Some of the best places to visit in Western North Carolina are those that aren’t typically found in any visitors’ guides. Get off the beaten path for some great experiences and local culture.

Bryson City

Horace Kephart, the writer whose famous book — Our Southern Highlanders — cemented his position as the foremost chronicler of Appalachian life, is buried in Bryson City. To get to his gravesite, drive up the hill located at the intersection of Veteran’s Boulevard and Main Street. Take the first right, which is alongside the fence where the old high school football stadium used to be. The graveyard is there, and Kephart’s marker is a large boulder with a plaque. Also, an angel most agreed was carved by author Thomas Wolfe’s father is at the entrance to the cemetery. Continue on the main road and you’ll circle up to a parking area that provides a great view into the Smokies and of downtown Bryson City.

Canton-Clyde

Just outside Canton in the neighboring town of Clyde is Old Grouch’s Military Surplus Store, an experience in and of itself. The store, which sells everything from camouflage to MREs, is a great place to equip any hiking or hunting trip. From Canton, head west on U.S. 23. Look for signs on the right. Directions through Clyde will often include whether something is before or after “The Big Gun,” a World War II military weapon that’s a monument and is located along the railroad tracks. In this case, when coming from Canton, it’s after the gun.

Cashiers

Get outside and head over to the Whiteside community and Whiteside Cove Road. Here you’ll find Grimshawes Post Office, the smallest post office in the U.S. The post office was established in 1903 and served the public until 1953. Nearby is Whiteside School, built in 1910. The school is one of only four rural wooden schoolhouses remaining in Jackson County. The school’s windows are all located on one side of the building, which was believed to prevent shadows on schoolwork.

Cherokee

William Holland Thomas was not Cherokee, but is considered to be one of the most important figures in the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ history. Adopted by Chief Yonaguska as a young boy, Thomas went on to become a spokesman for Oconaluftee Cherokees in Washington, D.C. He was instrumental in getting permission for the Oconaluftees to stay in Western North Carolina after the removal of 1838. Thomas also served in the N.C. Senate, built the first wagon road across the Smokies, built railroads, and led the famous legion of Cherokees that served in the Confederate Army. He became the Cherokee’s Principal Chief in 1839. He was also the inspiration for the main character in the Charles Frazier book 13 Moons. To visit Thomas’ gravesite, take U.S. 441 south out of Cherokee. The cemetery is on a hill on the west side of the highway, 2.7 miles south of the U.S.441/U.S. 19 intersection.

Dillsboro

Just outside Dillsboro’s city limits, and inside Sylva’s, is the only locally owned grocery in Jackson County, Harold’s Supermarket. Harold’s carries in season, locally grown produce, including baskets of juicy strawberries and crisp ears of corn. If you’re loading up for a camping trip, or just packing an afternoon’s picnic, Harold’s is a great place to stop.

Franklin

Along one of the Franklin area’s most scenic highways, N.C. 28, are a bevy of historical markers, one of which reads “Pottery Clay.” The area was a natural source of kaolin, which is similar to clay used to make Chinese porcelain. In 1769, British pottery manufacturer Josiah Wedgwood made arrangements with the Cherokee to mine the clay, shipping it back to England to make the inaugural Queensware, for which Wedgwood became famous. Also along this route is a marker noting Cowee, one of the Cherokee’s chief town. N.C. 28 can be accessed from downtown Franklin. You’ll be heading north along the shores of the Little Tennessee River.

Highlands

Between Cashiers and Highlands, off Whiteside Cove Road, is Horse Cove. The Cove’s chief claim to fame is that Woodrow Wilson spent several weeks here with his family just after he graduated from college in 1879. On either side of the Cove are Black Rock and Whiteside Mountains. Continuing up the road will take you through 37 curves in two miles’ distance, but provides a terrific view of the Cove. Another mile brings you back to Highlands and the U.S. 64/N.C. 28 intersection.

Maggie Valley

Behind town hall, which is located in an old rock schoolhouse along U.S. 19, are a great playground and a short walking trail. The Pavilion, which is beside town hall, has picnic tables and is a wonderful place to just take a break from shopping. You can bring your own picnic lunch. The Pavilion also has many special events like craft shows and concerts. Just check in town hall and anyone there should be able to tell you if something will be going on while you’re in town.

Sylva

Up on a hill overlooking Sylva is Keener Cemetery. Circled by a single-track road, the cemetery boasts several 1800s-era graves, old stone steps, and the surnames that characterize the Sylva community. Town founder E.R. Hampton is buried here. Stop by the Jackson County Genealogical Society office — located near the intersection of N.C. 107 and Business 23 — to do some research before you go. The office is open Monday through Thursday, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. When traveling to the cemetery please be courteous, as it is located in a residential neighborhood and parking is limited. To get there take Main Street out of town toward Dillsboro, turn right across from the Rescue Squad building onto Dillsboro Road, take your first right, and go up past a large rock wall on the left. Make a hard left on Sylvan Heights and wrap your way up to the top.

Waynesville

At the Vance Street Park, there is beautiful little trail that follows Richland Creek for about a half mile. The trail is wide and flat, and it’s great for children, the elderly and for people just wanting to get outside for few minutes. It’s also popular for dog walking and has a fenced in dog lot where you can get your animal off the leash for a few minutes. This trail and the creek are also popular for anglers. To get to the park, take Walnut Street — which is off two of Waynesville’s main drags, Russ Avenue and North Main Street, and follow the signs.