Skip to Main Content
A train conductor checks his watch at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City, North Carolina

Bryson City is a small western North Carolina town on the banks of the Tuckasegee River bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). It’s got gorgeous scenery, local bookstores, galleries with working artisans, family friendly museums, craft breweries, a winery, and a surprising variety of restaurants. Lodging options run from mom & pop motels to country inns and B&Bs to mountain cabins and small chain hotels.

Yet the town’s size and easy-going, laid-back atmosphere belies its reputation as a premier outdoor adventure capital. It’s the activities surrounding the town that draw visitors to the area each year.

Just five minutes outside Bryson City are two lesser-known areas of the GSMNP – Deep Creek, known for waterfalls, trails, swimming holes, creek tubing, and fly fishing; and the ‘Road to Nowhere’ where you can explore a spooky tunnel and hiking trails. The main southern entrances to the GSMNP and Blue Ridge Parkway are just minutes away.

Choose from an endless supply of outdoor activities including whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking, tubing, boating, mountain biking, paddle boarding, fishing, horseback riding, and ziplining.

Like something a little tamer? Let the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad show you the sights from the comfort of a historic railroad car.

Bryson City is one hour west of Asheville, two hours from Knoxville and Greenville/Spartanburg, and three hours from Atlanta, Charlotte & Chattanooga.

Request a free Visitors Guide and e-newsletter of events at 828-488-7857, VisitorServices@explorebrysoncity.com, or www.explorebrysoncity.com.

2 Everett St
Bryson City, NC 28713
Exit at Milepost 469.1

Upcoming Events

All Events