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Welcome Center

91 North Lakeshore Drive, Lake Junaluska, NC 28745
(828) 944-0761
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  • National Parks
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© 2026 Haywood County Tourism Development Authority

People swimming by the falls at Bubbling Spring Branch Cascades in Haywood

BEST TIME TO VISIT THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS

YEAR ROUND APPALACHIAN CHARM

When planning your Smoky Mountain getaway, expect something different each season with blooming springs, mild summers, colorful autumns, and charming winters.

Explore Haywood by Season

Select a season to personalize your site experience

Lake Junaluska Outfitters
Lake Junaluska Outfitters
Rent a canoe, paddleboard or kayak
Shelton House History, Heritage & Crafts
Shelton House History, Heritage & Crafts
Tour through Haywood’s history
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Cold Mountain Tubing
Float down the Pigeon River
The Ten Acre Garden
The Ten Acre Garden
You-pick berries and flowers
  1. Home
  2. Planning
  3. When to Visit Haywood

WHEN TO VISIT HAYWOOD

Slow down time in every season

Plan Your Trip
Family hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains in Haywood NC
spring
Views of Great Smoky Mountains in Haywood
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Explore Haywood in spring bloom

Breathe in the new wildflower blooms and beat your cabin fever on the first hikes of the season.

Pan Your Spring Trip
Group of friends swimming by the waterfalls in Haywood NC
summer
Bubbling Spring Branch Cascades
Bubbling Spring Branch Cascades
CantonModerate
Canton
Soak up summertime in Haywood

Cool off in the high altitudes of the smoky mountains and enjoy long nights under the stars.

Plan Your Summer Trip
Family walking along Lake Junaluska in Haywood
fall
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Lake Junaluska Walking Trail
Lake JunaluskaEasy
Lake Junaluska
Experience Haywood in full fall color

Crunch on leaf-lined trails and sink into the glowing crimson colours of the mountains.

Plan Your Fall Trip
Couple sliding down on a tube in Cataloochee Ski Area in Haywood
winter
Cataloochee Ski Area
Cataloochee Ski Area
Maggie ValleyOutdoors
Maggie Valley
Cozy up this winter in Haywood

Carve the slopes at Cataloochee and then get cozy by a fire with a cup of warm goodness.

Plan Your Winter Trip
Friends hiking in Haywood NC

SPRING IN HAYWOOD COUNTY

Refresh in the spring

Wake up to spring in the Smokies where winding trails have been freshly painted with blooming wildflowers.

Plan Your Spring Trip

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More about spring in Haywood

See All Blogs
Spend Your Spring Break in the Western NC Mountains
Spend Your Spring Break in the Western NC MountainsRead More
7 Photo-Worthy Flowers You Can't Miss This Spring
7 Photo-Worthy Flowers You Can't Miss This SpringRead More
Why You Should Spend Memorial Day in the NC Smokies
Why You Should Spend Memorial Day in the NC SmokiesRead More
People horseback riding in Cataloochee Ranch in Haywood

SUMMER IN HAYWOOD COUNTY

Unwind in the summer

Cool off in the Smokies your way, whether that means chasing higher elevations or taking a plunge into a mountain swimming hole.

Plan Your Summer Trip

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More about summer in Haywood

See All Blogs
Your Sizzling Summer Itinerary for Waynesville
Your Sizzling Summer Itinerary for WaynesvilleRead More
Know Before You Go: Summer Hiking Tips
Know Before You Go: Summer Hiking TipsRead More
Summer Family Fun Checklist
Summer Family Fun ChecklistRead More
Family walking along Lake Junaluska

FALL IN HAYWOOD COUNTY

Cozy up in the fall

Hold your breath before it’s taken away by sweeping shades of red, orange and yellow drenching Haywood’s forests.

Plan Your Fall Trip

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Haywood in the fall

See All Blogs
Why Fall is Best Spent in the Smokies
Why Fall is Best Spent in the SmokiesRead More
Where to See Fall Color on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Where to See Fall Color on the Blue Ridge ParkwayRead More
Fall Photo Ops in Waynesville
Fall Photo Ops in WaynesvilleRead More
Couple walking with their skis in Catalooche Ski Area

WINTER IN HAYWOOD COUNTY

Exhale in the Winter

Hit the Cataloochee slopes, sip on something warm or wander through Haywood's charming towns for some festive shopping.

Plan Your Winter Trip

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Haywood in the winter

See All Blogs
5 Things to Do in the NC Smokies this Winter
5 Things to Do in the NC Smokies this WinterRead More
Shredding the Slopes of Maggie This Winter
Shredding the Slopes of Maggie This WinterRead More
Know before you go: Seven Winter Hiking Tips
Know before you go: Seven Winter Hiking TipsRead More
Family walking on a trail path in Haywood NC
Motorcycle riders in Blue Ridge Parkway Haywood NC
A man holding a phone showing Visit Haywood's visitors guide
Two men jumping from a rock in Haywood
A boy and his dog walking in Lake Junaluska in Haywood NC
A couple sitting in front of their camper van and a bonfire in Haywood
A couple in their wedding in Haywood

Get away from it all, anytime

Where is HaywoodVisitors GuideDay TripsPet FriendlyItinerariesWeddings

FAQs for the wanderlust

  • Haywood is famous for its summer fun and fall leaf-peeping, making June - November the best time to visit the County. That being said, there are many festivals and major events that happen during the winter that you’ll want to check out to keep the mountain escape going all year round.

  • 3 to 4 days is ideal to experience Haywood County. This will give you enough time to explore the mountain trails and wander through the main towns without feeling rushed.

  • Peak fall colors come out to play from early October through early November. For a full breakdown of the best hikes for each week in fall, check out our fall planning guide.

  • In spring, summer, and fall, Haywood is known for incredible wildlife viewing, hiking, fishing, golfing and the scenic drives along the way. In winter, hit the slopes for incredible skiing and snowboarding.

  • The crowds die down from January until March. During this period you’ll find no wait times, quiet trails and lower lodging rates for your mountain getaway.

Pick your favorite shade of the Smokies

Welcome Center in Haywood
Welcome Center
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Visitors Guide
A family looking at a map in Haywood
Plan Your Trip