Haywood County, with its expansive 546-square mile radius and a population of approximately 57,000 residents, stands as the third largest county in western North Carolina. Established in 1808, Haywood County takes its name from John Haywood, who served as North Carolina treasurer from 1787 to 1827. Distinguishing itself from the other 99 counties in the state, all of Haywood County's water sources
originate within its own borders, including the Pigeon River. The annual average temperature here hovers around 54 degrees, with January's average being 38 degrees and June's at 71 degrees. The county enjoys an annual average of 47.5 inches of rainfall and 12.2 inches of snowfall. The picturesque Blue Ridge Parkway gracefully winds its way through the county, boasting four entrances and offering numerous opportunities for hiking, scenic views, and picnicking. The standout natural attraction in the area is undoubtedly the Great Smoky Mountains, with a portion of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park nestled within Haywood County's boundaries. This park is the most visited National Park in the United States. Furthermore, the region has been designated a Blue Ridge Heritage area and is renowned for its vibrant arts and crafts community. Haywood County boasts a unique topographical distinction, with fourteen peaks in the Great Smoky Mountains soaring to elevations exceeding 6,000 feet, a number unrivaled east of the Mississippi River. The county itself ranks among the highest, with an average elevation of 3,600 feet, east of the Rockies. Guyot at 6,621 feet, and Richland Balsam at 6,410 feet. Other prominent mountain ranges, such as the Balsam Mountains on the western border of Haywood County, offer seven distinct forest types and peaks exceeding 6,400 feet in elevation. Nearby, the Nantahala Mountains showcase the Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina's largest national forest at 516,000 acres, extending from Waynesville to Murphy, Fontana, and Cashiers. The Nantahala River Gorge, a nine-mile stretch of the Nantahala River, provides an exhilarating haven for whitewater rafting enthusiasts. In terms of location, Haywood County is strategically situated in the Southeast region of the United States, easily accessible by both road and air. It's a mere 20-minute drive west from Asheville, North Carolina, and a 20-minute drive east from Cherokee, North Carolina. For perspective, driving times to Haywood County include two hours and 30 minutes from Atlanta, G.A., four hours and 30 minutes from Charleston, S.C., two hours and 20 minutes from Charlotte N.C., three hours and 30 minutes from Columbia, S.C., one hour and 15 minutes from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, T.N., one hour and 30 minutes from Greenville, S.C., one hour and 30 minutes from Knoxville, TN.., four hours and 30 minutes from Raleigh, N.C., 10 hours from Tampa, F.L., and eight hours from Washington, D.C. Additionally, the Asheville Regional Airport is conveniently located about 40 minutes to the east of Haywood County, and the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport is just over an hour's drive away. In the realm of health and higher education, MedWest Haywood provides a total of 184 beds, staffed by over 120 physicians. Haywood Community College offers a diverse array of educational opportunities, with more than 55 curricular programs and a student population exceeding 2,000. Notably, it is the exclusive provider of North Carolina's fish and game wildlife program, as well as offering programs in Forest Management Technology, Pulp and Paper Technology, and a four-year Professional Crafts program, encompassing clay, fiber, jewelry, and wood. Furthermore, Western Carolina University and the University of North Carolina at Asheville, both highly esteemed institutions, are within a half-hour drive. Haywood County provides robust support for small businesses through a combination of resources, including a Small Business Incubator and the Small Business Center at Haywood Community College's High Technology Center. The Haywood County Economic Development and Haywood County Chamber of Commerce are actively engaged in bolstering existing businesses and attracting new ones to the area. The county is home to four towns: Canton, Clyde, Maggie Valley, and Waynesville, collectively contributing to the county's population of approximately 57,000 residents. Canton, situated in the eastern part of the county along the Pigeon River, boasts a population of around 4,200. This historic town was incorporated in 1837 and is notable for its historic paper mill and the Colonial Theater. Canton is also home to First Baptist Church, which was originally established in 1801 as Locust Old Fields Church. Clyde, a small town just west of Canton with a population of about 1,400, hosts Haywood Community College and Haywood Regional Medical Center. The Haywood County History Museum, located in Clyde and housed in the historic Shook-Smathers House, is celebrated as the "oldest frame house west of the Blue Ridge" by Preservation North Carolina, dating back to circa 1795. Maggie Valley traces its name back to 1904 when John Setzer founded its first post office, naming the newly incorporated town after his 14-year-old daughter, Maggie. Today, Maggie Valley serves as a hub for tourism in Haywood County, featuring attractions such as Wheels Through Time, a remarkable transportation museum showcasing a working collection of 250 rare antique motorcycles and automobiles, as well as the newly renovated and reopened Ghost Town in the Sky, a wild-west theme park. Additionally, the Southeast's longest-operating ski resort, Cataloochee Ski Area, can be found in Maggie Valley. Waynesville, the county seat and the oldest town in Haywood County, achieved official incorporation in 1871. With a population nearing 10,000, Waynesville stands as the largest town in Western North Carolina west of Asheville. The town has earned numerous accolades, including being voted as a "low-cost Eden," best undiscovered town, best Main Street town, best small town, and best mountain town in the third edition of America's 100 Best Places to Retire, as published by Where to Retire magazine. Beyond these four towns, Haywood County also boasts Lake Junaluska Assembly, a camp and conference center affiliated with the Southeastern Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church in the United States. Additionally, it serves as the headquarters of the World Methodist Council, a consultative body connecting almost all churches in the Methodist tradition. The 200-acre lake at Lake Junaluska offers a popular destination for both tourists and local residents, featuring attractions ranging from leisurely strolls through rose-filled landscapes to paddle boat trips on the lake. Furthermore, Lake Logan Episcopal Center, spanning 300 acres, serves as a retreat center available for spiritual retreats, business conferences, seminars, and family reunions.
