He’s always been there for you – steady, reliable, a shoulder to cry on, and there with a joke and a smile (and maybe even some extra gas money). Your dad is one of a kind, always putting others first. Now, you can treat him to the weekend getaway he deserves in the Smoky Mountains!
From hiking and fishing to great food and even better whiskey, there are endless ways to honor your dad. Wish him an unforgettable Father’s Day with these five exciting things to do in the Smoky Mountains!
Go Fly Fishing in Maggie Valley
There’s nothing quite like the peace and quiet of a mountain stream. The wind softly whispering through the trees, the soothing rush of water over rocks, the splash of the lure as it glances off the water’s surface. It’s a freedom that every angler knows all too well. Whether your dad is an expert fisherman, or he’s never cast a line, fly fishing in the Smoky Mountains is an incredible bonding experience.
Running right past the Meadowlark Motel in Maggie Valley, you’ll find the rippling waters of Jonathan Creek, part of the Mountain Heritage Trout Waters. Our motel’s beautiful recreation area that stretches 200 feet along the banks of the creek comes complete with picnic tables, a fire pit, and a 24×40-foot outdoor pavilion, where you can hear live music every Saturday night along with other Smoky Mountain Heritage Center events.
Or try Cataloochee Creek, really more of a small river than a creek. Head to the lower sections of the creek where you’ll enjoy wide, roomy areas to cast your line for brown trout. Bonus – there’s a good chance you’ll see some wild elk here. Elk watching is at the top of the list of things to do in the Smoky Mountains.
Take a Hike to a Waterfall
Being a father isn’t always easy. Maybe your dad needs some peaceful time out in the woods, a chance to disconnect in order to reconnect. This father’s day, discover fresh air and freedom with the sights and sounds of a Smoky Mountain waterfall. From the higher elevation falls to hidden splashes tucked into the old growth forests of the Smoky Mountains, there are plenty of spots to help dad relax and recharge.
Right down the road from the Meadowlark Motel is the breathtaking Soco Falls. These twin waterfalls are a favorite destination for Maggie Valley locals and tourists alike. In the nearby Pisgah National Forest, you can take an invigorating plunge down a thrilling 60-foot nature-made water slide at Sliding Rock Falls. This slippery slide cascades into a refreshing 8-foot-deep pool at the bottom. Don’t forget your camera if you visit Looking Glass Falls. This 60-foot waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls near Maggie Valley. The tumbling water creates a refreshing mist and lands with a splash in a large pool at its base that’s perfect for swimming.
Embark on a Ziplining Adventure
If your dad is on the more adventurous side, take him on a ziplining excursion! Soar across two miles of fantastic mountain-to-mountain zip lines that take you above the treetops and into the open air at the Nantahala Gorge Canopy Zipline Tour. This high-flying, fully guided trek located in Bryson City is the original zipline canopy tour in Western North Carolina and one of our guests’ favorite things to do in the Smoky Mountains.
Experience the rush of adrenaline as you cross 6 ziplines that reach up to 100 feet into the air and zoom along at speeds up to 35 miles per hour at Canopy Ridge Farm in Lake Lure, NC. Guaranteed to deliver adventure, laughter, and tons of fun, you’ll have an unforgettable day swinging through the trees.
Treat Dad to a Delicious Meal
Restaurants near Maggie Valley and all around the WNC Smokies run Father’s Day specials this time of year.
Enjoy local Smoky Mountain cuisine and steakhouse dining, with menu items such as seafood, steak, Homemade French Onion Soup and Prime Rib at J. Arthur’s Restaurant.
Head to Pop’s Place for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. The serve local favorites like Corned Beef Hash, Home Fries, Pancakes, Waffles, Grits and Eggs – cooked any way you like them.
Dine out at the Smoky Shadows Lodge. Located in Maggie Valley, this down-home restaurant in an authentic historic mountain lodge offers American cuisine for dinner only, served family style. Specializing in cooked from scratch foods and the fresh ingredients, Chef Ginger whips up such dishes as her famous Tomato Pie and Pot Roast. Reservations are recommended.
If Dad is craving seafood, try the Creekside Oyster House & Grill in Sylva, NC. They serve fish, shrimp, and of course oysters as well as burgers, salads, and sides.
Raise a Glass of Whiskey to Dad
There’s nothing quite like enjoying a sip of that good old mountain dew while soaking up incredible scenic mountain views. Celebrate Father’s day with a toast at one of our favorite Smoky Mountain distilleries.
With a nod to Haywood County’s median elevation of 3,600 feet (the highest of any county in the eastern US), Elevated Mountain Distilling Company is run by third generation whiskey makers, Dave and Sue Angel. For decades, moonshiners have taken advantage of the high-altitude pristine mountain springs to produce some of the purest moonshine in the Smoky Mountains. And now you can tour the corn-to-whiskey process at Elevated to learn how it’s made. Their custom pot and towering 23-foot column still take the process to the next level. In addition to tours and tastings of delicious flavors of whiskey and moonshine, you and your mom can take the stage for karaoke on Thursday evenings or enjoy live music on Friday and Saturday nights.
You’ll need a place to stay when you celebrate Father’s Day in the Smoky Mountains, and we would love to have you at Meadowlark Motel. Book a room or cabin now and reserve your spot for an unforgettable weekend that Dad will love!
