In Maggie Valley, the traveler will find a convergence of the Smoky Mountain National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Pisgah Forest. With so much to see and do, it can be a challenge to plan a trip that includes the best rides.

That’s where America Rides Maps comes into play. Wayne Busch, an experienced motorcyclists, decided to share his love of riding the mountains in an assortment of excellent maps designed for ease of use. These detailed maps help you not only plan your vacation but also effortlessly get where you want to go. Driving around the mountains can be challenging. These maps take the guess work out of the ride.

For as little as five dollars, you can have five of the best rides around Maggie including tours of the Blue Ridge, Hot Springs, and the Devil’s Triangle of the Pisgah. Another map provides directions to some of the best roadside waterfalls in the area. With a dozen maps to choose from, there is sure be a driving tour that will interest you.

Wayne’s blog, The Cultivated Biker, provides a wealth of information for all travelers. Check it out. You will be glad that you did.

On your next visit to Asheville, you will want to add the Grove Park Inn on to your list of not to be missed activities. You’ll find this grand old inn surrounded by a neighborhood of wonderful Arts and Crafts style homes. Opening in 1913, the spectacular structure of granite boulders is unique to the area.

Upon your arrival, you have options. You could just take a leisurely stroll through the lobby known as the Great Hall. Check out the 24 foot ceilings and the two 14 foot fireplaces. Then, you can explore the public areas of the inn which will lead you to some wonderful gift shops that display original arts and crafts by local artisans. But, I believe when weather permits you should splurge on lunch out on the Sunset Terrace, a casual dining experience. Along with a charming setting and great service, the menu provides a wide variety of excellent choices.

Planning a trip to Maggie Valley or the surrounding area, you will want to have an accurate impression of the local weather in order to pack appropriately. A fun and reliable site, Ray’s Weather Center, does more than provide an accurate weather forecast of each county in Western North Carolina. It also provides wonderful photos and local conversation. You will find drop down menus devoted to outdoor activities like birding and wildflower photography.

Links to webcams and a road conditions site along with an online almanac helps take the mystery out of packing for your visit to Maggie Valley and the surrounding area.

A comprehensive article in “wnc travel guide” in their Fall/Winter 2009/2010 edition provides an in-depth look at Cataloochee Ski Area and what it has to offer. This overview provides the inside story on snow making equipment in Maggie Valley, NC that allowed for a 133 day ski season in 2008. Essentially, the computer test every element of the weather that creates the optimum climate for snow. By taking the human decision making out of the equation, the snow produced by 90 snow making machines is consistent and reliable. In 2008, 100,000 skiers took to the slopes at Cataloochee.

Covering over 45 acres with 16 trails, Cataloochee visitors will find two black diamonds, one with a 740 foot vertical drop. With 4 lifts, the skiing is easy at Cataloochee. Check it out for yourself.