Bryson City

Travel Guide

EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCES IN THE OLD NORTH STATE

Enjoy the many things to do in Bryson City and the surrounding area.

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Aquarium building with teal roof, large windows, and flower planters along the street

Appalachian Rivers Aquarium

Have you ever seen a Hellbender? Or seen trout from the underside of a waterfall? You can experience all this and more at the Appalachian Rivers Aquarium.

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Cherokee

Cherokee, North Carolina offers natural beauty, family attractions, outdoor activities and the rich history of the Great Smoky Mountains and is the ancestral homeland of the Cherokee Nation.

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Clingmans Dome

At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The observation tower on the summit of Clingmans Dome offers spectacular 360° views of the Smokies and beyond for visitors willing to climb the steep half-mile walk to the tower at the top.

Explore Downtown Bryson City

It’s pure small town Americana with gorgeous scenery, local bookstores, galleries with working artisans, family friendly museums, craft breweries, and a surprising variety of restaurants. Don't miss the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians (and its new Aquarium), and the Swain County Heritage Museum in the 1908 Courthouse on the Square.

Hand holding a small fish above calm water, with green foliage reflected in the background

Fishing

Fishing the Smokies is big. These waters offer more than 17 sporting species from trout to bass to Muskie. To plan your Fly Fishing experience, visit our partner Fly Fishing the Smokies for the best guides in the area.

Steam locomotive crossing a high trestle bridge through a lush green valley under a blue sky

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, located in Bryson City, North Carolina, has passenger excursions that run through the Western North Carolina countryside. Considered one of the top family-friendly attractions in North Carolina, you can relax and enjoy breathtaking scenery and an excellent meal when you ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.

Two hikers with backpacks standing by a forest waterfall

Guided Hiking Tours

With more than 800 miles of trails, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker’s paradise. Some of the most spectacular hikes are to the many waterfalls in the area. Our partner, Carolina Bound Adventures, has expert guides and offer some unique waterfall hikes.

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Horseback Riding in the Smokies

Enjoy a guided horseback riding tour of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with Smokemont Riding Stables.

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kayak lake fontana

Not comfortable going out on the water by yourself in a kayak? If you’re curious but want an experienced Guide to lead the way, we’ve got the solution with this 2-hour adventure. We’ll bring the kayak(s) and guide for you to explore beautiful Fontana Lake in Bryson City. Great family fun!

Four cyclists with mountain bikes on a wooded trail beside a stream on a sunny day

Mountain Biking

Guided mountain biking for beginners or intermediate riders includes bikes and outdoor gear. We will bike up to a total of 11 miles, but sometimes our guests care to go less… we make the experience enjoyable! This experience is perfect for our guests that are interested in mountain biking, but have little experience.

Tubing at Deep Creek

Mountain tubing can be an easy float or a wild whitewater ride. Tubing companies generally operate from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. For more information see Tubing the Smokies.

Kayakers on a calm forest stream beside a small waterfall and lush green trees
Four friends holding drinks and smiling under orange shade sails at an outdoor gathering

Waterfalls & Breweries Tour

You get the best of both on this Waterfalls and Breweries Tour with a designated driver! This ~9-hour tour visits 4 Western North Carolina waterfalls which includes some hiking, and then 5 breweries. Tour starts with a Bryson City stay location pick up at 8:00 A.M. and later drops you back off. Tour accommodates up to 7 guests and requires a 4-person minimum booking. Food trucks are available at several breweries along the way and tour includes guided hiking, a pint of beer at each brewery, plus transportation. This is our most popular tour… book early as we do sell out! Bring your friends for a fabulous day!

Rafting group in red life vests paddles through whitewater on a river with green trees nearby

White Water Rafting

A perfect combination of exciting whitewater and placid pools, the Nantahala is a great introduction to the sport of whitewater paddling. Our partner, Wildwater, can help you plan the perfect trip for you and your group.

Person in a blue helmet zip-lining through a lush green forest

Zip Lines

With five full zipline canopy tours that include multiple ziplines, sky bridges, rappelling, and more, Wildwater Zipline Tours is your go-to company ! All tours offer a soaring and gliding experience naturally fueled by changes in elevation. Canopy tours typically have 9-13 zips, with small groups of up to 10 guests plus 2 rangers, who take you through a guided trip in the tree canopy.