Haywood
County NC
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Over ten thousand years ago the Cherokee discovered this majestic mountain region. They gazed across mountaintops that stretched as far as the eye can see, they hunted mountains full of deer and bear, fished streams swimming with trout, and ended their search for a homeland. They lived in harmony with nature, survived the onslaught of soldiers, and befriended our pioneering forefathers.
Today, Haywood County is a thriving mountain community with quaint towns like Waynesville, Canton, Clyde, and the fun-filled town of Maggie Valley. Although civilization has left its mark here, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, two national forests, several wilderness areas and wildlife preserves occupy almost half of Haywood County.
These protected lands are not intended to keep people out. On the contrary, they are here so you can experience the same pristine settings and natural beauty the ancient Cherokee witnessed thousands of years earlier. Here, in the oldest mountains known to mankind, there are more kinds of plants and animals than anywhere else on Earth, four fabulous seasons, and a gentle climate that makes us the perfect year-round vacationland.
Welcome to Haywood County - and the ancient mountains of Western North Carolina!