IS THERE ENOUGH TO DO HERE?
In the Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina, there's no limit to what you can do and explore. You might be here for one day or a full week, but either way you'll have no problem filling your time with adventures that you can keep as forever memories when you leave!
THE BIG THREE
hike the NATIONAL PARK
ride the train
stick your feet in the nantahala
There may be hundreds of things that might bring you to Bryson City, but there are really three big draws that bring most people to this area. So if your time is limited here or if you just want to make sure you see the most popular spots in the area, we suggest hitting one or more of these Big Three attractions while you're here:
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If any of these sound good, you can find tons of information about each of these online, or you can get our more detailed guide about how we would do these Big Three. Request it below and we'll send it to you!​
RAINY DAY ACTIVITIES
One thing that's good to know about the Smokies is that its a temperate rain forest, so sometimes it's a good idea to have a few rainy day plans up your sleeve when the inevitable shower may show up. The good news is that while it may rain while you're here, it's usually isolated and won't last long! Here's what we'd do if it were raining at any point during our stay:
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Take a yurt nap (there's nothing like that sound)
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Visit the Museum of the Cherokee People
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Go cosmic bowling at the Cherokee Casino
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Check out the Wheels Through Time Museum
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Tour the Biltmore House in Asheville
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The rain is a big part of what makes the Smokies magical. Some of the most beautiful landscape you'll see here is a result of pop-up rain showers, so don't fear the weather while you're here! For more specific information on these rainy day activities, just click below!
ADVENTURE jUNKIES
The Smokies have no shortage of adrenaline-pumping adventures available while you're here - you'll likely have more trouble finding the time to fit them all in to your visit than finding something to do! There's something for everyone and every skill level around here, and you can find these adventures on your own or hire a professional local guide to be with you every step of the way! Here's a few of our favorite suggestions for those guests seeking some real adventure:
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Whitewater Rafting (we like Endless River Adventures)
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Canopy Zip Lining (closest and best in our area is the NOC)
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Back Country Jeep Tours (we like Wildwater Jeep Tours)
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Mountain Biking (best and closest is the Tsali Recreation Area)
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Horseback Riding (don't miss Smokemont Riding Stables)
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Paddle Boarding and Kayaking (try Carolina Bound Adventures)
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ATV and Slingshot rentals (rent from Appalachian Adventure Rentals)
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Guided and Non-Guided Hiking (Carolina Bound Adventures for another win)
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All of these adventures can be had within about fifteen to twenty minutes of downtown Bryson, and you'll have plenty of choices when it comes to vendors. Of course, we've tried them all and we do have our favorites. We're happy to share our tips and tricks when booking any of these adventures!​​
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for the foodies
There's no reason not to plan your stay in Bryson City around all the delicious food available in the area! If you enjoy traditional Southern cooking, decadent sweets and even cuisine prepared by world-famous celebrity chefs, you'll have plenty of satisfying options in and around Bryson City. The yurts have kitchens so you can make your meals there, but with all these choices, we think it's worth it to check out at least a few of these great options:
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Four Queens for elevated Mexican by the Tuckaseegee
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High Test Deli for delicious sandwiches, even the ice cream kind
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Native Brews, Mountain Layers or Bryson City Brewery for great eats and craft brews
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Everett Street Diner for a great southern breakfast
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Anthony's Derailed for pizza and train-watching
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The Rice Wagon for quick, fresh Hawaiian
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The Rivers End just minutes from Sky Ridge
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Haywood Smokehouse for award-winning barbeque
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Cherokee Casino for restaurant offerings from Guy Fieri, Gordon Ramsay and more
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Lulu's on Main in Sylva, named by Southern Living as one of the best restaurants in the Southeast
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And be sure to finish off your meal with a sweet treat from Darnell Farms or The Chocolate Shoppe. Darnell is famous for its seasonal "dream whips" and you can enjoy that on adult-sized swingsets right by the water. The Chocolate Shoppe has the best waffle cones in town and stays open late each night!
HIKING WITH YOUR PETS
Something that is important to remember when you plan your visit to the Smoky Mountains is that pets are only allowed in a handful of short trails within the National Park. This is to protect the environment and the animals that live in the Park. But while the National Park may offer only limited options, there are still many beautiful areas to hike with your pups when you're here. Here are a few of our favorite pet-friendly hikes:
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Wesser Bald Fire Tower on the Appalachian Trail
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Ocunoluftee River Trail at the Cherokee Visitor Center
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Extensive trail system at Tsali Recreation Area
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Wayah Bald Tower on the Appalachian Trail
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And it's also good to know that while pups can't hike on the trails at the popular Deep Creek area inside the National Park near Bryson City, they are welcome in the picnic area, which is a great place to spend a day. Want more info on any of these pet-friendly trails? Let us know below.