A visit to Bryson City NCwill take you back to a simpler,
less complicated time. Home to much of the
Great Smoky Mountains National Park,
the Bryson City area is a haven for outdoor
enthusiasts. You can raft on he Nantahala River, one of the nation's
favorite whitewater rafting venues, or
explore the beautiful waters of Fontana Lake. Cascading trout streams, biking and hiking trails
and spectacular mountain views abound in the Bryson City area. Weekend live local music, train
rides and festivals complete this friendly, fun-filled community.
Bryson City is
located in Swain County
an area
which is more than 87% national forest. Many
consider this part of the mountains to be
the adventure capital of WNC.
Whitewater rafting
is a local specialty attracting 1000s of
visitor annually to participate or watch
local, regional and national kayaking
championships. From beginners to pros there
are rapids suitable for everyone.
Marianna Black Library
Free movies, music jams,
art displays and a variety of activities for
children and adults for full time and seasonal
area residents.
Tailgate Farmers Market
Friday 9AM - 1 PM
You'll find locally grown produce and other edibles, plants, flowers, crafts and more at the market. Every Friday May - October.
Island Street in Bryson CIty
Ongoing or Seasonal Events:
STORYTELLING CENTER OF THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS -
Year around
storytelling and heritage events. 225C Everett Street. MARRIANA BLACK LIBRARY
- Classic movies
on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month, at 4:00 PM.
Music Jam 1st and 3rd Thursdays, 6PM - 7:30 year around.
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
- Events throughout the year. View the full calendar
online.
SMOKY MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY THEATRE
- Productions run May through
December. 134 Main Street Bryson City, NC SWAIN COUNTY FARMERS MARKET -
Friday Mornings, May - October at The Old Barn on the River.
Find homegrown produce as well as baked goods, jellies and
preserves, and craft items.
TUNES ON THE TUCK CONCERTS -
Saturday evenings from June through October at Riverfront
Park, 101 Mitchell Street. 7 PM - 9 PM.
HIKE THE SMOKIES - Enjoy guided
hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at various
special locations. Hosted by The Friends of the Smokies.
Find future and additional
mountain events and Festivals on the
NC Events Calendar
Bryson
City
NC Cabins and Vacation Rentals:
Cabin on the Nantahala River- 3
bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps up to 8. 1400 ' river
frontage, privacy, beautifully furnished, quick access
to attractions, wood-burning fireplace, Luxury one-of-a
kind accommodation with world-class fishing.
See cabin photos and rental availability
Private Setting with hot tub and views
- 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 5-7.Hot
tub with mountain view, ping pong, pool,
foosball, deck, gas grill, picnic table, fire
pit. Pets considered. Located
near Almond SW of Bryson City.
Get photos, rental details and
availablilty
Pond view Contemporary cabin rental
- 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 5. Perfect for
nature lovers and PET FRIENDLY. Covered deck with gas
grill and jacuzzi overlooking the pond fountain.
Internet. Average $154 per night.
get details and information
Great Smoky Mountains National ParkRidge upon ridge of endless forest straddles the
border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World
renowned for the diversity of its 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
Great Smoky Mountain Railroadchugs out of Bryson City NC on a daily
basis. With the romance and mystique of an era gone by,
guests on board the Great Smoky
Mountains Railroad will enjoy scenic train
journeys across fertile valleys, through tunnels
and across river gorges in a spectacular region
called the Great Smoky Mountains. This section
of western North Carolina offers a wide array of
ever changing vegetation and fantastic
landscapes.
Smoky Mountains Train
Museum:
Nantahala GorgeHighway 19/74
west out of Bryson City takes you through the
Nantahala Gorge, home to premier whitewater
rafting and kayaking. This is a beautiful drive
right next to the water with plenty of pull-offs
and picnic spots. Eight miles (as the river
flows) up the river, turn at the raft launch
site and continue up the Wayah Road for a few
miles following swift-flowing water past
waterfalls and great trout fishing spots. You
may continue on to Wayah Bald’s observation
tower and on to Franklin NC. For more scenic drives...
The Road to NowhereWith so much to
see and do in the Bryson City area, it is
hard to imagine a day when you might have
nowhere to go. But just in case, there is always
the Road to Nowhere, a scenic mountain highway
that takes you eight miles into the Great
Smoky Mountains National Park and ends at
the mouth of a tunnel. On the map, it is called
Lakeview Drive, but to the citizens of Swain
County it is The Road to Nowhere and a "broken
promise
Alarka Falls -
From Bryson City
take 74 West to exit 64 (Alarka Road)
continue about 10 miles to end. Over 200
' falls in secluded area
The Cottage Craftsmen
is a unique gallery and market that celebrates
traditional and contemporary fine art, craft,
specialty foods, wine and music with a focus on
those artists and craftsman who live, work and
play in the mountains of Western North Carolina.
Artisans who use, and re-use, natural
materials, often gathered locally, to create
handmade products. 15 Everett St, Bryson City, NC
Charles Heath - a
versatile artist creating works in pen and ink,
pastels, acrylics, oils, mixed media and
photography. His original art, as well as fine
art prints are showcased at Heath Creations
Studio and Gallery in Bryson City. Much of Charles' work reflects his
North Carolina heritage - from lighthouses on
the Outer Banks to lush Smoky Mountain
landscapes. 175 Everett Street, Bryson City
NC
Pincu Pottery - Visit the
gallery to view a wide selection of handmade,
functional pottery pieces and see the potter at
work. Schedule a class - classes are offered to
both adults and children - and learn how to make
your own pots! Individual instruction and
pottery tools also available.
Mountain Perks Expresso Bar and Cafe'
- a quiet, cozy espresso bar nestled in the
heart of downtown Bryson City NC. We offer
espresso drinks, cappuccino specialties, bagels,
wraps, and salads served in a friendly
atmosphere with breathtaking scenery of the
North Carolina mountains. 9 Depot Street, Bryson
City NC
Anthony's
Italian Restaurant
103 Depot Street, Bryson City NC
Bar-B-Que Wagon
828-488-9521 6610 Main St., Bryson City, NC
Smoky Mountains Trains Museum
- Several thousand model trains and
accessories from many eras circle the
perimeter of the Activity Center. The
oldest train dates back to a 1910 Volt
amp engine. The Lionel™ collection
starts in 1918. You will see engine
numbers 42, 33 and 38 that date between
1918 and 1920.
Appalachian Mercantile
828-488-2531
158 Everett Street, Bryson City, NC