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Bryson City & Swain County

About Bryson City & Swain County

Formed in 1871 from parts of Jackson County and Macon County, Swain County was named for David L. Swain, governor of North Carolina from 1832 to 1835. Much of the county lies within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including its highest peak, Clingmans Dome. Four scenic rivers, the Nantahala, Tuckasegee, Oconaluftee and Little Tennessee flow through the county and form the sprawling Lake Fontana, west of Bryson City, the county seat.

Native Americans have been living and hunting in the vicinity of what is now Bryson City for nearly 14,000 years. The Qualla Boundary, which comprises the bulk of the reservation of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, dominates the area to the east.

In 1988, a scenic line known as the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad was established with its depot and departure point in Bryson City.

Area Visitor Centers

Clingmans Dome Tower

Lodging, Dining & Things to Do

Visitors in t-shirts and shorts recline in brightly colored inner tubes in a rocky river.

Stories from Bryson City & Swain County

Brightly colored hot air balloons lift off from the ground in Rockbridge County, Virginia
Spring 2022 Events in the Blue Ridge
March 16, 2022
Arts & Culture, Wine Lovers, Craft Beer, Train Enthusiasts, Family-friendly, Fishing, Hiking Trails, Home & Garden, Live Music, Local Food, Nature & Outdoors
The trees are budding, the sun is shining, rain is falling (plus a few snowflakes, too!), and spring ephemerals are starting to peek out on the forest floor. It is spring in the Blue Ridge Mountains! Some sections of the Parkway may still be closed due to winter weather at high elevations, but check out all these amazing spring activities that you can enjoy without needing to access the Parkway!
A German Shepherd places its paws on a winery counter.
Traveling the Parkway with a Pet
January 18, 2022
Pet-Friendly
Would you like to travel the Parkway with a pet? Here are some tips for finding pet-friendly lodging, dining, and attractions near (or even on) the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Winter lights in the shape of quilt squares are brightly lit at night at the North Carolina Arboretum.
Celebrate Winter in the Blue Ridge Mountains
November 18, 2021
Family-friendly, Seasonal, Skiing, Arts & Culture
Spending the holidays in the Blue Ridge Mountains brings to mind cozy fireside nights under homespun quilts, a brisk family outing to find the perfect Christmas tree on a local farm, and the very the best slopes for skiing and sledding. We've rounded up all this and more in our guide to festive winter fun in the communities along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Man Fly Fishing on a river in McDowell County.
Where can I fish in the Blue Ridge Parkway region?
November 11, 2021
Budget-Friendly, Family-friendly, Fishing, Nature & Outdoors
There are many places in the Blue Ridge region where you can snag a prime fishing spot if you know where to look and what regulations to follow.
Joyful children stand at the top of a sledding hill with their sleds.
7 Ways to Enjoy the Parkway’s Wide Open Spaces (Even when the road is closed)
December 31, 2020
Biking, Hiking Trails, Stargazing, Waterfalls, Fishing, Winter Sports, Motorcycle Route
When high elevation nighttime temperatures dip below freezing, sections of the Parkway may be closed due to ice and snow. The roadway is not plowed or salted so closed areas become wonderful winter playgrounds for pedestrians, cyclists, skiers and snowshoers alike.
A purple women's sweater hangs over a black shirt and necklace in a store.
Tis the Season to Shop Online
December 4, 2020
Online Store, General & Country Stores, Apparel, Gems & Minerals, Home & Garden, Local Food
Many of the businesses along the Blue Ridge Parkway remain open year-round and offer such eclectic merchandise that you can shop for everyone on your holiday gift list from the comfort of your home and have the gifts delivered to your door or directly to the recipient.
A breakfast cookbook sits behind a plate of fruit, waffles, omelet and bacon with a glass of orange juice and a pitcher of syrup.
Romantic Getaways Across the Blue Ridge Parkway and Beyond
November 16, 2020
Romantic Getaway, Nature & Outdoors, In Town, Road Trip, Complimentary Breakfast
Even while staying at home we still seem to be busy. Maybe this season you'll want to slow down and make time to take a getaway with your significant other. Regardless of when you choose to enjoy a romantic getaway along the Blue Ridge Parkway, we have some options and ideas for you to consider.
411-foot Whitewater Falls drops over the rocks into multiple streams surrounded by fall-colored leaves.
Waterfalls Along the Blue Ridge Parkway
September 9, 2020
Budget-Friendly, Family-friendly, Nature & Outdoors, Hiking Trails
Numerous waterfalls are located throughout the Shenandoah, Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway regions. Some are visible from the road and some require a hike. This list notes the location and ease of access for each waterfall.
Blue Ridge Farm Museum offers a view of a historic farmstead including structures and gardens.
Exploring Farms & Orchards Along the Blue Ridge
August 26, 2020
Farm Stay, Farms & Agriculture, Farming Heritage, Working Farm
The Blue Ridge Mountains are dotted with farms producing everything from Christmas trees to trout. Fruit, flowers, herbs, jams, jellies, pies, wreaths and other crafts are all produced right here in the mountains. And what better way to get outside this year than to enjoy the fresh air of a mountain farm?
Two rows of Ferraris are parked in an overlook on the Foothills Parkway in Tennessee.
Motorcycle (or Sports Car) Touring in the Blue Ridge
July 1, 2020
Motorcycle Attraction, Motorcycle Rental, Motorcycle Route, Motorcycle-Friendly, Motorcycle-Friendly Lodging, Motorcycle-Friendly Lodging & Dining, Road Trip
Along with the 469 miles of glorious scenery winding along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains on the parkway, there are several other motor routes in North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia that are popular with motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts.