A Complete Guide to the Best Things to Do in Bryson City, NC

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Itching to know the best things to do in Bryson City NC?? Read on for all my top recommendations!

Bryson City has been one of my favorite mountain towns in North Carolina for years. I’ve visited 6 times so I think I’ve reserved the right to tell you the best things to do in Bryson City.

Even though Bryson City is relatively small, the town boasts so many fantastic things to do. Whether it’s hiking one of the numerous trails nearby or checking out one of the great places to eat downtown, you’ll have plenty of options for whatever type of trip you’re planning!

Hurricane Helene recently impacted a large portion of Western North Carolina. Although Bryson City wasn’t significantly impacted compared to other towns, you may see some damage as the city works to make repairs. Please practice mindful travel and get the most recent updates from Explore Bryson City.

Quick Guide

Stroll Downtown

Downtown Bryson City is quaint, charming, and will steal your heart! Some of my favorite stops are Bryson City Bakery, High Test Deli, The Rice Wagon, and Bryson City Outdoors.

There are some fantastic shopping opportunities like MRKT on the Square, The Wild Fern, Elder’s Ace Hardware, and The Artsy Olive. One of the mugs I often use for my tea is from Wild Fern and I love thinking of all the memories every time I use it.

Go on a Hike

Hiking in Bryson City provides a variety of different trail options for every type of hiker. I love this area because there’s a trail for every type of mood I’m in.

Great Smoky Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just a stone’s throw from downtown. The park is the top visited national park in the country and for good reason. Below are some of my favorite trails in the park and the best to access from Bryson City!

• Deep Creek Loop: A chill loop hike 5 minutes from downtown Bryson City that explores 3 different waterfalls.

• Kuwohi Observation Tower: Previously known as Clingman’s Dome, this is the highest point in the park. I recommend getting here early as parking can get crazy.

• Andrews Bald: This hike starts at the same spot at Kuwohi, but leads you to a beautiful bald overlooking the smokies. I loved doing this in June when all of the wildflowers were blooming.

• Charlie’s Bunion: One of the harder hikes in the park, Charlie’s Bunion has some of the best views (if it’s not socked in from clouds). It’s a great long hike if you want to get a good workout in and spend more time outside.

• Alum Cave Trail: This is one of my favorite hikes. I haven’t gone all the way to Mt. Leconte, but the trail to Alum Cave is stunning. One of the best times to do it is in June when all of the rhododendrons and mountain laurels are on the trail.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park implemented a parking fee in March of 2023 to help with the long-term maintenance of the park. The fee is relatively nominal and you can purchase at numerous kiosks in-person or online in advance.

National Forest/Dog-Friendly

If you decide to travel with your dog (like me) or want to explore outside the national park, Nantahala National Forest is the perfect choice. I have a few must-visit waterfalls and sunset spots for your stay in Bryson City.

• Wesser Fire Tower: Easily my favorite hike in this area because the panoramic views at the top are hard to beat. The road to get here can be a little bumpy, but doable for most cars. I like this one best during the fall!

• Tsali Branch: This hike is perfect if you enjoy being in the woods and you have an active dog that needs to log some miles. Most of the hike is along the lake or in the trees, but the trail includes a beautiful overlook of Fontana Lake that makes it worth it!

• Soco Falls: More of a stopover than a hike, Soco Falls is a beautiful waterfall near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can scramble to the bottom (be extra careful) to get a clear view of the waterfall or catch a glimpse at the viewing platform.

• Mingo Falls: I’ve visited this waterfall every season and it never disappoints. Be prepared to do a stair workout, but once you finish them, you’re almost there. The most impressive time of the year to see Mingo Falls is in the spring after some rainfall, but I also love visiting in the fall.

• Waterrock Knob: If you’re craving a sunset view, look no further. Waterrock Knob might be my preferred sunset spot in all of North Carolina. You can watch the sunset from the parking lot or do a short, steep hike to a clear view of the many-layered smoky mountains.

Grab a Beer

There are a few great spots downtown to snag a beer after a long hike or a day packed with activities. I always visit Bryson City Outdoors since they are dog-friendly and offer a wide selection, including non-alcoholic beer.

Another great choice is Mountain Layers Brewing Company where you can get a beer and grab some food from The Rice Wagon out back.

Visit a Local Farm

You can’t visit Bryson City without visiting Darnell Farms. Darnell Farms is a beloved, family-owned farm located just minutes from downtown.

Known for its fresh produce, seasonal events, and community-focused atmosphere, Darnell Farms is a popular destination among locals and visitors looking for a charming, authentic farm experience.

I’ve visited the farm in all seasons and can honestly say it’s always such a fun experience. They decorate based on the season and you can’t go wrong with a famous dole whip!

Dogs are welcome and there are always activities for kids. There’s strawberry picking in the spring, a pumpkin patch in the fall, and Christmas trees in the winter.

Go Whitewater Rafting

The Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) was established in 1972 and is one of the largest, most well-known outdoor recreation centers in the United States. The NOC offers a range of activities, accommodations, dining options, and outdoor gear, making it a hub for adventure enthusiasts and families.

I love spending time at NOC whether it involves watching the elite kayakers, seeing the whitewater rafters come in from their excursion, or shopping at the store. You can also enjoy grub from River’s End Restaurant, Big Wesser Riverside Pub, or Slow Joe’s.

Do a Canopy Tour in Nantahala National Forest

Booking a canopy tour provides a unique way to experience the beauty of the Southern Appalachian Mountains from above. If you love ziplining, there’s no better way to enjoy the Nantahala National Forest.

The tour includes multiple ziplines, sky bridges, and tree-top platforms with breathtaking views. It lasts about 2-3 hours and is beginner-friendly although there are weight and age restrictions. Double-check that everyone can enjoy before booking the tour!

See the Elk at Oconaluftee Visitor Center

You can’t visit Great Smoky Mountain National Park without seeing the elk! It’s a good thing the Oconaluftee Visitor Center is only 30 minutes from Bryson City.

The elk, which used to be native to the area, were reintroduced to the park in 2001 after being absent for nearly 200 years. Now there are about 200 elk in the park and they love the meadow next to the visitor center.

Every time I drive into the park early I see these cuties grazing. If you want to experience it yourself, park at the visitor center early and walk along the trail.

If you see elk, keep a healthy distance of at least 50 feet. DO NOT park on the side of the road as you will get ticketed and they are pretty strict about this.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park implemented a parking fee in 2023. This initiative supports the preservation, maintenance, and protection of the park’s resources as well as improvements to visitor services.

You will need to pay a $5 parking fee or you can purchase a weekly pass for $15. If you plan on visiting the Smokies numerous times during the year, save money by purchasing the yearly tag for $40.

Catch a Sunrise

One of the best places to catch a sunrise in this area is Kuwohi (previously known as Clingman’s Dome). This involves an early wake-up call, but I promise it’s worth the effort.

The trickiest part of seeing the sunrise at Kuwohi is avoiding getting socked in by the clouds. Your best chance is going on a morning with limited clouds in the forecast and checking the Smoky Mountain Weather Forecast.

Tube at Deep Creek

I can’t think of a time I’ve had more fun than when I tubed the Deep Creek. Since Deep Creek is in the national park, you must pick up your tubes, tie them to your car (rope provided), and drive them into the park.

Great Smoky Mountains recently implemented a small parking fee and you can pay at the kiosk in the picnic area. Once parked, you’ll hike about 3/4 mile with your tube to the drop-off spot. Yes, it’s a little bit of effort, but hands down an experience you don’t want to miss.

Don’t forget to have a dry bag for your stuff and secure it well to your tube! There are multiple places to rent a tube on your way into the park so don’t worry about making a reservation in advance. Just plan to get there mid-morning to get a parking spot in the park.

Horseback Ride in the Great Smoky Mountains

This past spring I went horseback riding with Smokemont Riding Stable and it was such an incredible experience. If you love horses and want to explore the Smokies, you’ll enjoy riding the trails with a new friend.

The end of the trails boasts a beautiful waterfall and if you ride in the spring, you’ll see a ton of trillium blooming. This would also be spectacular in the fall with all the different colors.

Ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

One of the most iconic experiences in Bryson City is riding the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. People come from all over to visit Bryson City just for this train ride.

The best seasons to take the train are fall and winter, but it’s beautiful year-round. I loved my ride on the Polar Express. If you have kids, you need to treat them to this experience.

The Polar Express happens every year in the winter. You get hot cocoa with a cookie, the train visits the North Pole, and the kids see Santa as he visits every train car. Additionally, most people dress in their pajamas making it even more fun!

You can board the train in downtown Bryson City. There’s a large parking lot for train goers and once you’re done, visit some local shops downtown.

Swim at Fingerlake Day Use

I discovered Fingerlake Day Use Area a little over a year ago and I can’t believe I drove by it so many times without even realizing it was there. This amazing swimming spot is just minutes from one of my favorite coffee shops, Cardinal Coffee.

I recommend spending the entire day here if it’s hot out. Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the numerous picnic tables, bring a towel, and cool off in the lake!

Book a Cabana at Lakeview at Fontana

The cabanas at Lakeview at Fontana are truly magical and such a treat. I did this experience alone (self-care!!), but I also think it’s perfect for a romantic date or celebration.

A soaking experience lasts about 90 minutes and you can book during the day or for sunset! Each cabana also has a gas fire pit to enjoy if you need a break from soaking.

Paddle Fontana Lake

Fontana Lake has some of the most beautiful water in the state because of the copper sediment in the area. Most of the lake borders the national park and is protected making it even more of a gem.

I’ve paddled here a few times and would recommend putting your watercraft in at Tsali Branch Boat Ramp. This area has quieter waters and doesn’t experience as much open wind as other parts of the lake meaning you can enjoy your paddle without getting angry about not going anywhere.

If you don’t own a kayak or paddleboard, you can rent one from Carolina Bound Adventures.

Visit the Road to Nowhere Tunnel

The Road to Nowhere is a famous, unfinished road in Bryson City, North Carolina, that leads to a hauntingly beautiful tunnel within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Officially called Lakeview Drive, it’s a six-mile stretch of road that ends abruptly at a large, dark tunnel. Known for its fascinating history, scenic beauty, and hiking opportunities, it’s a popular destination for visitors to the Smokies.

This is a fabulous spot for photos and since it’s not too far from downtown, it’s easy to fit into a day itinerary. I recommend making a quick pit stop at Fontana Lake Overlook on your way to the tunnel!

Take a Waterfall Tour

The waterfalls in Bryson City and the surrounding area are stunning. North Carolina has some of the best waterfalls in the country, but I’m not biased.

If you have an entire day and want to see some of the best waterfalls in the region, take the Waterfalls and Breweries Tour with Carolina Bound Adventures.

Go Fly Fishing

Bryson City is a top destination for fly fishing, thanks to its location near some of the best trout waters in the country, including the Tuckasegee River, the Nantahala River, and the pristine streams of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you don’t own fly fishing gear, you can book a tour with an experienced guide.

Experience Mountain Biking at Tsali Branch

Tsali Branch is a great recreation spot for many reasons, but one of the top draws for people is the great mountain biking trails. The trails switch off with horses so double check the schedule to confirm which trails you can bike on the day you visit.

Hikers may be on the trail so keep an eye out and slow down. There’s also a great campground here if you want to spend a few days exploring the trails.

Explore Fontana Lake By Boat

Boating on Fontana Lake is the perfect way to explore the many inlets if you don’t enjoy kayaking or paddle boarding. There are 3 marinas on Fontana Lake: Fontana Village Marina, Almond Boat and RV Park, and Prince Boat Dock. All marinas provide boating rentals.

If you own a boat you can put in at these locations along with Cable Cove Ramp.

Boating is best from May to September when the water is highest. From October to April the dam is released so the water levels are lower and the temperatures are not conducive to spending time on the lake.

FAQ: Things to Do in Bryson City, NC

Is Bryson City, NC worth visiting?

Without a doubt! I’ve been to Bryson City 6 times and I still love visiting. It’s the perfect town for a long weekend or a week-long getaway but is also a great day trip option.

How many waterfalls are in Bryson City?

The Bryson City area has 6 waterfalls. There are 3 waterfalls on the Deep Creek Loop about 5 minutes from downtown Bryson City. Alarka Creek Falls, Soco Falls, and Mingo Falls are all about 20 minutes from Bryson City.

How long is the steam train ride at Bryson City NC?

The Nantahala Gorge Excursion and the Tuckasegee River Excursion are both approximately 4.5 hours long. The Polar Express ride in the winter lasts between 1-1.5 hours.

Does Bryson City, NC have a downtown?

Yes! The downtown area in Bryson City is one of the most charming parts. Make sure to spend some time strolling Everett Street when you visit… and maybe pop into Everett Street Diner for breakfast.

Wrap-Up: Things to Do in Bryson City, NC

Bryson City is a great place to visit whether you’re a couple looking to get away for the weekend or a family on a week-long vacation. Whatever you choose to do, I’m positive you’ll have a fabulous time.

Don’t forget to visit The Rice Wagon for some garlic chicken or grab a Bacon, Egg & Cheese sandwich from Bryson City Bakery. And if you only have time for one hike, make it Deep Creek Loop!

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