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Welcome spring in the mountains of Maggie Valley
By Julia Merchant
The snow has long melted, and the first signs of life are starting to emerge after a long, cold winter. April marks the arrival of springtime in the mountains, beckoning both humans and animals who’ve been inside all winter — and there’s no better place to celebrate simply being outside than Maggie Valley.
“A nice spring day here is just gorgeous,” says Chamber of Commerce president Teresa Smith. “There’s not a cloud in the beautiful blue sky. The air is fresh, and the smells are wonderful — it just makes you want to play hooky all day!”
Spring offers the perfect opportunity to explore “the natural side,” of Maggie Valley, says Brenda O’Keefe, owner of the mouthwatering, and legendary, Joey’s Pancake House.
O’Keefe, an avid hiker, has been pointing customers to the area’s many trails for nearly 45 years. The town, situated at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is an ideal jumping off point for all kinds of outdoor adventures. Less than 40 minutes away is Cataloochee Valley, where visitors flock to watch the Park’s only herd of Rocky Mountain elk. In addition to a visit to see the elk, the Park is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year and there are special events planned throughout the year.
Just outside of town is an entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway, which winds 18 miles to the Cherokee Reservation and ends in the national park.
The sight of spring flowers blooming along the various mountain trails attracts scores of visitors each year. Bring your camera — amateur or pro, the colorful trilliums and spring beauties present the perfect chance to hone your nature photography skills.
There’s plenty of outdoor action right in Maggie Valley too. Last year, the town became one of only five in the state to earn the Mountain Heritage Trout City designation. As part of the program, the North Carolina Wildlife Commission stocks the three miles of streams running through Maggie Valley chockfull of trout. Clearly marked fishing docks can be accessed at several points throughout town. A three-day permit is only $5, and visitors can borrow a free rod, reel and tackle box at the Maggie Valley Visitors Bureau — so anyone can try their hand at fishing. The season kicks off the first Saturday in April. As Maggie Valley Mayor Roger McElroy puts it, “it’s really good fishin’.”
The sunny, temperate Maggie Valley spring provides the perfect backdrop for another popular outdoor activity – golf. The greens of the Maggie Valley Country Club draw duffers from many northern climes such as Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan, who can’t wait to get back into the action they’ve been missing all winter.
“Golf is a big thing in the spring, because it’s still too cold in many areas to play,” says Smith. “A lot of golf groups come in March, April or May, because our weather’s mild enough and they’ve been missing the sport.”
The Club’s water system ensures the links are covered with luscious, green grass come spring.
There’s plenty more to do in Maggie Valley as the warmer weather settles in. Springtime ushers in the festival and event season, and the town becomes a hotbed of activity. The “Thunder in the Smokies” motorcycle rally and “Vettes in the Valley” Corvette car show are two of the largest spring gatherings.
Whether visitors stay right in Maggie Valley or use the town as a convenient jumping off point to explore the nearby Asheville and places like the Biltmore Estate, the Cherokee’s Harrah’s Casino or the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, or any of Western North Carolina’s major attractions, the area is a perfect location for a spring adventure.
For more information about Maggie Valley call the Visitors Bureau at 828.926.1686 or visit www.maggievalley.org.
Here are some spring events happening in and around Maggie Valley.
April 4-5 — US Whitewater Junior Team Trials,
Nantahala Outdoor Center, Nantahala 888.905.7238
The best young paddlers in the country vie for a top three spot in the Junior World Championships.
April 11-12 — Peanuts Easter Beagle, a
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad adventure, Bryson City, 1.800.872.4681
April 24-26 — Thunder in the Smokies Motorcycle Rally at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, 828.246.2101
May 1 — Oconaluftee Indian Village opens, Cherokee
May 1-3 — American Clogging Hall of Fame clogging competition at the Stompin’ Ground, Maggie Valley, 304.872.5803
May 1-3 — All Chevy/GMC Truck Nationals, Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. 423.237.1502
May 9 — Whole Bloomin’ Thing Festival, Waynesville, 828.627.1058. This original gardening festival boasts the best of the area’s growers and artists
May 23-24 — Vettes in the Valley, Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, 828.926.0201. Celebrate a great American classic. Over 400 Corvettes attend for People’s Choice Car Show, poker rally, sales corral, venders, Corvette parade, crafts, music and entertainment.
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