Smokies

Gorges State Park

Plunging waterfalls, rugged river gorges, sheer rock walls and one of the greatest concentrations of rare and unique species in the eastern United States are found within Gorges State Park. An elevation that rises 2,000 feet in only four miles, combined with rainfall in excess of 80 inches per year, creates a temperate rain forest and supports a collection of waterfalls.

Gorges State Park

Clay County Historical and Arts Museum

The Clay County Historical & Arts Council Museum is housed in the Old County Jail which was constructed in 1912 and used as a jail until 1972. The Museum displays items pertinent to the history of the area through changing exhibits.

Visitors will enjoy the many pictures of life as it was in the old days, school house artifacts, a collection of farm equipment and Indian artifacts from a local excavation.

Clay County History and Arts Museum

Cherokee Homestead Exhibit

The Cherokee and their ancestors have called Western North Carolina home for more than 10,000 years. Learn about their ancient history and the Cherokee way of life in this reconstructed 17th - 18th century village homestead exhibit.

The Cherokee Homestead Exhibit is one of many Cherokee Heritage sties that are outside of the Qualla Boundary and town of Cherokee, NC. The Homestead Exhibit is open air and accessible 24/7.

Cherokee Homestead Exhibit

Winter Skiing

Do you enjoy skiing or snowboarding? Or are you looking to learn for the first time? If so, then Western North Carolina is a great destination for you this winter. Home to six ski mountains, Western North Carolina has many opportunities for the snow seeking adventurer.

Listed below are the ski mountains of Western North Carolina and their contact information. Happy Skiing from the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area!