateries.
Downtown is small so you can explore Waynesville NC on foot and take pleasure in the work of area artists and craftsmen. In the summer, partake of Main Street’s art festival or July’s Folkmoot, a gathering of dance troups which perform throughout the area.
You can spend the night in Waynesville in great comfort at any of the delightful B&B inns-not the least of which is The Yellow House, which is a luxury bed and breakfast near downtown (formerly a century-old house on a pond surrounded by gardens). Otherwise Waynesville NC has a long list of cabins and lodges and comfortable inns.
If you stay for any length of time in Waynesville or the surrounding mountain area, be sure to take the walk around Lake Jualuska, which is only 4 miles from Waynesville. The walk is level, on a paved path, through beautifully landscaped park land. The walk, which is open to the public, consists of a 3-mile walk along the lake shore with breathtaking mountain views.
The surrounding Balsam Mountains offer up several interesting hiking trails, including Balsam Knob and Graveyard Fields, with trailheads that lead to a system of trails that guide you along the river, around wildflower meadows (in season), and down to splendid waterfalls. Moreover, the Black Balsam Trail follows the mountain ridge line that offers great views. The Mountain-to-Sea Trail is an easy 3.5 mile round trip to lush meadows on the 5,800 foot crest of remote wilderness area.
In addition, gem mining, golf, fishing, and many upscale shopping opportunities await you in Waynesville, North Carolina.