Cataloochee in Haywood County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Welcome to the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area
Photographed by Craig Doda, August 31, 2024
1. Welcome to the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Marker
A place unlike any other on Earth, where ancient landscapes enchant the eye and age-old traditions warm the heart.
You are now in one of America's most cherished and celebrated natural landscapes, the mountains and foothills of Western North Carolina. The natural heritage of these ancient mountains, some of the oldest in the world, combined with the cultural heritage of the people who have lived here over centuries, have created a place so special in our country it has been honored with the designation of "National Heritage Area."
Here, you'll find…
• The highest mountain east of the Mississippi—Mount Mitchell
• The deepest gorge in the Eastern United States—Linville Gorge
• The oldest river in North America—the New River
• The most visited National Park lands in the country—Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway
• Cherokee heritage—more than 10,000 years old
• America's largest home—Biltmore Estate
• Music born and bred in these mountains—bluegrass, old-time, gospel and more that has influenced many styles of American music
• Handcraft traditions-unmatched anywhere in the
this page online
• Fresh, delicious food from local farms—in restaurants, stores, and farmers markets
Blueridge National Heritage Area
The North Carolina mountains and foothills were designated the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area in recognition of their natural beauty and living traditions of music, craft, agriculture, and Cherokee culture. This location is part of a regional trail of distinctive heritage sites. Ask for information at area visitor centers.
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The music born and bred in these ancient mountains has widely influenced the development of other genres of American music. The region was honored as a National Heritage Area for its rich cultural heritage--the 10,000 year old history of the Cherokee, craft traditions, foodways and farms, and music as well as its natural scenic beauty.
Top from L to R. photos taken by or courtesy of Cherokee Historical Association: Robin Dreyer, Penland School of Crafts, Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project, Jerry Nelson Photography, courtesy of the Folk Heritage Committee Lower photo by Donna Absher
From high mountaintops to secluded coves, the natural beauty of the Blue
Photographed by Craig Doda, August 31, 2024
2. Welcome to the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Marker
Erected by Blueridge National Heritage Area.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 35° 42.182′ N, 83° 2.467′ W. Marker is in Cataloochee, North Carolina, in Haywood County. It can be reached from Interstate 40 3.9 miles south of Cold Spring Creek Road, on the right when traveling west. Located at the North Carolina Welcome Center. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Clyde NC 28721, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Mountains, specifically in Greater Asheville, and in the Great Smoky Mountains. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself
Photographed by Craig Doda, August 31, 2024
3. North Carolina Welcome Center
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: In Memory and Appreciation of D. Reeves Noland (a few steps from this marker); Cataloochee (approx. 4½ miles away); Francis Asbury Trail (approx. 5.4 miles away); Welcome to Cataloochee (approx. 5.6 miles away); Cataloochee Homeland (approx. 5.6 miles away); "Cataloochee Trail" (approx. 7.4 miles away); No-till Farming (approx. 8.6 miles away); Mount Zion United Methodist Church (approx. 10.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cataloochee.
Also see . . .
1. Fines Creek native David Noland recalls I-40 construction. (Submitted on June 8, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. (Submitted on June 8, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 11, 2024, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 218 times since then and 24 times this year. Last updated on September 1, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 11, 2024, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
