Canton, North Carolina
Welcome to Canton, where history thrives with modern vitality. A cozy small town in the Great Smoky Mountains, Canton is just 20 miles west of Asheville. Picture the Pigeon River meandering through a historic mill town; the same river that shaped this town's story and provided excitement for adventurers.
From "Buford" to "Vinson" to "Pigeon Ford," this mountain town has transformed into Canton over the years, inspired by its Ohio counterpart. Its iconic Pigeon River bridge carries a steel legacy from that same Ohio town.
When you step onto Canton's Main Street, a charming National Register of Historic Places site, you'll have a classic Haywood County experience with local shopping, mouthwatering food, and a bustling atmosphere. The street's enduring architecture from the early 1900s still remains today.
While you're exploring Main Street, grab a cup of coffee from Papertown Coffee, provisions from Grateful Table, a new read from Blue Moon Books, and an eclectic gift from Pigeon River Mercantile.
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his mountain haven boasts iconic hikes along the Blue Ridge Parkway, such as Shining Rock and Graveyard Fields. The scenic Lake Logan, a mere hop from Main Street, stretches over 260 acres of Smoky Mountains beauty.
Back in 1906, the inaugural Canton Labor Day Festival celebrated the construction heroes behind the paper mill, and the tradition hasn't wavered.
And, of course, the Pigeon River invites outdoor enthusiasts for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and tubing thrills. Come discover why this place is fondly known as "where the mountains kiss the sky."
Only a short drive to other small towns—Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Lake Junaluska, and Clyde—hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway from Canton and let the road take you to your next adventure.
