Local Attractions and Info
Mountain & road biking – Area trail and bike rental information.
Tsali Recreation Area – Complete trail information.
Tsali Cycles – Offering $20 kids bikes and other specials for the whole family.
BRYSON CITY ATTRACTIONS
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad – Excursions for any age, theme events, dinner trains.
Bryson City Outdoors – Kayak, Paddleboard, and Camping Gear Rentals, Sales and Guided Tours
Tuckasegee Fly Shop -Fly fishing outfitter and guide Service
Nantahala Brewery – Award winning Local Brewery with new farm to table restaurant the Warehouse.
Deep Creek – Just minutes from downtown Bryson City with tubing, hiking, amazing waterfalls and much more
Smoky Mountain Train Museum – 7,000 Lionel™ engines, cars and accessories, impressive operating layout, children’s activity center.
CHEROKEE ATTRACTIONS
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino – 24-hour gaming, restaurants and entertainment venue
Museum of the Cherokee Indian – An educational and interactive experience that retraces the 11,000 year history of the Cherokees.
Oconaluftee Indian Village – You’re transported back to witness the challenges of Cherokee life in the 1760s.
Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual – The oldest Native American Arts cooperative in the US. Pottery, basket weaving, carving, and tool-making on display and for sale.
“Unto These Hills” Outdoor Drama – Traces the Cherokee people through the eons, through the zenith of their power, through the heartbreak of the Trail of Tears, ending in the present day.
DRIVING, RIDING & HIKING
Appalachian Trail – 88 miles of trails in NC. Explore the Nantahala, Cheoah Bald and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Blue Ridge Parkway – “America’s Favorite Drive” starts in Cherokee. Beautiful mountain vistas, wildflowers, hiking, picnicking.
Cades Cove – Lush valley surrounded by mountains. Wildlife sitings, historic buildings.
Cataloochee Valley – Elk can be seen regularly in the fields, especially in the early morning and evening hours. Other wildlife commonly spotted include bear, deer, and turkeys.
Cherohala Skyway – Scenic 50 mile drive from Robbinsville NC to Tellico Plains TN. Leisurely drive with overlooks; highest elevation 5,400 ft.
Deals Gap – Tail of the Dragon – 118 curves in 11 miles. Perfect for sports cars and motorcycles.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) – Hiking, beautiful vistas including Clingman’s Dome observation tower.
Guided walks and hikes in the Smokies – Tours for all ages and activity levels.
Hiking – Easily accessible area hiking trails.
Horseback riding – Stables for guided rides, or bring your own horse.
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest – One and two-mile loop trails through virgin timber forest.
Slickrock Creek Wilderness Area – Trails pass through forests, by waterfalls and cascades.
Snowbird Wilderness Area – Great creek fishing for native trout.
FISHING & BOATING
Boat Rental On Fontana Lake – Pontoon and 20 hp boat rentals at closest marina to Bryson City.
Fishing Lakes & Streams – Fly fishing in mountain streams, lake fishing, fishing guides.
Fontana Lake & Dam – 29 mile long lake with 238 miles of shoreline. Fishing, boating, water-skiing.
Lake Santeetlah – Fishing, boating, swimming beach, picnicking.
FUN PARKS
The Fun Factory– Games, mini golf, bowling, go-carts, laser tag, restaurants and more.
Santa’s Land Fun Park and Zoo – Amusement park rides, petting zoo, Santa’s Workshop.
GOLFING
Sequoyah National Golf Club – Robert Trent Jones II designed 18-hole, par 72 course.
Smoky Mountain Country Club – Thomas Walker designed 18-hole, par 70 course.
HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS
Biltmore House and Gardens – Vanderbilt home, gardens and winery.
Mountain Farm Museum – 100-plus-year-old log house and farm buildings.
MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT
Music in the Mountains on Saturday Nights – Bryson City Train Depot, 6:30 – 8 pm, June – October. Free.
Smoky Mtn Center for Performing Arts – Nationally known musicians and entertainers.
Stecoah Valley Center Gallery & Music – Summer music series in renovated schoolhouse. Artisans gallery open all year.
OUTDOOR TOURS & RIDES
Wildwater Zipline Canopy Tours – The original zipline canopy tour in Western North Carolina, Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours offers 12 different zip lines and 8 sky bridges.
Wildwater Jeep Tours – 2 hour waterfalls tour in the Nantahala Gorge area.
RAFTING & TUBING
Wildwater River Rafting – Enjoy eight miles of crystal clear water and constant waves that make the Nantahala River a delight for all ages and groups.
Raft with kids on the Tuckaseigee – Family rafting – fun & adventure for children as young as 4.
Tubing – Deep Creek & Oconaluftee – Mountain tubing – an easy float or a wild whitewater ride.
SKIING
Cataloochee Ski Area – Fourteen slopes and trails that are 25% beginner, 50% intermediate, and 25% advanced to expert.
SPA & Mobile Massage
Avanti a Mobile Spa – Swedish or hot stone massage packages. We come to you!
Lift Massage Therapy – Offering Swedish, Deep Tissue, Couples Massage and other options
WATERFALLS
NC Smokies Waterfalls – Easily accessible WNC waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee, & Highlands NC areas.
Other Nearby Waterfalls – Here are some of our favorite waterfall day trips