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Robbinsville (population 620) and Graham County is located in the western tip of North Carolina. If you are wanting to escape the crowds, head to this "wild" west where the Nantahala National Forest covers 68% of the entire county! So you'll find pristine rivers and lakes, old growth trees and plenty of nature-inspired things to do. With only 8,000 residents of the entire county, you'll be treated to a slower pace. It's about 95 miles from the city of Asheville. Next door is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Cruise three of the best motorcycle and sportscar touring roads in America. The Dragon (US 129) is the most challenging with 318 curves in 11 miles. The 50 mile-long Cherohala Skyway is gentler but offers mile-high views. Moonshiner 28 skirts Cheoah and Fontana Lakes and named for the many moonshiners that drove it. The Indian Lakes Scenic Byway also follows NC 28 by Fontana Lake and continues on US 129 by Lake Santeetlah.

The Graham County Visitor Center is located on US Highway 129 (387 Rodney Orr Bypass) and staffed with volunteers on Monday-Friday, 9-5. You can also call them with questions at 828-479-3790. Stock up in town on snacks, food and gear for your explorations.

Robbinsville, NC

Robbinsville's tiny downtown is centered around the courthouse. Our favorite place to eat is Lynn's Place, a longtime diner (237 East Main). While you are at the courthouse, see the historical marker on East Main Street to learn about the last surrender of the Civil War east of the Mississippi. Since the area was so remote in 1865, news of the war's end was slow to reach the troops here.

While it's small, Robbinsville has had some moments on the big screen. The courthouse was used as a film location of the movie Nell with Jodie Foster and Liam Neesom. Segments of the motion picture The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones were filmed at nearby Cheoah Dam (including Harrison jumping off the dam). More recently, the Avett Brothers album honors the town with the title "Four Thieves Gone: The Robbinsville Sessions."

Robbinsville's biggest celebration of the year is the annual 4th of July Heritage Festival. Another big draw is the Ramp Fest scheduled for the last week of April. In Stecoah, don't miss the Harvest Festival each fall.

Graham County Scenic Drive

Art
Find some amazing artists tucked away throughout the county. Many have studios open on a regular basis. Twice a year, the Drive About weekends feature about 15 studios and galleries on a self-guided tour. The headquarters for local art in the county is Stecoah Artisans Gallery. Near Robbinsville, visit Hunting Boy Wood Carving, Wehrloom Honey, Sassafras Farms and Taylor's Greenhouse. To plan your own art tour, go to a directory of local artist studios.

Graham County Bee Global Gallery

Farms
Visit Wehrloom Honey (257 Willie Colvin Road, Robbinsville) and see how they harvest honey from millions of bees to make homemade lotions, soaps, beeswax candles and variety of raw honey! Read more about their farm.

Trail of Tears
While Robbinsville became a town in 1883, the Cherokee Indians date back to the early 1500s. Native resident Great Chief Junaluska was the leader of the Snowbird Clan of the Cherokee. He was given honor as the man who fought alongside President Andrew Jackson at the battle of Horseshoe Bend. Learn more about him and the Trail of Tears at his grave at the Junaluska Memorial Site (1 Junaluska Drive). Read more about sites along the NC Trail of Tears.

Forest Ranger Office
Since the Cheoah Ranger District of the Nantahala National Forest covers 120,500 acres in Graham and Swain Counties, you may need some guidance of where to get started. Among the 300+ miles of hiking trails are some strenuous sections of the Appalachian Trail. Stop by the Cheoah Ranger District office at 1070 Massey Branch Road (or call 828-479-6431), open Monday through Friday from 8 AM-4:30 PM. A handicap accessible fishing pier is nearby.

Camping
Find a camper's paradise with a variety of options:

  • Cabin Rentals: Cheoah Point Recreation Area & Swan Cabin
  • Dispersed Primitive Camping: Bear Creek Hunters Camp FDR#62, Joyce Kilmer Road NCSR #1134, Long Hungry FDR #2586, Panther Creek FDR #2604B, Pine Ridge Road NCSR #1147, Santeetlah Creek FDR #81, Santeetlah Lake, Snowbird Backcountry Area, Snowbird Creek, Wolf Laurel Hunters Camp FDR#81F
  • Campgrounds: Cable Cove Recreation Area, Cheoah Point Recreation Area, Horse Cove Campground, Tsali Recreation Area
  • See the National Forest Camping Guide.

Graham County Things to Do

Graham County Places to Stay

Find great places to stay in Graham County, home to Robbinsville, Lake Santeetlah, Fontana Lake and Stecoah in the Nantahala National Forest. Stay in log cabins, friendly B&Bs, luxury lodges,… read more

Find great places to stay in Graham County, home to Robbinsville, Lake Santeetlah, Fontana Lake and Stecoah in the Nantahala National Forest. Stay in log cabins, friendly B&Bs, luxury lodges, lakeside campgrounds and small hotels. 

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.

(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.

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!

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!

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 Carolina… read more

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 Carolina state line on U.S. 129.

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… read more

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 another 21 miles into the Cherokee National Forest of Tennessee. This 36-mile National Scenic Byway shows little evidence of civilization. Stop at many overlooks.

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. 

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. 

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… read more

(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.

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 artist studios… read more

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 artist studios nearby.

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… read more

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 rentals and supplies.

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. 

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. 

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… read more

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 to learn more about it.

Top Festivals

Tier 2

Harvest Festival, Stecoah Valley

Oct 14, 2023 - Oct 15, 2023

Experience quintessential traditional mountain life with Appalachian dance, music, food, arts and crafts in the beautiful Nantahala National Forest at Stecoah Valley, near Fontana Lake and… read more

Experience quintessential traditional mountain life with Appalachian dance, music, food, arts and crafts in the beautiful Nantahala National Forest at Stecoah Valley, near Fontana Lake and Robbinsville.

Tier 2

Arts & Crafts Drive-About Tour

Nov 24, 2023 - Nov 25, 2023

Take a free self-guided driving tour of the galleries and working studios of Graham and Swain Counties and buy arts and crafts directly from the artist. Pick up a map at the Stecoah Valley… read more

Take a free self-guided driving tour of the galleries and working studios of Graham and Swain Counties and buy arts and crafts directly from the artist. Pick up a map at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center near Fontana Lake. 10 AM-5 PM.

Tier 2

Arts & Crafts Drive-About Tour

Nov 24, 2023 - Nov 25, 2023

Take a free self-guided driving tour of the galleries and working studios of Graham and Swain Counties and buy arts and crafts directly from the artist. Pick up a map at the Stecoah Valley… read more

Take a free self-guided driving tour of the galleries and working studios of Graham and Swain Counties and buy arts and crafts directly from the artist. Pick up a map at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center near Fontana Lake and Robbinsville. 10 AM-5 PM. 

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