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Spend a fabulous day or two in Bryson City and the Great Smokies with waterfalls, hiking trails, rafting, food, and shopping. Since this jewel of small town America offers so much to do, it's one of our top "Cool Mountain Towns" in western North Carolina. Located about 70 miles southwest of Asheville via a freeway, this is a paradise for outdoor activities and nature lovers since much of the county is part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's a whitewater rafting mecca, with the Nantahala River cascading through the Gorge and Nantahala National Forest. Check out one of the many overlooks on your way to one of the city's spectacular trailheads, like the Road to Nowhere drive and hike.
ABC’s Good Morning America’s “Vacationland” series named the Nantahala River the number one place to spend a wet and wild vacation in the U.S. In fact, the Smithsonian named Bryson City as one of the "20 Best Small Towns to Visit." It's the getaway of your dreams!
Only 90 minutes north of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Bryson City is extra magical during the holiday season! Each November and December, 90,000 people climb aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad'sPolar Express at the Depot and travel to the North Pole. (Click here for Polar Express details). Before or after your train ride, find many nearby shops and restaurants—see why it’s one of our Top Christmas Towns.The town is decked out with garland and holiday lights, with a 50-foot Christmas tree in the town square. At the Visitor Center (255 Main St) kids can enjoy cookies and hot cocoa while they write letters to Santa. And don't miss Christmas Wonderland at Darnell Farms!Go to their website for more details.
Throughout the rest of the year, take a scenic train ride on the extremely popularGreat Smoky Mountains Railroadalong rivers and Fontana Dam and Lake—which is right on the Appalachian Trail. Buying advance tickets is highly recommended! And don't miss the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum, which is complimentary with any train ticket purchase. For much more info,go to our GSM Railroad Guide.
Your first stop should be the stately historic courthouse (2 Everett Street). Downstairs, get plenty of advice about things to do at the County Visitor Center and buy souvenirs at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Store. Upstairs, browsethe interestingSwain County Heritage Museum for a quick overview of localmountain living. Check out the museum's Facebook page for updates and hours.
Downtown Bryson City is small town America with a variety of shops with friendly owners. Many shops showcase area artisans who create chocolate, handcrafted jewelry, hand-turned wood objects, and pottery. For a small town of only 1,500 residents, there is a surprising number of nice restaurants and two breweries. Take a selfie in front of the caboose! We give only a sampling of things to do... for much more, go to the Explore Bryson City website.
Stand Up Paddleboard with dog Lager on the Tuckasegee River in the middle of town with Bryson City Outdoors (169 Main St).
Bryson City 25 Things to Do
Tier 1 Take a scenic train rideon excursions along the Nantahala and Tuckasegee Rivers, over the mountains, across valleys and through tunnels. Choose from a variety of train adventures departing from… read more Take a scenic train rideon excursions along the Nantahala and Tuckasegee Rivers, over the mountains, across valleys and through tunnels. Choose from a variety of train adventures departing from Bryson City. Many special event train rides including beer, wine and Polar Express. Read MoreGreat Smoky Mountains Railroad
Tier 1 Find a variety of cabins scattered throughout the small North Carolina mountain towns that surround the Great Smoky Mountains, including Bryson City, Cherokee, Nantahala River and Fontana Lake.… read more Find a variety of cabins scattered throughout the small North Carolina mountain towns that surround the Great Smoky Mountains, including Bryson City, Cherokee, Nantahala River and Fontana Lake. Vacation rentals range from cozy one-bedroom cabins to large 5+ bedroom lodges. 37 cabins. All cabins have something different to offer, from spectacular mountain views, relaxing hot tubs, game rooms,… Visit WebsiteYellow Rose Rentals, Bryson City
Tier 1 NOC has been offering whitewater rafting for over 50 years! Enjoy family-friendly paddles on both the French Broad River outside of Asheville and on the Nantahala River campus outside of Bryson… read more NOC has been offering whitewater rafting for over 50 years! Enjoy family-friendly paddles on both the French Broad River outside of Asheville and on the Nantahala River campus outside of Bryson City with ziplining, lake paddling, restaurants, lodging, and more! Visit WebsiteNantahala Outdoor Center
Tier 2 Home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Cherokee,NC offers a variety of ways to experience the cultural heritage and long history of the tribe.Tour the Museum of the Cherokee Indian and… read more Home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Cherokee,NC offers a variety of ways to experience the cultural heritage and long history of the tribe.Tour the Museum of the Cherokee Indian and the Oconaluftee Indian Village. Watch "Unto These Hills." Shop for local crafts, see their painted bears, attend a pow wowor try your luck at the huge Harrah's Casino. It's also a major gateway to the… Read MoreCherokee
Tier 2 Enjoy a half-mile of airtime with three sky bridges and six transfer bridges, 13 zip line sections and 20 scenic and unspoiled acres of flying area, all within the heavily wooded setting of the… read more Enjoy a half-mile of airtime with three sky bridges and six transfer bridges, 13 zip line sections and 20 scenic and unspoiled acres of flying area, all within the heavily wooded setting of the Nantahala National Forest. Fly through multiple ecosystems in a deciduous forest packed with native flowering plants. Combine this with a whitewater rafting trip down the river. Read MoreNantahala Gorge Canopy Tour
Tier 2 See three waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the Deep Creek area with a two-mile hike. Itis also a popular tubing and camping spot each summer. Near Bryson City. See three waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the Deep Creek area with a two-mile hike. Itis also a popular tubing and camping spot each summer. Near Bryson City. Read MoreTom Branch Falls, Indian Creek Falls and Juney Whank Falls
Tier 2 (3.2 miles, moderate) This loop hike in the Smokies includes a 1,200-ft. tunnel at the end of Bryson City's Lakeview Drive, known locally as the "Road to Nowhere." Lakeshore Trail starts here too… read more (3.2 miles, moderate) This loop hike in the Smokies includes a 1,200-ft. tunnel at the end of Bryson City's Lakeview Drive, known locally as the "Road to Nowhere." Lakeshore Trail starts here too, a 35-mile long trek to Fontana Lake Dam. Read MoreRoad to Nowhere Hike
Tier 2 This 60-mile drive takes you by Fontana and Santeetlah Lakes in far western North Carolina, through the historic communities of Stecoah and Robbinsville,in rural Graham and Swain counties. This 60-mile drive takes you by Fontana and Santeetlah Lakes in far western North Carolina, through the historic communities of Stecoah and Robbinsville,in rural Graham and Swain counties. Read MoreIndian Lakes Scenic Byway
Tier 2 Located on the second floor of the historic courthouse in Bryson City, see photos, exhibits and video about the early settlers in the Great Smoky Mountains, including a restored log cabin porch.… read more Located on the second floor of the historic courthouse in Bryson City, see photos, exhibits and video about the early settlers in the Great Smoky Mountains, including a restored log cabin porch. Free admission. Visit WebsiteSwain County Heritage Museum
Tier 2 Discover one of the most diverse fishing habitats in the world with four rivers and dozens of mountain streams throughout the Great Smoky Mountains, and the deep, cold waters of Fontana Lake. You… read more Discover one of the most diverse fishing habitats in the world with four rivers and dozens of mountain streams throughout the Great Smoky Mountains, and the deep, cold waters of Fontana Lake. You can even fish the Tuck in downtown Bryson City. Greatly enhance your chances of catching trophy fish by hiring a professional fishing guide. Find 26 best fishing spots and guide services. Visit WebsiteFishing in the Smokies, Bryson City
Tier 2 Find a wide variety of lodging accommodations in Bryson City and the Great Smoky Mountains, including log cabin rentals, boutique hotels, bed and breakfast inns and campgrounds. Find a wide variety of lodging accommodations in Bryson City and the Great Smoky Mountains, including log cabin rentals, boutique hotels, bed and breakfast inns and campgrounds. Visit Website
Tier 2 (3.2 miles, moderate) This loop hike in the Smokies includes a 1,200-ft. tunnel at the end of Bryson City's Lakeview Drive, known locally as the "Road to Nowhere." Lakeshore Trail starts here too… read more (3.2 miles, moderate) This loop hike in the Smokies includes a 1,200-ft. tunnel at the end of Bryson City's Lakeview Drive, known locally as the "Road to Nowhere." Lakeshore Trail starts here too, a 35-mile long trek to Fontana Lake Dam. Read MoreRoad to Nowhere Hike
Tier 2 This well-equipped outdoor store in downtown Bryson City has everything for your adventure. Services include kayak, paddleboard and gear rentals,a hiker shuttle, and guided tours! Their craft… read more This well-equipped outdoor store in downtown Bryson City has everything for your adventure. Services include kayak, paddleboard and gear rentals,a hiker shuttle, and guided tours! Their craft beer taproom & bottle shop has 10 rotating brews on tap with an additional 200+ bottles and cans to go. Visit WebsiteBryson City Outdoors
Tier 3 Through exhibits and videos, learn about past fly fishing legends, the evolution of rods and reels, basic knots, fly-tying, types of gear, types of gamefish, regional fishing watersand the… read more Through exhibits and videos, learn about past fly fishing legends, the evolution of rods and reels, basic knots, fly-tying, types of gear, types of gamefish, regional fishing watersand the history of fly fishing in the Southeast. Open Mon-Sat. Free admission. Check out their Facebook page for hours and updates. 117 Island St., Bryson City, NC 28713on the Aquarium Campus Visit WebsiteFly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians
Tier 3 The most popular river for whitewater rafting and kayaking is about 12 miles west of Bryson City in the beautiful Nantahala River Gorge. The site of the Freestyle Kayaking World Championships,… read more The most popular river for whitewater rafting and kayaking is about 12 miles west of Bryson City in the beautiful Nantahala River Gorge. The site of the Freestyle Kayaking World Championships, find class II and III rapids, along with calm sections perfect for a dip. Fun for ages 7 and up, with no experience necessary. Choose from nine outfitters, all offering a variety of options. Visit WebsiteNantahala River Rafting Guide
Tier 3 Rent a tube and float down Deep Creek on the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Bryson City. Float by one waterfall and hike to two others. Rent a tube and float down Deep Creek on the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Bryson City. Float by one waterfall and hike to two others. Read MoreDeep Creek Tubing
Tier 3 Tucked away in small villagenear Fontana Lake and Nantahala Riveris an amazing gallery thatshowcases the work of 180+ area artists and hosts a great summer concert series. Many artist studios… read more Tucked away in small villagenear Fontana Lake and Nantahala Riveris an amazing gallery thatshowcases the work of 180+ area artists and hosts a great summer concert series. Many artist studios nearby. Read MoreStecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center
Tier 3 (1 mile round-trip, moderate) At 6,643 ft., this is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. An uphill, paved trail takes you to the top for panoramic views from the… read more (1 mile round-trip, moderate) At 6,643 ft., this is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. An uphill, paved trail takes you to the top for panoramic views from the observation tower. Read MoreClingmans Dome Trail
Tier 3 For a small town, you'll find a nice variety of restaurants, ranging from southern home cooking to a brewery and gourmet dining. A nice reward after a day of exploring the Great Smokies and… read more For a small town, you'll find a nice variety of restaurants, ranging from southern home cooking to a brewery and gourmet dining. A nice reward after a day of exploring the Great Smokies and Nantahala River. Visit WebsiteBryson City Restaurants
Tier 3 Order a free 96-page vacation travel guide (or download a digital version) for the Bryson City area with things to do, dining and lodging for the Great Smoky Mountains. Includes the "All Aboard"… read more Order a free 96-page vacation travel guide (or download a digital version) for the Bryson City area with things to do, dining and lodging for the Great Smoky Mountains. Includes the "All Aboard" official publication for the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Visit WebsiteExplore Bryson City Travel Guide
Tier 3 This living history outdoor villageportrays eighteenth-century Cherokee life on the mountainside above the town. Interact with villagers as they hull canoes, make pottery and masks, weave baskets… read more This living history outdoor villageportrays eighteenth-century Cherokee life on the mountainside above the town. Interact with villagers as they hull canoes, make pottery and masks, weave baskets and beadwork, danceand participate in their daily activities. Open late April through early November. Read MoreOconaluftee Indian Village
Tier 3 Located at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee, see historic farm buildings in an open-air museum and get plentyof great information from rangers.Nearby you can… read more Located at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee, see historic farm buildings in an open-air museum and get plentyof great information from rangers.Nearby you can explore Mingus Mill, a historic grist mill dating from 1886. Read More
Free Explore the most visited national park in the country!See our top places and things to doin the Great Smoky Mountains on the North Carolina side near Asheville. Four entrances to the Park are… read more Explore the most visited national park in the country!See our top places and things to doin the Great Smoky Mountains on the North Carolina side near Asheville. Four entrances to the Park are within 60 miles of downtown Asheville. Read MoreGreat Smoky Mountains National Park Top 30 in NC
Free Find mountain biking heaven in the Nantahala National Forest with 40 miles of trails overlooking Fontana Lake in the Great Smoky Mountains.Located near Bryson City, where you can find bike… read more Find mountain biking heaven in the Nantahala National Forest with 40 miles of trails overlooking Fontana Lake in the Great Smoky Mountains.Located near Bryson City, where you can find bike rentals and supplies. Read More
Free Located in the Great Smoky Mountains, enjoy fishing, boating, camping and swimming in this beautiful lake. Drive or walk across the highest dam east of the Rockies and stop by the Visitor Center… read more Located in the Great Smoky Mountains, enjoy fishing, boating, camping and swimming in this beautiful lake. Drive or walk across the highest dam east of the Rockies and stop by the Visitor Center to learn more about it. Read More
Top Events & Festivals
tier Ride to the North Pole on the Polar Express Train at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad to pick up Santa. It's fun for all ages. Departs from Bryson City. See our guide for all the details. Ride to the North Pole on the Polar Express Train at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad to pick up Santa. It's fun for all ages. Departs from Bryson City. See our guide for all the details. Read MorePolar Express Train
Tier 2 Experience an old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration and street festival in Bryson City with a 5K, crafts, food, contests, live music, and the best fireworks show in the Smokies. Experience an old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration and street festival in Bryson City with a 5K, crafts, food, contests, live music, and the best fireworks show in the Smokies. Read MoreFreedom Fest
Explore shops, galleries, and restaurants along the three-block stretch of Everett Street from the Depot to the Visitor's Center.
Breweries
- Mountain Layers Brewing Company (90 Everett St.)is a seven-barrel microbrewery with two bars, including a rooftop outdoor deck.
- Bryson City Brewing (234 Deep Creek Rd.) has a large outdoor space for pets and kids, and has 18 guest taps and a full bar with several seasonal co*cktails.
More Bryson City Events
From free live music on many nights each week to big festivals, see the complete Bryson City Events Calendar.
For much more information, go to the Bryson City Great Smokies website.
Also See
- Great Smoky Mountains Park Vacations in NC
- Cherokee, NC and Eastern Band of Indians
- Whitewater Rafting Near Asheville
- 5 Great Smoky Mountain Scenic Drives
