Author: 
Bryson City is a small town, hidden in the mountains of North Carolina. Sitting at an elevation of 1752 feet, this small mountain town was founded in 1881 and borders the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visitors will feel like they have entered a peaceful world of fireflies, treetop spas, dog-friendly brewpubs, and chocolate cocktails.
Just an hour’s drive from Asheville, the pace may slow down, but the list of things to do in Bryson City is never-ending. Whether you are into ziplining or horseback riding, this hidden gem of a city is beginning to attract attention, and for a good reason.
1. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
One of the more interesting and less strenuous ways to see the Smoky Mountains is to take a train on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.
These daily rides originate from Bryson City’s main street Depot and wander the area landscape, through a mountain tunnel, and over a few historic trestles. There are two rail lines. The Nantahala Gorge run provides breathtaking views of Fontana Lake and the Nantahala River. Rides have a stopover at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, which also has a restaurant & bar.
The other option follows the Tuckasegee River, passing through a tunnel and a few local hot spots. Open cars are available with dining options. On this route, the charming town of Dillsboro provides a diverting stopover with restaurants and shopping.
In addition to lazily touring the countryside, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers dinner event trains year-round. Choose from BBQ & Brews, a moonshine dinner, or a trendy wine excursion. A leisurely train ride is also the perfect way to see the Fall colors change. And in November & December, just in time for Christmas, the train becomes the Polar Express train ride.
2. Smoky Mountain Trains Museum
Once you have ridden the big trains, take a few hours to get lost in the history and fun of miniature trains at the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum. This unique building-sized layout displays a working collection of 7,000 Lionel™ engines, cars, and accessories.
Free to train ticket holders, this is no ordinary train museum. Bring the kids and let them get lost in the miniature town replica.
3. Deep Creek, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Deep Creek Recreation Area is a regional mainstay only minutes from downtown Bryson City. Considered a stunning area in the National Park, the Deep Creek Trail is known for three breathtaking waterfalls. There are also numerous outdoor activities, such as hiking trails, swimming, tubing, and fly fishing.
The trails range from an easy quarter-mile walk up to the 60-foot high Tom Branch Falls to a longer 2.5-mile round trip hike to three waterfalls.
For the experienced hiker, the 5-mile loop provides a serene perspective of the woods.
Bryson City sits on land once a part of the Cherokee Nation. Appalachian miners later settled the area. Within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visitors can explore the Oconaluftee River area known as the Oconaluftee Archeological District. This historic area includes a visitor center and an authentic Cherokee Indian village.
One of the more storied locations in the GSMNP is the Road to Nowhere. A remnant of the creation of Fortana Dame, this road abruptly ends – having been flooded when Fontana Dam was built. When the dam lowers the lake water, the phantom road re-appears each year.
In addition to hiking, Deep Creek is also a mecca for fishing, tubing, mountain biking, and camping.
4. The Tuckasegee River
The Tuckasegee River is a 40-mile-long river that flows entirely in western North Carolina. It snakes through the mountains and valleys of the region, running directly through the towns of Bryson City, Cullowhee, Sylva, Dillsboro, and Whittier. Part of the Tennessee River system, the Tuckasegee River is famous for tubing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting. The river itself dumps into Fontana Lake, well known for fishing, boating, camping, and paddleboarding.
Because of its topography, the river is rated Tuckaseegee as Class I & II rapids – perfect for beginners to experienced water sports enthusiasts. Several area tour groups offer rental equipment and sporting guides, such as the Wildwater Nantahala Canopy Tours, which provide treetop canopy ziplining and whitewater rafting tours.
Take a break from the activities to learn a little about the area’s commitment to farming. Darnell Farms sits on the banks of the Tuckasegee River in Bryson City, North Carolina. With a commitment to sustainable farming, Darnell Farms is also an agricultural business – educating and supporting local merchants. A 100-acre, active, second-generation family farm that is open to visitors for tours and festivals. There are even hayrides
.
5. Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians
Fly Fishing is a long-held sporting tradition for men and women that has recently grown popular. In downtown Bryson City, The Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians is dedicated to the history of fly fishing and houses fishing gear from the 1800s to the present day. The unique museum was constructed entirely from a dismantled tobacco barn. Hand-built exhibits create the perfect atmosphere for novice or experienced anglers to learn about the sport.
The various exhibits teach about the legendary “Stream Blazers,” the evolution of rods and reels, basic knots, fly-tying, gamefish species, and habitats. There is also an overview of fishing in the Southeast.
6. Fontana Dam
The Fontana Dam is an engineering marvel. Designed and built by the Army Corps of Engineers and the Tennessee Valley Authority, the dam sits 32 miles west of Bryson City by car. The iconic structure straddles the Little Tennessee River along the southwestern boundary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
A hydroelectric wonder, Fontana Dam, created the 10,230-acre Fontana Lake. And it was designed to control flooding and generate power for the World War II efforts at Oak Ridge, TN. Fontana Dam is the tallest hydroelectric dam in the eastern United States – standing 480 feet (150 m) high. Regrettably, when built, it flooded the small mining town below.
Visitors can view the dam via air or car. Those who walk the 2, 365-foot-long causeway will have walked part of the Appalachian Trail. The dam sits directly on the 14-state hiking trail.
7. Clingmans Dome
The tallest point in the Smoky Mountains is undoubtedly Clingmans Dome. And the stunning mist-covered mountain mountaintop vistas are worth every labored breath.
The Dome is accessible by car, but there is a short paved hike to the observation tower. It is a steep climb up to a final elevation of 6,644 feet. But, there are resting stops and benches along the way.
As you climb, the air gets cooler and thinner. So, if you are staying for a bit, take a blanket and some water to reduce dehydration at higher elevations.
8. Panning for Gems
The Smoky Mountains are known for mining copper, aluminum, and coal. But lucky miners have also struck precious metals and gemstones. And now, visitors to Bryson City can try their luck panning for gold, emeralds, and other precious stones.
Located just a short 10-mile drive in nearby Cherokee, NC, the Smoky Mountain Gold & Ruby Mine company is one of several retail mining companies that help you pan for gold. Visitors can grab a bag or bucket and sift through the gem mining and gold panning troughs.
It’s an excellent way for the whole family to pass the day.
9. Swain County Quilt Trail
One of the more unique activities in Bryson City is Swain County Quilt Trails. This unusual Appalachian tradition can also be seen in downtown Bryson City and meandering throughout Park Island in Western North Carolina.
These unique expressions of art began in 2001 when an Ohio woman painted a patterned quilting block on her family barn to honor her mother, a quilter.
Since then, thousands of quilting blocks have been painted, creating trails in 49 states.
The Swain County Quilt Trail’s first quilt was the “Appalachian Dream.” It was painted on the Swain County Chamber Building in 2012. The second quilt on Bryson City’s Island Park, titled the Double Wedding Ring, was finished a month later.
Quilting blocks are featured on barns, public buildings, shops, and homes. Each quilt square is unique and designed as remembrances to honor individuals or celebrate regional heritage.
10 Waterfalls
Nestled in the Smoky Mountains, the Bryson City area is famous for its breathtaking waterfalls. Consequently, Swain County offers some of the best accessible waterfalls in the Smokies. These 12 fascinating natural wonders sit along four different trail loops – Dry Cry Waterfall Loop, Cherokee Waterfalls, Nantahala Gorge, and Highlands/Cashiers Waterfalls.
Many falls are accessible by road. But several require a moderate trek to view. A 2.5-mile hike along the Dry Creek Waterfall Loop takes in three waterfalls – Juney Whank Falls, Tom Branch, and Indian Creek Falls.
The Cherokee Waterfall Loop is famous for Mingo & Soco Falls. Soco Falls is a double waterfall accessible by road.
The Nantahala River Gorge is home to the Upper Nantahala Cascades and Findley Falls, 30 minutes away from Bryson City. Findley is a series of small waterfalls on Ledbetter Creek.
The final waterfall loop is the Franklin-Highlands waterfall loop. It includes five unique water cascades, including Cullasaja Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Silver Run, and Whitewater Falls.
Cullasaja Falls is a 250-foot cascading waterfall that is viewable from the road. Where Whitewater Falls is a spectacular 411-foot cascade, and it is the highest waterfall east of the Rockies. Visitors can access Whitewater Falls via a wooden walkway.
11. Antiquing & Shopping
Downtown Bryson City is full of shops and boutiques, perfect for mountain retail therapy. There are also a few eclectic craft and market locations that can not be missed.
Native American art dealers, metalwork, jewelry, and artisan crafts are unique to the region. There are stores downtown for camping, fishing, and such, but try the Antique Market for a day of browsing. The Buttermilk Farms Antique Market is a 3,000 sq ft. multi-dealer location specializing in small and unique items.
Another fun shop is the Appalachian Mercantile. Located in downtown Bryson City, the iconic store offers a large selection of unique gourmet specialty foods, sauces, condiments, and handcrafted candies.
Finish your Christmas list at Uncle Bunky’s Christmas Cottage during the winter months.
Another shopping favorite is the Swain County Farmers & Artisans Market held at the Aquarium Park – every Friday & Saturday.
Farm-to-table vendors sell fresh produce, baked goods, honey, preserves, and local crafts. And in the winter, there is an Artisans-Only Christmas Market.
12. Winery & Breweries of Bryson
Bryson City offers several unique ways to enjoy your beer, wine, and cocktails. There are two breweries with alfresco seating, a taproom & patio at an outfitters store, and another taproom in a bike rental shop.
Bryson City boasts a family-owned small-batch winery. But if a wine tour is not on the agenda, try the Wine Market for tasting flights of wines and meads.
Visitors can also take guided tours of the seven area breweries or order a locally-crafted beverage with lunch or dinner.
One of the most popular locations is the Nantahala Brewing Company. The craft brewery also supports The Warehouse at Nantahala Brewing – highlighting fresh, local, farm-to-table casual dining. The brewery also runs the Burger + Bar just down the street, at the iconic RC Cola bottling plant.
Another popular haunt is the Mountain Layers Brewing Company, a microbrewery in Bryson City, NC, 28713. The downtown brewery and taproom offer two bars and outdoor decking—sample a Goodday Everyday Light Lager or a pint of the Marionberry Sour for something different.
Surprisingly, Bryan City has some quirky alcohol serving regulations, but no area is entirely alcohol-free.
#13 | Mountain Golfing
The Bryson City area offers visitors two public golf courses. The Robert Trent Jones II design at the Sequoyah National Golf Club belongs to the Eastern Band of the Cherokee and is open to the public. A fun, fast 18-hole course can be challenging at any level. The Sequoyah National Golf Club is available to all Casino guests.
Thomas Walker originally designed the second regional golf course. Most consider this 18-hole course a high challenge – playing a par 71, with almost 400 feet of elevation change. The Smoky Mountain Country Club sits at 5000 feet elevation, offering breathtaking vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains from every tee box.
#14 | Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
Located in Franklin, 33 miles north of Bryson City, is the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts. A 1500-seat, state-of-the-art facility with musical productions, dance and choral festivals, lectures, and concerts.
The stunning architecture complements the beautiful surroundings. The SMCPA provides entertainment throughout the summer, including special activities and workshops for children.
#15 | Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Resort Center
Thirty minutes from Bryson City sits the Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino offering a night of entertainment and gambling without the long plane ride. The Casino features traditional table games, like Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, sports betting, and digital games. Grab a bit at Wicked Weed Brew Pub or Brio Italian Grille.
#16 | Nantahala Outdoor Center
After a long day of hiking, it is time to relax on the banks of the Nantahala River. Several Bryson City restaurants provide laidback dining al fresco, but the Big Wesser Riverside Pub serves delicious food and free live music at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC).
Big Wesser boasts the area’s best live music venue, with various styles from rock to country to bluegrass playing in the Nantahala Outdoor Music Center. Bryson City can offer the best of both worlds for a weekend getaway.
#17 | Island Park
Accessible by a footbridge, Bryson City’s Island Park is cut off from the mainland by the Tuckasegee River, which runs through the town’s center. Just four short blocks from Everett Street, the park offers a secluded area for freshwater anglers, picnickers, kayakers, and bird watchers.
Like most places in Bryson City, the park welcomes dogs. Bryson City’s oldest tree stands near the island’s center, a 20-foot wide tulip poplar. The rest of the island park is dense wood and dirt trails that circle the island. And at the eastern tip of Island Park, you’ll see the remnants of an old stone wall.
#18 | Appalachian Rivers Aquarium
Located on the Tuckasegee River, the Appalachian Rivers Aquarium exhibits many regional species of non-game and game fish. The Aquarium houses hundreds of tanks, two terrariums, and a hellbender that shows Southern Appalachian amphibians and reptiles. Known species include frogs, turtles, and several species of salamanders. New non-game species unique to the region have been found, including Tangerine Darters, Mottled Sculpins, and Warpaint Shiners.
#19 | Swain County Heritage Museum
The Swain County Heritage Museum occupies the early 20th-century courthouse. Historical photos complement authentic items and creative overviews to weave tales of Swain County, its people, and early life in Western North Carolina.
Other exhibits highlight the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the creation of Fontana Dam.
The museum has an authentic, restored log cabin porch, the 1887 church organ, and one-room schoolhouse desks. Like many museums in the area, there is no charge for admission, although donations are suggested.
#20 | Smoky Mountain Spa Weekend
Bryson City is an outdoor enthusiasts’ playground. But this surprising town is just as popular for those looking for a weekend of relaxation and pampering. And even better, a perfect destination for an easy girl’s weekend.
Fresh mountain air and open spaces create the perfect setting to relax and unwind. At the Lakeview at Fontana Spa, one can schedule a deep tissue massage or soak in therapeutic Himalayan salts in a private cabin nestled in the Nantahala National Forest treetops. Add a bottle of champagne and a light lunch for a romantic weekend for two.
There you have it, 20 great things to do in Bryson City that are perfect for your next vacation to the Great Smoky Mountains. Have fun and enjoy the mountain air!
