Guidebook for Bryson City
Food Scene
Wonderful decor and a very pleasant staff that gives great service. I love their delicious crepes!! Grilled chicken pesto is outstanding and my favorite.
95 locals recommend
The Bistro at the Everett Hotel
16 Everett StWonderful decor and a very pleasant staff that gives great service. I love their delicious crepes!! Grilled chicken pesto is outstanding and my favorite.
The best place in Bryson City for classic New York Pizza and Italian food. My place for Pizza.
67 locals recommend
Anthony's Restaurant
15 Depot StThe best place in Bryson City for classic New York Pizza and Italian food. My place for Pizza.
Drinks & Nightlife
Great beer selections, with very good prices. My favorite is Dirty Girl Blonde light, crisp and lager-ishly refreshing. I enjoy the music and sitting on the porch.
95 locals recommend
Nantahala Brewing Company
5 Deep Creek RdGreat beer selections, with very good prices. My favorite is Dirty Girl Blonde light, crisp and lager-ishly refreshing. I enjoy the music and sitting on the porch.
Parks & Nature
A Wondrous Diversity of Life
Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America's most visited national park.
382 locals recommend
Great Smoky Mountains
A Wondrous Diversity of Life
Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America's most visited national park.
The Deep Creek area is celebrated for its streams and waterfalls. Hikers can choose from several loop hikes leading to the waterfalls. Mountain bikers can take advantage of one of the few park trails where bicycles are permitted.
• Bicycling: Bicycles are allowed on Deep Creek and Indian Creek trails to the points where the old roadbeds end and the trail treads begin.
• Hiking: Around 2 miles of walking will acquaint you with beautiful Deep Creek and three pretty waterfalls. Deep Creek area loop hikes include Juney Whank Falls (0.6 mile), Three Waterfalls Loop (2.4 miles), and Deep Creek-Indian Creek Loop (4.4 miles). Longer loop hikes are also possible. Trails to the waterfalls start from the large parking area at the end of Deep Creek Road (across the creek from Deep Creek Campground).
• Fishing: Pick up fishing regulations at a park visitor center. A Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required to fish within park boundaries. A fishing license may be purchased in Bryson City or other nearby communities or online from the states of North Carolina or Tennessee.
• Picnicking: There is a sizable picnic area with restrooms and changing rooms available. The picnic area is open year-round. The pavilion may be reserved by calling (877) 444-6777 or visiting http://www.recreation.gov
Directions: To get to Deep Creek, head to Bryson City, NC and follow the signs three miles to Deep Creek.
Mileage
from Cherokee—13
from Gatlinburg—47
Deep Creek Trail
Deep Creek TrailThe Deep Creek area is celebrated for its streams and waterfalls. Hikers can choose from several loop hikes leading to the waterfalls. Mountain bikers can take advantage of one of the few park trails where bicycles are permitted.
• Bicycling: Bicycles are allowed on Deep Creek and Indian Creek trails to the points where the old roadbeds end and the trail treads begin.
• Hiking: Around 2 miles of walking will acquaint you with beautiful Deep Creek and three pretty waterfalls. Deep Creek area loop hikes include Juney Whank Falls (0.6 mile), Three Waterfalls Loop (2.4 miles), and Deep Creek-Indian Creek Loop (4.4 miles). Longer loop hikes are also possible. Trails to the waterfalls start from the large parking area at the end of Deep Creek Road (across the creek from Deep Creek Campground).
• Fishing: Pick up fishing regulations at a park visitor center. A Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license is required to fish within park boundaries. A fishing license may be purchased in Bryson City or other nearby communities or online from the states of North Carolina or Tennessee.
• Picnicking: There is a sizable picnic area with restrooms and changing rooms available. The picnic area is open year-round. The pavilion may be reserved by calling (877) 444-6777 or visiting http://www.recreation.gov
Directions: To get to Deep Creek, head to Bryson City, NC and follow the signs three miles to Deep Creek.
Mileage
from Cherokee—13
from Gatlinburg—47
The area is named after a Cherokee Indian who once lived in this area. It is designed for camping, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
The trails are fast, hard-packed single-track, and they’re well designed and well used. Trails alternate use between mountain bikers and horseback riders on different days; 2 will always be open to mountain biking. There is a $2 trail use fee for one day.
The parking area has restrooms & an informational bulletin board. There is boat ramp access to Lake Fontana. The 4 long main trails wind along the lake shore and there are several connector trails, gravel roads and extension trails that give options besides the main loops. Three designated overlooks provide views of Fontana Lake & the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the other side.
14 locals recommend
Tsali Campground, US Forest Service, Cheoah Ranger District
The area is named after a Cherokee Indian who once lived in this area. It is designed for camping, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
The trails are fast, hard-packed single-track, and they’re well designed and well used. Trails alternate use between mountain bikers and horseback riders on different days; 2 will always be open to mountain biking. There is a $2 trail use fee for one day.
The parking area has restrooms & an informational bulletin board. There is boat ramp access to Lake Fontana. The 4 long main trails wind along the lake shore and there are several connector trails, gravel roads and extension trails that give options besides the main loops. Three designated overlooks provide views of Fontana Lake & the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the other side.
Arts & Culture
“Story of the Cherokees: 13,000 Years” received an award from the National Association for Interpretation, and has been called “A model for museums,” by Van Romans, Disney Imagineering. This exhibit uses artifacts, artwork, life-sized figures, computer generated animation to tell the story of the Cherokee people and their long life in the southern Appalachians. With each visit I learn more about the Cherokee people. A must do when visiting Cherokee.
86 locals recommend
Museum of the Cherokee Indian
589 Tsali Blvd“Story of the Cherokees: 13,000 Years” received an award from the National Association for Interpretation, and has been called “A model for museums,” by Van Romans, Disney Imagineering. This exhibit uses artifacts, artwork, life-sized figures, computer generated animation to tell the story of the Cherokee people and their long life in the southern Appalachians. With each visit I learn more about the Cherokee people. A must do when visiting Cherokee.
The Oconaluftee Indian Village is a replica of an 18th-century eastern Cherokee community located in Cherokee, North Carolina, United States. The Cherokee "living museum" is operated by the Cherokee Historical Association.
44 locals recommend
Oconaluftee Indian Village
218 Drama RdThe Oconaluftee Indian Village is a replica of an 18th-century eastern Cherokee community located in Cherokee, North Carolina, United States. The Cherokee "living museum" is operated by the Cherokee Historical Association.
On the second floor of the courthouse, the Swain County Heritage Museum tells the story of the County and its people. Through photos, exhibits and video you will learn about the life of early settlers; and how the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Fontana Dam rewrote the landscape and changed lives. You will enjoy seeing the restored log cabin porch, the 1887 church organ and one-room schoolhouse desks, and children's activity area among other items. The museum is open daily; hours vary by season, Free admission. Parking lot behind the courthouse.
15 locals recommend
Swain County Visitor Center and Heritage Museum
2 Everett StOn the second floor of the courthouse, the Swain County Heritage Museum tells the story of the County and its people. Through photos, exhibits and video you will learn about the life of early settlers; and how the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Fontana Dam rewrote the landscape and changed lives. You will enjoy seeing the restored log cabin porch, the 1887 church organ and one-room schoolhouse desks, and children's activity area among other items. The museum is open daily; hours vary by season, Free admission. Parking lot behind the courthouse.
Shopping
They have some of the most unique items. I love doing my Christmas shopping at Madison's.
20 locals recommend
Madison's on Main
110 Main StThey have some of the most unique items. I love doing my Christmas shopping at Madison's.
Ingles is our largest market. Food is fresh and a wide variety. This is where I shop.
68 locals recommend
Ingles Markets
19/23 Hughes Branch RdIngles is our largest market. Food is fresh and a wide variety. This is where I shop.
Entertainment & Activities
Come out and play with great concerts, shows and big name entertainment at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center. The 3,000 seat Event Center has hosted big names like Hank Williams Jr., Lady Antebellum, Reba McEntire and more!
330 locals recommend
Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort
777 Casino DrCome out and play with great concerts, shows and big name entertainment at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center. The 3,000 seat Event Center has hosted big names like Hank Williams Jr., Lady Antebellum, Reba McEntire and more!
Closest whitewater rafting to Asheville. NOC offers 3 experience levels within an hour’s drive from downtown Asheville. They offer a variety of rafting experiences on the three infamous rivers.
The free-flowing French Broad River offers playtime and beautiful views as it winds through the mountains of Pisgah National Forest. The Pigeon River offers a thrilling Class III and IV experience and provides a very fast and fun whitewater experience. The beautiful Nolichucky River, the “Noli,” boasts steep, technical rapids while traversing one of the deepest canyons in the East.
Our newest adventure the Nantahala Outdoor Center Adventure Park allows you to soar more than 550' through the air on the Wesser Zip, the Nantahala Gorge’s most fun zip line, and take on a multi-level rope challenge as high as 60' above the forest floor.
446 locals recommend
Nantahala Outdoor Center
13077 U.S. Highway 19Closest whitewater rafting to Asheville. NOC offers 3 experience levels within an hour’s drive from downtown Asheville. They offer a variety of rafting experiences on the three infamous rivers.
The free-flowing French Broad River offers playtime and beautiful views as it winds through the mountains of Pisgah National Forest. The Pigeon River offers a thrilling Class III and IV experience and provides a very fast and fun whitewater experience. The beautiful Nolichucky River, the “Noli,” boasts steep, technical rapids while traversing one of the deepest canyons in the East.
Our newest adventure the Nantahala Outdoor Center Adventure Park allows you to soar more than 550' through the air on the Wesser Zip, the Nantahala Gorge’s most fun zip line, and take on a multi-level rope challenge as high as 60' above the forest floor.
Sightseeing
Highlights: mountain views, high elevation spruce-fir forest
At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is the highest point in Tennessee, and the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi. Only Mt. Mitchell (6,684 feet) and Mt. Craig (6,647), both located in Mt. Mitchell State Park in western North Carolina, rise higher. 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.
On clear days views expand over a 100 miles. Unfortunately, air pollution often limits viewing distances to under 20 miles.
Clouds, precipitation, and cold temperatures are common at Clingmans Dome. Temperatures at the dome can be 10 -20 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than in the surrounding lowlands. In fact, the cool, wet conditions on Clingmans Dome's summit make the spruce-fir forest that grows there a coniferous rainforest. Proper preparation is essential for a good visit. Dress in layers and be sure to bring a jacket, even in summer.
Although Clingmans Dome Observation Tower is open year-round, the road leading to it is closed from December 1 through March 31, and whenever weather conditions require.
It's seven miles to the end of Clingmans Dome Road and there are scenic pullouts with endless views of ridges and valleys along the way. The road ends in a large parking area from which a 0.5 mile trail leads to the summit. The trail is paved but steep, and leads to an observation tower on top.
Pets and bicycles are not permitted on the paved trail to the observation tower, or on any other trails in the area. A bike rack is located near the beginning of the paved trail to park bikes while walking to the top. You will need to bring a lock with you to secure your bike.
Although the trail is paved, it is too steep to be wheelchair accessible.
Besides the trail to the summit, there are several trails that start on Clingmans Dome Road and parking area. The Appalachian Trail (AT) crosses Clingmans Dome, marking the highest point along its journey from Georgia to Maine. The Forney Ridge Trail leads to Andrews Bald, a high-elevation grassy bald.
Watch the video, Clingmans Dome - Highpoint of the Great Smoky Mountains, to learn more about the Dome.
Directions: Turn off Newfound Gap Road 0.1 mile south of Newfound Gap and follow the 7-mile-long Clingmans Dome Road to the large parking area at the end.
Mileage to Clingmans Dome:
from Cherokee-25
from Gatlinburg-23
41 locals recommend
Clingmans Dome Visitor Center
Clingmans Dome RoadHighlights: mountain views, high elevation spruce-fir forest
At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is the highest point in Tennessee, and the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi. Only Mt. Mitchell (6,684 feet) and Mt. Craig (6,647), both located in Mt. Mitchell State Park in western North Carolina, rise higher. 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.
On clear days views expand over a 100 miles. Unfortunately, air pollution often limits viewing distances to under 20 miles.
Clouds, precipitation, and cold temperatures are common at Clingmans Dome. Temperatures at the dome can be 10 -20 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than in the surrounding lowlands. In fact, the cool, wet conditions on Clingmans Dome's summit make the spruce-fir forest that grows there a coniferous rainforest. Proper preparation is essential for a good visit. Dress in layers and be sure to bring a jacket, even in summer.
Although Clingmans Dome Observation Tower is open year-round, the road leading to it is closed from December 1 through March 31, and whenever weather conditions require.
It's seven miles to the end of Clingmans Dome Road and there are scenic pullouts with endless views of ridges and valleys along the way. The road ends in a large parking area from which a 0.5 mile trail leads to the summit. The trail is paved but steep, and leads to an observation tower on top.
Pets and bicycles are not permitted on the paved trail to the observation tower, or on any other trails in the area. A bike rack is located near the beginning of the paved trail to park bikes while walking to the top. You will need to bring a lock with you to secure your bike.
Although the trail is paved, it is too steep to be wheelchair accessible.
Besides the trail to the summit, there are several trails that start on Clingmans Dome Road and parking area. The Appalachian Trail (AT) crosses Clingmans Dome, marking the highest point along its journey from Georgia to Maine. The Forney Ridge Trail leads to Andrews Bald, a high-elevation grassy bald.
Watch the video, Clingmans Dome - Highpoint of the Great Smoky Mountains, to learn more about the Dome.
Directions: Turn off Newfound Gap Road 0.1 mile south of Newfound Gap and follow the 7-mile-long Clingmans Dome Road to the large parking area at the end.
Mileage to Clingmans Dome:
from Cherokee-25
from Gatlinburg-23