The Town of Waynesville is named for notable Revolutionary War General Anthony Wayne, who earned the moniker “Mad Anthony,” but there’s no description further from reality for this pleasant mountain retreat. If the label given to its namesake – the same General Wayne of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Wayne National Forest – applies at all, it’s how “madly” locals and visitors alike fall for Waynesville’s beauty.

Waynesville sits in a valley surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the Eastern United States. Known as the “Gateway to the Smokies,” it ushers thousands of visitors into the country’s most visited national park with hospitality and charm. It’s a well-known destination amongst anglers, and its nearby scenic landscapes have been made famous to all through film and literature, like Cold Mountain.  

This serene setting contains enough romance, leisure, and history to inspire any vacationer, but what do those who live in Waynesville do for fun? How do they choose to spend their free time? What do they love about the place they call home?  

To answer those questions, we asked our Waynesville Mast General Store staff how they’d recommend spending a fall weekend in their hometown. Their responses represent a mix of outdoor activities and downtown happenings that make Waynesville wonderful! 

Bridget, General Manager & employee since 2018:  
I'd start the day with a mix of trail and road running through the beautiful Haywood Community College campus with my dog. Then, I'd go get a delicious mocha and bagel at Panacea Coffee down in Frog Level. If it's Saturday, I'd follow it up with a trip to the Farmers Market down at HART Theatre! 

Renee, Visual Merchandise Coordinator & employee since 2018:  
I'd spend my time hiking on Tennent Mountain. It's a beautiful drive on the Parkway, and a moderate hike on the way to a spectacular view! After, I'd enjoy the back deck at Boojum Brewery here in downtown! 

Hannah, Fashion Lead Sales & employee since 2022:  
If it's Saturday, I'd go to the Farmers Market, then I'd go watch some football at Western Carolina University in nearby Cullowhee! In town, I like Panacea for coffee (their back porch is amazing, right on the creek) and Kandi's Cakes & Bake Shop for baked goodies.  

Lele, Outdoor/Shoes Lead Sales & employee since 2023: 
I'd head to Lake Junalaska and walk the greenway. In the fall, I also like to go to Barber Orchards Fruit Stand - they have the best apple cider donuts and fall pastries. If you're looking for ice cream, go to Jack the Dipper! 

Shelley, Sales Associate since 2023: 
If I'm looking for a longer drive, I'd go see the elk near Oconaluftee (in Cherokee). It's beautiful there any time of year, but fall is when the elk have grown their antlers. For dog-friendly activities, I'd go to Lake Junalaska's walking trails or sit outside at Frog Level Brewing's back porch by the creek. The Farmer's Market is full of produce and crafts all made locally… Check out the baked goods and the local honey! 

Jeff, Mercantile/Candy Area Manager & employee since 2022: 
For me on a fall day, I'd go play golf at Maggie Valley Country Club. It's a public-private golf course, so you don't have to be a member. It's in the mountains, so the fall color is on display! And then I'd go fish in the West Fork of the Pigeon River. If you’re visiting from outside of North Carolina, you can pick up a 10-day recreational fishing license at several businesses around town. 

Bobbi, Sales Associate since 2022: 
For a drive with lots of fall color, I recommend the Blue Ridge Parkway. For getting a bite to eat downtown, I like Waynesville Pizza Company and also Bocelli's. A fall favorite is attending the Waynesville Apple Harvest Festival, and, of course, coming to the Mast Store tent sale where you can get all your Christmas shopping done in one go! 

Waynesville is certainly a paradise tucked away in the mountains of Western North Carolina! Come visit it this fall, and experience just what our Mast staff is raving about! 

Please, include Waynesville in your upcoming travel plans. Much of the surrounding area was affected by last year’s Hurricane Helene, and many businesses in the region have resiliently worked to keep their doors open to the community. While Waynesville is OPEN for business, check the links included in this article and other up-to-date travel resources – like Visit Haywood - to make sure you plan your best route before you visit.