You’ve probably heard about the Great Smoky Mountains – it’s an iconic mountain range that covers the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. Most people visit Tennessee when they’re looking to visit The Great Smoky Mountains.
BUT – there is a gorgeous area of Western North Carolina featuring the beautiful views of the Great Smoky Mountains that are waiting to be explored more.
Where, you ask? Bryson City, North Carolina! This quaint town is considered one of the gateways to the Great Smoky Mountains and has all of the charm of a small town. I’m sharing 15 Things To Do in Bryson City, North Carolina that you’re bound to love!
About Bryson City
First, a little bit about Bryson City! This small town is a total of 2.2 square miles and centered around Main Street & Everett Street. Bryson City’s Main Street is part of US Route 19, which connects this town to many other nearby towns.
Don’t let the small size of the town deter you from visiting. There is truly so much this town has to offer with so much to see and do! I recommend spending a full weekend in Bryson City to explore all of the hiking, camping, and nature trails this town has to offer.
15 Things To Do In Bryson City, NC
Explore Downtown Bryson City
Downtown Bryson City is a charming area lined with shops, restaurants, and bars. “Everett Street” is the main street in Bryson City that has the most shops and things to do in Bryson City.
I’ve also included a Map of Downtown Bryson City for reference.
Some of my favorite local spots on Main Street (or on the adjoining streets) are listed below:
- Lunch: Jimmy Mac’s
- Dinner: Anthonys
- Bakery: La Dolce Vita Bakery
- Ice Cream: Soda Pop’s Ice Cream
- Sweet Treat: The Chocolate Shoppe
Hike Deep Creek Trail (And See 3 Waterfalls!)
Deep Creek Trail features 3 very unique and beautiful waterfalls! The Deep Creek region technically has 3 different trail loops to enjoy:
- Juney Whank Falls Loop (0.6 miles roundtrip)
- Three Waterfalls Loop (2.2 miles roundtrip)
- Deep Creek – Indian Creek Loop (4.5 miles roundtrip)
As you can tell from the name of the trail, the Three Waterfalls Loop features three unique and different waterfalls. I’d call the hike easy to moderate (there is only one part that is slightly steep).
In the summer months, be sure to arrive early as this is a very popular destination, especially for people who want to tube down the river. The parking can easily become full so plan ahead!
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Take a roundtrip excursion into the secluded areas of western North Carolina via the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (GSMR). You’ll travel across scenic river gorges, valleys, tunnels, and more.
Each train ride will take you through the Nantahala Gorge, but you have the option to book a specialty train like BBQ & Brews & Uncorked or The Polar Express.
Purchasing a ticket on the GSMR also gives you access to the Smoky Mountains Train Museum located in Bryson City. This museum offers plenty of engines, cars accessories, and train history to explore.
Experience a Treehouse Cabana Soaking Tub
Looking for a unique spa retreat? Lakeview at Fontana offers treehouse cabanas with soaking tubs and stunning views of the Smoky Mountains. I loved my 90 minute soak here – there’s nothing better than relaxing surrounded by nature. This is the perfect place to unwind by yourself or with your significant other.
Read More: Treehouse Cabana Soaking Tub
Visit Darnell Farms
Something about a small town makes me want to shop at local farmer’s markets! You can do just that at Darnell Farms – a family-owned farm in Bryson City. This farm has been sustainably growing fruits and vegetables for more than 30 years.
It’s open 7 days a week, so you can stop by anytime throughout your trip. I advise going earlier in the day so they don’t sell out of your favorite!
Grab a beer at Nantahala Brewing Company
This small town has its own local brewery! Check out Nantahala Brewing Company which is located on Main Street and sample some local beers. Their top 4 beers are Noon Day IPA, App Trail Extra Pale Ale, Bryson City Brown, and Dirty Girl Blonde.
This brewery also offers tours for $15 which includes samples – tickets need to be purchased at least one day in advance.
Tube on Deep Creek
In the summer months, the number one activity is tubing down the river! I personally didn’t visit in the summer months, but saw the locations for tubing in a few different places!
If tubing is too slow-paced for you, another alternative option is whitewater rafting: Endless River Adventures.
Enjoy Fontana Lake
Fontana Lake is 29 miles long and has ample forested shoreline to explore. That’s because over 90% of the surrounding area is part of a National Forest, so you won’t find houses or other development along the shore.
There are tons of different activities you can enjoy on the lake: kayaking, boating, fishing, etc. Check out the various marinas around the lake for rentals or read more about the fishing guidelines!
If you prefer to stay on land, I recommend at least driving to see the Fontana Dam. When it was first built in 1945, it was the largest dam in the eastern US at 480 feet. Now, tons of travelers experience the sights of Fontana Dam along the Appalachian Trail.
Spend the Night at a Campground
There are plenty of campgrounds around Bryson City and all throughout the Great Smoky Mountains. This is a beautiful place to sleep under the stars for a night or two.
Our favorite Bryson City campground is Tsali Campground – which featured 40+ tent campsites, freshwater, 2 bathrooms, firepits, and picnic tables (pictured below).
Another popular camping option is Deep Creek Campground Bryson City NC. This campsite is located along the creek so be sure to book early to secure a spot along the water. At only $25/night, the Deep Creek Campground is a great place for families and campers!
“Road To No Where”
Explore the “Road To No Where” in the Great Smoky Mountains. This scenic mountain highway is 6 miles long and then abruptly stops at a tunnel with no where to go! This is because construction stopped and was never picked up. It has become a fun destination to explore the Road to No Where.
Once you arrive at the end of the road, there are 3 different hikes that offer views of Lake Fontana below!
Oconaluftee Indian Village
Western North Carolina has a rich history of Native American tribes.
You can visit the Oconaluftee Indian Village which is a living history museum. You’ll be able to explore replicas of their homes and the guides will demonstrate their cooking and crafting techniques.
Visit Cherokee NC
While in Bryson City, it is fun to explore surrounding areas. One of my favorite towns near Bryson City is Cherokee, North Carolina. Here you’ll find the biggest casino in NC, more trails & hikes, and a quaint mountain town!
The total distance between Bryson City to Cherokee NC is 10 miles (17 minutes) making this an easy afternoon activity.
Two of my favorite things to do in Cherokee NC include Harrah’s Casino and Mingo falls (pictured below).
Related Post: Best Things To Do in Cherokee, NC
Places to Stay Near Bryson City
There are numerous hotels in Bryson City NC that add to the small-town charm here. I’ve provided my favorite list of hotels near Bryson City North Carolina for your reference!
- Hemlock Inn Bryson City
- Fryemont Inn Bryson City
- Stonebrook Lodge Bryson City
- Watershed Resort Bryson City
For additional options of hotels in Bryson City NC, use the search bar below:
How To Get to Bryson City NC
Bryson City is located on the western border of NC, near Tennessee. It is nestled at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains (America’s most visited National Park). This makes getting to Bryson City very easy as its convenient for a lot of travelers!
- Cherokee NC to Bryson City NC: 10 miles | 17 minutes
- Robbinsville NC to Bryson City NC: 30 miles | 35 minutes
- Pigeon Forge TN to Bryson City NC: 52 miles | 1 hour and 23 minutes
- Asheville NC to Bryson City NC: 65 miles | 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Charlotte NC to Bryson City NC: 179 miles | 3 hours
Well, there you have it – a full guide to fun and unique things to do in Bryson City, NC. I’ll admit that I have lived in NC for about 4 years and hadn’t heard much about this mountain town – but I’m so glad I planned a trip here because it certainly did not disappoint!
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Looking for more things to do in North Carolina?
Check out other small town cities in NC by using the links below:
cherokee
blowing rock
linville
grandfather mountain
ASHEBORO:
Getaway House: Tiny House Cabin in the Woods
BRYSON CITY:
Treehouse Cabana Soaking Tub Experience
