Wondering what to do while you're here in the mountains of Western North Carolina? Here are just a few of our favorite activities & things to do...
 

      Biking, hiking, and other outdoor active adventure tours are offered by Discover Adventures who chose Hawkesdene as one of their host Inns.

      Dining There are a variety of restaurants for just about any taste just a short drive away from the Hawkesdene House. We particularly recommend The Cole House in Andrews, and Relia's Garden and River's End in the Nantahala Gorge.

      Crafts, Antiques and Galleries There are many local crafts people and galleries. Pottery, woodworking, dulcimers, painting, and hand blown glass — everything from traditional to contemporary. Numerous antiques dealers offer folk art to classic collectibles.

      John C. Campbell Folk School This renowned folk school is just minutes away, and there's always something going on from dances to craft shows.

      Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking We recommend Endless Rivers and Appalachian Rivers on the Nantahala River nearby our Inn. For rafting on the Ocoee River, we suggest the Ocoee Adventure Center.

      Hiking & Walking Wildflower and photo walks for all ages. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has 800 miles of trails - from easy walks to strenuous hikes. Two of the most popular areas are the Joyce Kilmer National Forest and the Deep Creek waterfall area near Bryson City.

      Fishing The Hawkesdene House lies close to some of the best trout streams known. And for lake fishing - boat rentals are available on Fontana Lake, Lake Santeetlah, Nantahala Lake and Hiawassee Lake. You can read NC Fishing regulations and even get your license online before you come to visit.

      Jet Boat Rides See Fontana Lake from a whole new perspective.

      Horseback Riding Several stables are nearby for trail riding or lessons with rides into the Smoky Mountains.

      Sportscar & Motorcycles One of the country's top rides The Tail of the Dragon, 318 curves in 11 miles - is nearby. Road enthusiasts also love the Cherohala Skyway.

      Golf There are beautiful mountain courses in nearby Murphy and Hiawassee, Ga.

      Bicycling Beautiful back road byways for road bikes and the nationally known Tsali mountain bike area is nearby.

      Cherohala Skyway One of America's most beautiful byways, a 40+ mile excursion that rivals the Blue Ridge Parkway.

      Cherokee Indian Reservation Summer Outdoor Drama, Indian Village, Cherokee Indian Museum, Mountain Farm Museum and Harrah's Cherokee Casino.

      Junaluska Memorial The gravesite and story of the great Cherokee leader Junaluska in Robbinsville.

      Biltmore House Tour the country's largest home. The Vanderbilt Mansion is 1.5 hours from the Inn - a great day trip.

      Precious Stones There's ruby mining close by or you can pan for gold in The Hawkesdene House's very own stream. In 1995, one Hawkesdene guest found an 825 carat sapphire at a local gem mine.

      Great Smoky Mountain Railroad Ride one of the most scenic railways in the country. Train leaves from Bryson City.

      Music Tap your toes from bluegrass to classical, with local and world renowned artists. Stecoah Valley Center has a great summer concert series.

      Fields of the Wood A Bible Park where God's word is displayed amid God's creation.