Win a Breathtaking Bryson City Giveaway
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.
Nationally Recognized
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!
Holidays in Bryson City
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's Polar 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.
What to Expect Seasonally
Summer brings heat and humidity to Bryson City, and water adventures offer welcome relief. Tube the cool waters of Deep Creek past Tom Branch Falls—tubing outfitters line the road from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Whitewater raft the Nantahala River with guides like Nantahala Outdoor Center and Wildwater Ltd. Fontana Lake is the place for boating, fly fishing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Hike to swimming holes or find scenic views by driving to Fontana Dam or hiking to Kuwohi and Lonesome Pine Overlook.
Each fall, mid-September through early November, local farms offer hay rides, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes. Fall color is consistently spectactular in Bryson City.
Winter transforms the landscape—hike to frozen waterfalls in crisp mountain air. Winter is also a great time of year for birdwatching at nearby Fontana Lake and Dam.
Spring awakens the mountains with blooming wildflowers and forests growing dense with new green.
Throughout the year, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers scenic train rides along rivers and the lake and dam. Advance tickets are 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.
Historic Sites
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, browse the interesting Swain County Heritage Museum for a quick overview of local mountain living. Check out the museum's Facebook page for updates and hours.
Shopping
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 are sharing just a sampling of things to do. To learn about even more activities, visit the Explore Bryson City website.
Outdoor Adventures
Bryson City is known as the Outdoor Adventure Capital of the Great Smoky Mountains. It is your gateway to the peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains, river rapids, peaceful lakes, majestic waterfalls, old-timey train rides, and many easy-to-access long and short hiking trails.
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
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Take a scenic train ride on excursions along the Nantahala and Tuckasegee Rivers, over the mountains, across valleys and through tunnels. Choose from a variety of train adventures departing…
Yellow Rose Rentals, Bryson City
Discover cozy cabins and spacious lodges near the Great Smoky Mountains in towns like Bryson City and Cherokee. Each offers unique amenities—like hot tubs, game rooms, and scenic views—for a memorable mountain escape.
Nantahala Outdoor Center Adventure Resort
Stay riverside at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, where cabins and bungalows offer private decks, fire pits, and easy access to the Appalachian Trail, Fontana Lake, and outdoor adventures. Relax with riverside dining, shopping, and activities just steps away. Cabins from $200 per night.
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Things to Do in Bryson City
Explore Bryson City’s unforgettable adventures, from scenic Great Smoky Mountains trails and waterfalls to rafting, tubing, scenic train rides, parks, museums, shops and seasonal events. Find outdoor thrills and charming mountain town experiences for every traveler.
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Bryson City Restaurants
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… More Information
Bryson City Lodging: Cabins, B&Bs & Hotels
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.
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Nantahala Outdoor Center
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… More Information
Indian Lakes Scenic Byway
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.…
Road to Nowhere Hike
(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…
Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tour
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…
Fishing in the Smokies, Bryson City
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… More Information
Tom Branch Falls, Indian Creek Falls and Juney Whank Falls
See three waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the Deep Creek area with a two-mile hike. It is also a popular tubing and camping spot each summer. Near Bryson City.
Three Little Bears Retreat, Bryson City
Stay in a safari-style Smoky Mountain lodge experience near Bryson City, where luxe cabins and lodges pair with chef-driven dining, guided adventures, spa offerings, and a secluded national-park-edge setting made for restorative mountain getaways year-round.
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Road to Nowhere Hike
(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…
Swain County Heritage Museum
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.… More Information
Mountain Farm Museum, Oconaluftee Visitor Center & Mingus Mill
Located at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee, see historic farm buildings in an open-air museum and get plenty of great information from rangers. …
Deep Creek Tubing
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.
Oconaluftee Indian Village
This living history outdoor village portrays eighteenth-century Cherokee life on the mountainside above the town. Interact with villagers as they hull canoes, make pottery and masks, weave…
Explore Bryson City Travel Guide
Order a free 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… More Information
Kuwohi Trail (Formerly Clingmans Dome Trail)
(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…
Nantahala River Rafting Guide
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,… More Information
Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center
Tucked away in small village near Fontana Lake and Nantahala River is an amazing gallery that showcases the work of 180+ area artists and hosts a great summer concert series. Many…
Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians
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 waters and the… More Information
Great Smoky & Tsali Mountain Biking, NC
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…
Fontana Lake & Dam
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…
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Top 30 in NC
Explore the most visited national park in the country! See our top places and things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains on the North Carolina side near Asheville. Four entrances to the…
Top Events & Festivals
Freedom Fest
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.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Ride to the North Pole on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride 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…
