Graham County Top 17 Things to Do
If you want to see pristine lakes, old growth forests, learn about Cherokee and Appalachian culture, experience world-class art and entertainment, marvel at dams that tamed nature, or just avoid crowds while enjoying the beauty of Western North Carolina any time of year, Graham County should be on your list to visit.
Graham County is in the westernmost tip of Western North Carolina, about 90 miles southwest of Asheville. It is the ancient home of the Cherokee people. It is alive with a rich Appalachian culture. It has one of the Southeast's most vibrant arts and entertainment arts centers, the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center.
Graham County is also a place of scenic natural beauty. It is home to the pristine Lake Santeetlah and Lake Fontana. The majority of the land is preserved and managed for public use as part of the Nantahala National Forest. There are fewer than 9,000 residents.
We've curated the Top Things to Do when you visit Graham County. You can also visit the Graham County tourism website for more information and more attractions.
Plan Your Trip to Graham County, NC
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Visit Robbinsville Graham County Things to Do
Robbinsville - Dancing on the Square
Thanks to excellent muscians and a sprinkling of cornmeal, Robbinsville Courthouse Square in Graham County transforms into a community dance hall each Friday night from late Spring through late…
Flame Azalea Festival in Robbinsville
This free family-friendly annual festival celebrates the stunning native flame azaleas. For 2026, Chatham County Line is the musical headliner. Experience arts and crafts vendors, live glass blowing, Cherokee demonstrations, and food. Donations to Graham County Fire & Rescue appreciated. 10 am-6 pm.
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Lake Santeetlah
This gorgeous lake in Graham County is mostly surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest. Swim, boat, camp and fish in the pristine waters, near Robbinsville.
The Dragon
Perhaps the most famous motorcycle drive in the East, drive 318 curves in 11 miles. Located about 90 miles from Asheville, the Tail of the Dragon crosses Deals Gap at the Tennessee/North…
Fontana Lake & Dam
Located in the Great Smoky Mountains, enjoy fishing, boating, camping and swimming in this beautiful lake. Drive or walk across the highest dam east of the Rockies and stop by the Visitor Center…
Yellow Creek Falls
Hike just a third of a mile to reach this 50-ft. waterfall in the Nantahala National Forest near Robbinsville and Lake Santeetlah. It's a great summer swimming hole, too!
Indian Lakes Scenic Byway
This 60-mile drive takes you by Fontana and Santeetlah Lakes in far western North Carolina, through the historic communities of Stecoah and Robbinsville, in rural Graham and Swain counties.…
Harvest Festival at Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center
The tiny community of Stecoah (near Robbinsville, in Graham County) consistently offers amazing art, craft, and entertainment. See it for yourself! The third weekend in October each year, the Arts Center hosts the Harvest Festival. It begins with a free Friday evening campfire, followed on Saturday with music, dance, and craft and food vendors, and a headliner bluegrass group in the auditorium.
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Stecoah Fall Arts & Crafts Drive-About Tour
A Fall self-guided driving tour through studios and workshops across Swain and Graham counties, including Bryson City. Meet local artisans, watch them work, and shop handmade crafts. Printed maps… More Information
Cherohala Skyway
It took 34 years to build North Carolina's most expensive highway, winding up and over 5,400-foot mountains for 15 miles, from Robbinsville through the Nantahala National Forest and descending…
Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center
Tucked away in small village near Fontana Lake and Nantahala River is an amazing gallery that showcases the work of 180+ area artists and hosts a great summer concert series. Many…
Christmas in the Mountains at Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center
Christmas in the Mountains, held the first Saturday in December each year is an indoor arts and crafts show and sale just in time for holiday giving. The tiny community of Stecoah (near Robbinsville, in Graham County) consistently offers amazing art, craft, and entertainment.
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Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
(2 miles loop, easy) See an old growth cove hardwood forest with 400-year old towering poplar trees. Near Lake Santeetlah in the Nantahala National Forest, it is about 100 miles west of Asheville…
Huckleberry Knob
(2.5 miles roundtrip, easy) Located along the very scenic Cherohala Skyway, this 5,560-foot bald summit has 360-degree views of the Nantahala National Forest. Near Robbinsville.
Stecoah Spring Arts & Crafts Drive-About Tour
A self-guided driving tour through studios and workshops across Swain and Graham counties, including Bryson City. Meet local artisans, watch them work, and shop handmade crafts. Printed maps… More Information
Great Smoky & Tsali Mountain Biking, NC
Find mountain biking heaven in the Nantahala National Forest with 40 miles of trails overlooking Fontana Lake in the Great Smoky Mountains. Located near Bryson City, where you can find bike…
Wehrloom Honey Bee Farm
Visit this farm for all-natural raw honey products and watch bees at work in their observatory, located in Robbinsville, NC. Self-guided and guided tours available.