Highlights of the area include:
- Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap, US 129 with 318 curves in 11 miles
- Cherohala Skyway, the mile-high legend
- Cherokee Indian Village and Casino
- Nantahala Whitewater Rafting
- Class IV Rapids of Cheoah River
- Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
- Appalachian Trail
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Franklin gem mining
- Gatlinburg family fun
- Dollywood theme park
- Maggie Valley Ghost Town
- Tsali Mountain Bike Trails
- Unspoiled waters of Lake Santeetlah and Fontana Lake