Waynesville 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.

You can explore the town 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 troupes which perform throughout the area. 

Waynesville is located near some of the largest attractions in the Great Smoky Mountains. Lake Junaluska, only 4 miles from Waynesville, has a level 3-mile footpath along the lakeshore which is open to the public and affords many 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 as well. 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.
Visitors can spend the night in Waynesville in great comfort at any of the delightful B&B inns, cabins and lodges.

About 40% of our County is occupied by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pisgah National Forest and the Harmon Den Wildlife Refuge, where the Blue Ridge Parkway meets the Great Smoky Mountains. The central part of the county is well suited for business and agriculture and is easily accessible to major population centers of the east and southeast U.S. - Our location is a major feature. Haywood County encompasses 546 square miles and has a population of about 52,000. There are four incorporated towns: Waynesville, Maggie Valley, Canton, and Clyde. With a mild southern climate and cool mountain elevations ranging to over 6000 feet, Haywood County is an excellent location any time of the year for business or recreation.

Temperature: Avg. January temperature: 37.5 degrees; Avg. June temperature: 70.7 degrees.
Rainfall: Avg. rainfall is 47.5 inches per year.
Snowfall: Avg. snowfall is 12.2 inches per year.
Population 2000 – 9,232

Haywood Regional Medical Center