Exploring Haywood County with Steven Reinhold
Steven Reinhold
Appalachian Adventure Company
Haywood County sits at the heart of some of the most iconic terrain in the Southern Appalachians. Bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and both the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests, it’s a landscape defined by diversity in elevation and ecology. Here, scenic overlooks line the county’s 46-mile stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway, while high-elevation balds — including the tallest grassy bald in the Appalachian range — offer sweeping views of their own.
From misty spruce-fir ridgelines to miles of clear-running streams, this landscape isn’t just spectacular — it’s also deeply cared for. In Haywood County, stewardship shows up in things like community-led trail and waterway cleanups, native plant initiatives, and a growing network of outfitters and educators who help guests explore with respect. Steven Reinhold is one of them.
Raised in these mountains and now guiding others through them, Steven brings a love of storytelling and place-based connection to every hike, paddle, and climb. Read on for some of his favorite outdoor spots in Haywood County — then, learn how to explore them while supporting their health with the help of the Outdoor NC Leave No Trace principles.
exploring Haywood County, north carolina
Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you do in Haywood County?
I’m a Haywood County native and the founder of The Appalachian Adventure Company, a Western NC media, marketing, and guiding company whose mission is to share the stoke of adventure while protecting and preserving the planet.
Only 40 mountains in the Southeast rise above 6,000 feet in elevation, and Haywood County is home to nearly half of them. I’ve climbed and camped them all, and I enjoy guiding others on adventures through my guiding outfit. Pisgah National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are typically our playground, and the Appalachian Trail and Mountains-to-Sea Trail are our jump-off points.
What inspires you to do what you do?
I was made and raised in Maggie Valley. I was fortunate enough to grow up in a somewhat free-range capacity, where the mountains and rivers were often my babysitters. Feeling the freedom of the hills at such a young age was formative to say the least, and the mountains of Haywood County will always hold a place in my heart.
What makes the outdoor experiences you love in haywood county unique?
Haywood is a wild county. More than half of the county’s 555 square miles of land are protected and preserved through Pisgah National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
View from Frying Pan Mountain lookout tower in Haywood County.
If you had a day to spend outdoors in Haywood County, what must-see landmarks or attractions would you visit?
First, Cataloochee Ski Resort is a staple, and even after 35 years, it never disappoints. Ice climbing has become another winter passion of mine. Haywood County is home to some of the Southeast’s best frozen lines, like Victory Falls and the West Face of Sam’s Knob, and a growing community of ice-climbing enthusiasts.
In warmer weather, I’m dreaming about one place: Cataloochee Ranch. This nearly 90-year-old ranch was recently acquired and renovated by the same folks who run the nearby Swag resort. Like its kin property, Cataloochee Ranch provides an elevated outdoor experience and is part of the world-famous Relais & Chateaux collection. All these wild amenities, plus the ranch’s 18 rooms, sit at an elevation of 5,000 feet and are nestled in a pastoral setting bordering Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I’m looking forward to checking out the ranch’s guided horseback rides through 12 miles of private trails and its high cuisine restaurant, Switchback, as well as the new adventure course, axe-throwing, and archery experiences.
Are there any lesser-known trails, parks or outdoor activities that you would recommend?
Plott Balsams is my favorite under-the-radar spot. This majestic range was originally included in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park boundary proposal but has since been an island of unprotected land between the park and national forest. Recently, the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy and its associates have purchased and protected more than 8,000 acres of land on top of this ridge line.
The Plotts are home to four peaks over 6,000 feet in elevation. It’s a steep and rugged range, but there is a growing network of trails and overnight opportunities for those looking to adventure in a lesser-visited area. My all-time favorite trail in the area runs along the ridge line of the Plotts, and although it doesn’t have an official name yet, the old-timers have always called it the “Ivy Trail.” Pro tip: The best access to this wonderland lies off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Waterrock Knob.
Cataloochee Ranch
Do you have any local food or dining recommendations that complement a day of outdoor adventure?
I’m a morning person, and there’s nothing quite like a hot cup of coffee to fuel adventures. Smoky Mountain Coffee Roasters is a locally owned coffee shop that offers all different types of hot beverages, but my favorite part is that the owners name their coffee blends after creeks in our area. My favorite is their Cataloochee Creek blend!
And Haywood 209 Cafe is where I refuel after adventures. The Daily Meal ranked this place as the No. 8 Best Gas Station Food Finds in America! I love sitting around and chewing the fat with locals and seeing folks who randomly stop in being blown away by the food and friendly atmosphere. My go-to order is the Irishman Breakfast, which features corned beef hash and eggs cooked to your liking.
How can people stay in the loop about seasonal outdoor experiences, upcoming events or stewardship initiatives in Haywood County?
Follow along with what the AAC team is up to on Instagram and Facebook, and check out Visit Haywood’s newsletter, visitor’s guide, and social pages.
*Published July 2025
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