Whitewater Rafting

Skiing, Snow Boarding, and Snow Tubing
Wolf Laurel Ski Resort has a variety of trails and one of the East's best half pipes for snowboarding. A family-oriented ski area with fun for everyone, including slopes from beginner to expert.

The Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail passes from one end of the county to the other, with many access points giving day hikers a great opportunity to walk short segments of the trail.

Fishing
Mountain trout are abundant in remote streams for fishing and the French Broad and larger streams hold bass, crappie and some muskie.

Camping
Forest Service campgrounds and private campgrounds are located throughout the county.

Historic Downtown Waynesville
Waynesville’s vibrant, architecturally significant, downtown boasts brick-lined sidewalks, restored red brick & stone buildings and gorgeous flower beds. Ever-changing outdoor sculpture art is prominently displayed, sharing space with well tended flower beds.

Arts
Since 1790 when the first pioneer walked into this mountain wilderness with a fiddle under his arm, an unbroken line of notable musicians and ballad singers have followed. Traditional mountain music is one of Madison County's most treasured handmade crafts.

Madison County has been home to some of the finest fiddlers and "pickers" of Appalachia. The mountains have nourished and sustained a musical heritage derived from the Celtic forbearers of present-day inhabitants.

Festivals that support these arts include, but are not limited to:

Trailfest (held in April each year)- Celebrate the Appalachian Trail in Hot Springs. Outdoor recreation activities planned with a music festival, local crafts and vendors, games, great food and fascinating speakers http://www.trailfest.net/ Contact 689-3704

French Broad River Festival (held in May each year) Hot Springs is known for its whitewater rafting. What better place to hold the "Riverfest"? River Rodeo, big name music and entertainment, great camping weather and more!

The Bluff Mountain Music Festival (held in June each year on the grounds of the Hot Springs Spa and Resort in Hot Springs). The Bluff Mountain festival is FREE to the public and features some of the region's best Traditional and Bluegrass Music followed by an evening Square Dance until dark.

Madison Celebrates Arts Festival (held in September each year) The streets of downtown Marshall serve as a showcase to county artists' work.

Madison County Heritage Festival (held the first Saturday in October each year) The town of Mars Hill and the Mars Hill College campus are transformed for the day. Enjoy traditional mountain music, authentic craft demonstrations, wood carving, quilts, pottery, food, lunches & baked goods.