There’s an old adage that April showers bring May flowers. But in Western North Carolina, spring rains signal the beginning of a season spent outdoors. And for those who live in the mountains of Haywood County, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the water in these parts—even at elevation.
Here are just a few refreshing ways to enjoy the water near Waynesville, NC.
Enjoy waterfalls and swimming holes near Waynesville, NC
The prehistoric topography around Waynesville is bursting with waterfalls. Some are relatively small and gentle. Others take big, breathtaking plunges into mountain pools. Check out the short hike to Woodfin Falls, accessed from the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Woodfin Cascades Overlook.
Panthertown Valley, south of Waynesville, is known as “the Yosemite of the East” for its natural treasures. Along its 30 miles of trails, you can discover a variety of wildlife, rare plant species, geologic formations—and many waterfalls! Make your way to the popular Schoolhouse Falls, Greenland Creek Falls, Wilderness Falls, or Frolictown Falls, and (safely!) dip your toes into the cool mountain streams.
Some area waterfalls offer an additional treat! Cool off on a summer day in the crystal clear water at a local swimming hole. Skinny Dip Falls (no skinny dipping allowed!) is located just a short hike from the Blue Ridge Parkway on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail at the headwaters of the Big East Fork of the Pigeon River. Jump into the deep plunge pool or wade through the shallow areas. It’s a great place to cool down after a day on the trail.
Enjoy river tubing near Waynesville, NC
All of Haywood County’s rivers and creeks originate within the county lines. That makes it a great location for all sorts of water adventures, including tubing. Throughout the summer, it’s common to see streams of tubers floating lazily down our local rivers.
The Tuckasegee is the ideal river for first-time river tubers, families with young children, and those who want more of a relaxing river trip. As the river drops and winds through six reservoirs, it is warmed to 65–70 degrees. Warm water combined with Class I & II drop and pool rapids make it unique for these mountains.
Enjoy whitewater kayaking near Waynesville, NC
Gear up and kayak down tranquil or whitewater rivers (your pick). There are several easy water access points for kayakers near Waynesville, depending on your adventure goals.
For a full day adventure, try the 19-mile Tuckasegee River Paddle Route from Tuckasegee to Dillsboro. “The Tuck” runs through one of the oldest, most bio-diverse mountain ranges in the temperate world. Class II rapids along the route are gentle enough for even young kayakers and inexperienced paddlers. Enjoy the full route from Tuckasegee to Dillsboro, or divide your trip into two fairly-easy 10-mile segments. The greater Tuckasegee River Blue Trail continues past Bryson City to the west end of Lake Fontana.
Enjoy fly fishing near Waynesville, NC
All year long, the Waynesville area offers some of the nation’s best fishing, with abundant species and trophy game fish. There are thousands of miles of rivers, stocked streams, and lakeshores throughout our region. It’s common to find bluegill, brim, crappie, and perch throughout the area. Later in the year, you can also look for rainbow or brown trout, as well as smallmouth bass.
The area attracts some of the world’s most proficient fly fishermen. But there are also many opportunities for amateurs to dip their toes into the pool, so to speak. All you need is a $10 three-day fishing license, affordably priced rental gear and equipment, and one of NCWRC’s fishing maps and guides, including a map of fishing attractors.
Enjoy strolling around Lake Junaluska
The Lake Junaluska community is centered around a beautiful 200-acre namesake lake just ten minutes north of Waynesville. Birding aficionados will enjoy the variety of waterbirds visible along more than 2.5 miles of accessible public walking and biking trails, as well as from the water. And during the summer, kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding are popular activities. Bring your own, or rent canoes, kayaks, or stand-up paddle boards at the Lake Junaluska Recreation Hut.
Enjoy an aquarium visit near Waynesville, NC
Explore your wild side by interacting (safely!) with the local wildlife. Our mountains and rivers are full of fascinating creatures, great and small.
Adults and children alike will enjoy learning about local river-based species at Appalachian Rivers Aquarium. Located across the Tuckasegee River from the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians, the Appalachian Rivers Aquarium houses a variety of aquatic or semi-aquatic native species from the Appalachian region. The 1,000-square-foot space features 16 tanks of 75–620 gallons each, including three that form the “mountain stream” exhibit of more than 2,500 gallons with a waterfall reservoir tank on the second floor. There’s also a specially-permitted hellbender tank. And their “living wall” exhibits live species of frogs, toads, turtles, salamanders, lizards, small snakes, and other critters.
Enjoy mountain waters transformed at breweries near Waynesville, NC
After a long day enjoying local streams, rivers, and waterfalls, why not imbibe in some of the best brews in the nation. WNC’s beer scene is so prolific in part because of the pristine quality of the mountain water fed into the recipes.
Waynesville is home to a few great craft breweries and bottle shops—enough that it’s common to create a whole day around them. Asheville locals have been known to beat the crowds in downtown Asheville and head to Waynesville for some of the best brews in the area. Learn about local legends at Boojum Brewing Company. Or enjoy some of the smoothest craft beer to touch your tongue at Frog Level Brewery in the historic district of the same name. Both breweries offer a full menu, so make sure to come hungry (and thirsty)!
Enjoy volunteering in the waters near Waynesville, NC
As you could guess by now, WNC rivers have played an important role in facilitating tourism and trade throughout the region. But their popularity among humans for manufacturing and recreation has led to a loss of water quality around many mountain communities. In recent years, many local organizations have stepped up to ensure that our rivers remain lifegivers for generations to come.
Give back to the rivers that sustain us by volunteering with a local environmentally focused nonprofit. Near Waynesville, Haywood Waterways Association works to improve surface water quality in the Pigeon River Watershed of Haywood County through two objectives: education and implementation of water improvement strategies. Join the Volunteer Water Information Network and collect monthly water samples for testing. Other ways to volunteer include Adopt-A-Stream stream clean-ups or organizing a watershed hike.
Find a home near water in Waynesville, NC
In Western North Carolina, it’s easy to spend every day enjoying a brand new natural wonder in your back yard! High peaks surround the town of Waynesville, once billed as the Gateway to the Smokies and now the seat of Haywood County. Plus, Waynesville’s proximity to Asheville offers residents the best amenities of a larger city while still holding on to its small-town atmosphere. From outdoor adventures to cozy spots downtown, Waynesville welcomes people from many different backgrounds to visit and stay for life.
Does that sound like the perfect lifestyle for you? Find your dream home in Waynesville, NC now!
