I’ve visited the Smoky Mountain region many times, but I recently discovered a lesser-known hidden gem just 1.5 hours away.
Bryson City, North Carolina, offers downtown charm, outdoor adventure, and fantastic local restaurants with scenic mountain views.
It’s the perfect destination for anyone who enjoys the mountains without the crowds.
My friend joined me for a girlfriend getaway filled with outdoor adventures and relaxation. We also didn’t have to cook for our families all weekend, which was an additional bonus.
This article is written in partnership with Explore Bryson City. All opinions are my own, and this article contains affiliate links.
Take the Nantahala Gorge Train Excursion With Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
226 Everett Street, Bryson City, NC
We enjoyed a scenic train ride with views of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Nantahala National Forest, and Fontana Lake departing from downtown Bryson City.
The Nantahala (nan-tuh-HAY-luh) Gorge Train Excursion is a 4.5-hour round-trip ride covering 44 miles, powered by a steam or diesel locomotive, depending on the date and season.
One of my favorite parts of the train trip was traveling across the Fontana Trestle.
There are several options to choose from for your class of service on the train.
- Adult First Class with onboard dining available
- Premium Open Air Gondola
- Crown Class
- Coach Pluss
- Coach Class
- Open Air Gondola
Crown, Coach, and Gondola guests can pre-purchase a lunch option from the Box Lunch Menu to make this a unique dining experience.
We rode in the Coach Class. Our seats were very comfortable, and the windows slid open, which was nice for pictures.
The train doesn’t turn around, so I recommend sitting on the left side of the train for the most scenic views when you depart from Bryson City.
Our train trip also had a one-hour layover at Nantahala Outdoor Center. You can watch the activity on the river or grab a snack or meal.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers a variety of train trips for guests to choose from.
Nantahala Gorge Excursions depart from Bryson City in the summer and fall. The 1.25-hour Polar Express train ride is also very popular for families around the holidays.
If you’re traveling with kids on a longer train trip, you may want to also plan some activities for their time on the train.
There are staff who stop by each train car with a variety of gift shop-type items that you can purchase.
Visit Nantahala Outdoor Center
13077 US-19, Bryson City, NC
Our layover at Nantahala Outdoor Center happened to be during the Live Like Maria Freestyle Classic US Team Trials & US Nationals for whitewater kayakers.
It was incredible to watch them showcase their skills on the water.
Nantahala Outdoor Center has bragging rights as one of the oldest and largest commerical outdoor recreation and adventure companies.
The 500 acre campus in Nantahala River Gorge was founded in 1972 and is known for their a renowed paddling school.
Nantahala Outdoor Center offers a variety of adventures and white water rafting trips, land and air adventures.
Take a Scenic Boat Tour with Fontana Guides
Lemons Branch Boat Dock Road, Almond, NC
Fontana Guides offers daytime and sunset cruises on Fontana Lake that are BYOB where you can learn about the local wildlife and enjoy views of the Smoky Mountains from the water.
This lake is the deepest in the state, with a maximum depth of 440 feet and an average depth of 135 feet, and 240 miles of shoreline.
During our scenic tour, we were also searching for bears, which can sometimes be spotted near the shoreline.
We didn’t see any that day, but it was most likely because it was also the first day of bear hunting season, and I can’t blame them for staying out of sight.
I’d suggest packing binoculars to help with spotting wildlife along the way including birds.
Fontana Guides also offers year-round guided fishing trips in Western Carolina on Fontana Lake, Tuckasegee River, Little Tennessee River, and the Oconaluftee River.
They offer fly fishing or conventional tackle on the river or lake, and wade or float trips, and supply all the gear. If you haven’t tried fly fishing for trout in the area, I highly recommend it.
All fly fishing trips with Fontana Guides are catch-and-release fishing.
You can book out a couple of weeks in advance, but they can also sometimes accommodate last-minute bookings.
Relax at a Private Treetop Soaking Cabana at Lakeview at Fontana
171 Lakeview Lodge DrBryson City, NC
Did you know that you can relax in a completely private open-air soaking cabana with a view? Yes, please!
Seriously, it was SURREAL to experience relaxation with a view of the Smoky Mountains.
My friend and I each had separate cabanas and enjoyed 90 minutes of solitude.
I tend to take a while to unwind, but this setting definitely set me up for an immediate relaxing vibe.
The soak appointments are designed for couples but can also be enjoyed solo.
The cabana has spa music already set up, or you can play your own choice of music through the Bluetooth Bose speakers.
Each cabana has a private bathroom, bath towels, robes, and bath products provided for guests to use during the soak appointment, with one soaking tub per cabana.
There’s no staff contact for this experience, which honestly threw me off upon arrival.
You’ll find you’re assigned cabana number at the check in area.
Guests take a hiking trail to their numbered cabana on the mountainside.
It’s not an intense hike, but it’s far enough away that you’ll want to bring a bag with a change of clothes after your soak time ends.
You can book Lakeview at Fontana soaking appointments online up to 12 hours in advance or text “book soak today” to 800-742-6492 for a last-minute appointment.
Text to book a 3-hr soak and 90-minute cabana rentals can be booked online.
Overnight guests have access to all of the resort’s amenities including the outdoor pool, 2.5 mile hiking trail, lounge, outdoor seating and the Treetop Soaking Cabana.
Elk Viewing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
1194 Newfound Gap Rd, Bryson City, NC (Near Cherokee)
It was 1000% worth getting up super early to watch elk at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
We even noticed an elk before we even reached the entrance of the park so be mindful of your surroundings and drive on high alert.
As we entered the park, we noticed elk casually standing in the middle of the road and alongside the road.
Another popular spot for elk watching is the fields that are adjacent to the visitor center along the Oconaluftee River Trail.
The fields are closed to the public when elk are present for visitor safety.
The national park is free to enter, but you must purchase a parking tag if you plan on parking longer than 15 minutes during your time in the national park.
Parking tag machines are at the visitor center, and trust me, it’s not worth an expensive citation ticket from a ranger.
A parking tag is $5 daily, $15 for 7 consecutive days, or $40 annually.
I’m happy to pay the fee because it helps with the park’s operation and maintenance costs.
Elk are most active in the national park around dawn and dusk, so plan your visit accordingly.
This is another place where binoculars can come in handy.
You also don’t want to walk near the elk, especially during rut/mating season.
We witnessed a visitor come way too close to a bull elk in the woods for a picture. It’s not worth the risk for a photo.
I’d also dress in layers because the temperatures can change throughout the day.
Visit Highland Cows at Walnut Creek Farm
2155 Guge Road, Bryson City, NC
(Make a reservation)
I love any chance I get to hang out with Highland cows. These “grass puppies” are adorable.
Walnut Creek Farm offers appointments to visit their Scottish Highland cows.
Normally, I wouldn’t kiss a cow, but I was told one cow loved sharing carrots, so I gave it a try.
I chickened out the first few times and dropped the carrot, but eventually it worked.
The farm currently has 10 Scottish Highland cows
Animal behavior determines the experience and location of the cows to keep cows and guests safe.
During our visit, a pregnant cow was within days of giving birth. That’s why we experienced the Highland cows from the opposite side of the fence that day.
Both Male and female Scottish Highland cows have horns, and the horns help regulate their body temperature.
The cows are most active in the morning and late afternoon.
The farm is also a private residence, and you must have an appointment to visit.
You can book appointments a few days or months in advance. If you have a specific date in mind, I’d recommend booking ahead.
The 20-acre farm is also a popular spot for birthday parties and has even been the location for marriage proposals.
Hike to Multiple Waterfalls at Deep Creek Trails and Waterfalls
Deep Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713
(Make sure you purchase a parking pass before your hike)
You can hike to three cascading waterfalls at Deep Creek: Tom Branch, Indian Creek, and Juney Whank.
The 2.4-mile Waterfall Loop hike takes hikers past all three waterfalls.
We were short on time and opted to hike to one of the three waterfalls.
The hike to Juney Whank Falls from the Deep Creek Trailhead parking lot is a .6 miles loop that takes between 30 to 60 minutes, with an elevation gain of 144 feet and a wooden footbridge that crosses the 80 ft waterfall.
Deep Creek is also a popular spot for fishing, tubing, mountain biking, picnicking, and horseback riding.
Stop by the Appalachian Rivers Aquarium
117 Island St, Bryson City, NC
Free admission – donations appreciated
These next two attractions are perfect as a rainy day adventure or while you’re exploring downtown. They’re both located a short walk from the main street.
The Appalachian Rivers Aquarium, with 4,000 gallons of water, features a variety of freshwater fish and amphibians.
You’ll learn more about the native freshwater ecosystem through their interactive activities, displays, and educational demos by staff.
This aquarium is small but mighty, boasting the Southeast’s largest display tank for the state-endangered Eastern Hellbender Salamander.
Visit the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians
117 Island St, Bryson City, NC
Free admission – donations appreciated
The Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians is filled with historical artifacts related to fly fishing.
The museum features interesting anglers and the region’s special connection to fly fishing that makes Bryson City the fly fishing capital of the South.
You don’t have to be an avid fisherman to appreciate this museum.
Admire the evolution of fly rods and reels over the years, along with the craftsmanship for the hand-tied flies that could also double as art.
Seasonal Events at the Aquarium Campus Park
If you visit the Aquarium Campus Park on a Friday from 9 AM- 2 PM, May through October, the Smoky Mountain Farmers and Artisans Market is hosted onsite, featuring local agricultural products and artisan crafts.
Riverfront Family Fest, a free family-friendly event, takes place each Saturday from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend.
Explore the Shops in Downtown Bryson City
Downtown Bryson City offers a variety of local shops, including boutiques, bookstores, apparel, antiques, galleries, and restaurants.
You’ll want to allow time to explore of the great local shops downtown.
There are stores that appeal to a wide range of interests, hobbies and gift ideas.
And you can’t go wrong with a stop at the Chocolate Shoppe along the way.
Most shops in downtown Bryson City are open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Great Places to Eat in Bryson City, NC
My friend is gluten-free, which tends to be pretty limiting when it comes to dining out.
We were surprised that so many Bryson City restaurants had great options for gluten-free patrons.
Lunch at High Test Deli and Sweet Shop
145 Everett Street, Bryson City, NC
I can’t say enough good things about High Test Deli and Sweet Shop. The staff is exceptionally friendly, and their made-to-order sandwiches are amazing!
Come hungry because they are very filling.
This restaurant is celiac-friendly and goes to great lengths to protect customer orders for gluten-free options by using special gloves and a special knife for prep.
We shared an order of gluten-free fries that were large enough for more than two people.
The Cuban and Italian Turbo sandwiches are two of their most popular sandwiches on their menu, so we had to try them.
Fun fact: High Test Deli and Sweet Shop is the country’s biggest buyer of Cuban bread.
Their wraps or hoagies are gluten-free and can be toasted.
We were already full from our sandwiches so we walked around for a bit before returning for their GIANT homemade Ice Cream sandwiches.
We met owner Barry Tetraul outside the deli while we were trying to decide what to do with the remainder of our ice cream sandwiches.
It was easy for us to understand why this business has been around for 20 years after our encounter with him.
He greeted many patrons by name and became fast friends with strangers You can tell when a business is all about the people, and it shows.
He said that many guests pack a cooler to take the remainder of their ice cream sandwiches with them. Their ice cream sandwiches are packaged in a liner and foil for easier travel.
He also offered to hold my ice cream sandwich in their freezer so I could pick it up later after our adventures around town.
Normally I’d choose a chocolate cookie, but I decided to venture out and try a flavor I wouldn’t normally choose first.
Their cookies and ice cream are both homemade, and one ice cream sandwich could easily satisfy 2-4 people.
Dinner at The Everett Hotel Bistro
16 Everett Street, Bryson City, NC
We enjoyed a dinner at The Everett Hotel Bistro inside a hotel that was the former Bryson City Bank dating back to 1905.
I started with the Trout cake as an appetizer that came with a delicious remoulade sauce on the side.
For our entrees my friend ordered the gluten free beef stroganoff and I ordered the filet.
Rooftop Drinks With a View
We took our cocktails to the roof after dinner to enjoy the mountain views and views of downtown.
There isn’t a bar on the rooftop so you need to carry your drinks but you’ll be rewarded with comfortable seating around the fire place.
La Dolce Vita Bakery
191 Everett Street, Bryson City, NC
We stopped at La Dolce Vita Bakery for a latte and quick breakfast before our train ride. They roast house coffee from single-origin coffee beans sourced from around the world.
My friend ordered the gluten-free bagel breakfast sandwich, and I ordered the Charleston.
It’s a loaded grits bowl with stone-ground grits topped with a fried over-easy egg, bacon, their housemade pimento cheese, pepitas, arugula, tomatoes, cheddar, pickled red onions, red pepper flakes, and honey-lime sriracha aioli.
La Dolce Vita Bakery also has gluten-free pastries. My friend ordered a muffin to enjoy later for her train ride snack.
Visit Darnell Farms
2300 Governors Island Rd, Bryson City, NC
Darnell Farms is a second-generation family farm located less than 3 miles from downtown Bryson City and located along the Tuckasegee River.
You’ll find local seasonal produce, family fun, and special community events for patrons throughout the year.
During our visit, customers were selecting their pumpkins and enjoying the fall activities, including a scenic hayride and live music.
The farm also has playgrounds and swings along the scenic riverbank for guests of all ages.
Try a Homemade Fried Pie at Sandra D’s Fried Pies
125 Everett St Unit B, Bryson City, NC
Who doesn’t love any excuse to try a fried pie?
Sandra D’s Fried Pies offers a variety of fried pies, including fruit pies, savory lunch pies, custard pies, and cream chees fried pies.
I ordered the “Dried Apple” fried pie made with rehydrated and spiced apples. It tastes similar to apple butter and is one of their best sellers.
Unforgettable Pastries at Bryson City Bakery
164 Main St, Bryson City, NC
Be prepared, you’ll probably want to visit this bakery more than once during your visit…even if your only staying 2 nights.
Bryson City Bakery takes pastries to the next level. If you see a line to the door, I promise it’s worth the wait.
It’s incredibly hard to narrow down all of the decadent options that double as works of art when it’s finally your moment to order.
Their pastries are made in house and they even laminate their own dough, meaning their dough has layers of butter folded in.
I tried bites of the morning bun and the honey butter biscuit because I had a hard time choosing and I was curious about both but I wasn’t ready for a more decadent pastry.
Bryson City Bakery also has gluten-free options that still taste good for gluten eaters. I know because I tried a bite of my friend’s pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting.
If you grab a coffee they feature beans from Smoky Mountain Roasters and offer speciality drinks with a variety of flavored and seasonal flavors.
Dine by the River at The Tuck and Table
80 Everett Street
The Tuck and Table has riverside dining and a relaxed atmosphere open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 6 days a week.
We enjoyed lunch for our last day on their outdoor patio with views of the Tuckasegee River.
I tried the Trout Club Sanwich made with sourdough bread, trout cake, Duke’s mayo, sharp cheddar, bacon and Granny Smith apples with a side of fries and my friend ordered their salad with chicken and a side of their vinegrette.
Where We Stayed –Watershed – Fall’s Edge
Deep Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC
We stayed in a gorgeous 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom vacation home with private panoramic mountain views at the Fall’s Edge cabin at Watershed.
The winding paved road up the mountain was worth it when we stepped inside and found unobstructed views with modern and thoughtful design inside.
From the deck you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Nantahala Gorge and Deal’s Gap.
There are two bedrooms on the first floor and a third bedroom on the lower level. The open floor plan is great for gathering in the kitchen or by the fireplace with a mountain view.
The lower level also has a great living area for gathering and playing games. There’s a gas fire pit on the deck and a fire pit accessible from the basement walkout.
The Falls neighborhood has three waterfalls on property. You’ll drive by two of them on the road to the cabin.
Unfortunately, we ran out of time and didn’t get to hike to the third waterfall a short hike from our cabin.
This is defintiely the type of property that you’re sad to leave.
Find additional hotels and vacation rentals in Bryson City here.
