Bryson City: Gateway to the NC Smoky Mountains
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Mike and I planned a daytrip to Bryson City from Asheville mainly to hike the Three Waterfalls Loop. I also loved exploring the quaint Main Street. I skipped out on the train ride this time around as there are a number of ways to take in the beauty of the Smokies without paying such a high price tag.
It’s an easy daytrip from many cities in North Carolina and a nice alternative to the busy Tennessee side of the Smokies. I have highlighted some of the great attractions throughout town in my guide.
“The outdoor adventure capital of the Smokies”
Bryson is a charming small community of just over 1500 people in Western North Carolina. We have been exploring a lot of these small mountain towns since moving to the Blue Ridge region. Most of these towns are much quieter & less touristy than Asheville, which is a fantastic city, but super busy most of the year. We like taking a break every once in a while!
Bryson is a hub for exploring the southern end of the Smoky Mountains. If you have ever vacationed to Gatlinburg before, then you know that it is super crowded, the traffic is horrendous, and there are a lot of gimmicky attractions. It can be fun at times, but if you are looking for a more low-key vacation, the NC side is much more appealing.
Along with being home to a very popular scenic train ride, this small town is an outdoor lover’s paradise. With easy access to hiking trails, whitewater rafting, tubing, mountain biking, and fishing, the town stays true to its’ slogan as the “Outdoor adventure capital.” The peaceful natural setting and isolated location make it the perfect base location for enjoying the beauty of the park in a more laid-back setting.
Most tourists choose to enjoy a relaxed ride through the countryside aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. A number of rides are available including scenic trips through the Nantahala Gorge and a Tuckasegee River Excursion. Special steam trains, food & drink packages, fall foliage tours, and sunset rides are offered at various points throughout the year.
A beautiful hiking destination
Three Waterfalls Loop: This 2.2 mile loop trail in the beautiful Deep Creek region features 3 incredible waterfalls. This is the best trail I’ve hiked in the area thus far – a great bang-for-your-buck experience considering the trail isn’t that difficult. The trek is moderate and should be easy enough for most hikers in decent shape. As one of the area’s more popular trails you will want to get here early to ensure parking.
Clingman’s Dome: The highest point in the Smokies (Clingman’s at 6643 ft) is located about an hour outside of the city. A short (0.5mi) very steep walk up a paved road leads you to this magnificent observing area. Yes, it’s a bit of a workout, but worth it in the end for the magnificent mountain overlook.
Mesmerizing waterfalls
Mingo Falls: A quick 30 minute drive will lead you to this 200 foot tall waterfall wonder on the Cherokee Indian Reservation. The lush natural landscape frames the waterfall perfectly. The hike is short at just over a quarter of a mile. That being said, I would consider it moderate in intensity due to the steep steps (there are 160) early on in the hike.
Soco Falls: This unique double waterfall is also located in Cherokee. Getting here is a bit inconvenient as the parking is right off the Hwy and often full on busy weekends. Nevertheless, it’s really beautiful and secluded. Definitely check this one out if you are not up for a big hike as a simple 5 min walk is all that is required to get to the viewing area.
*Tip – Combine Mingo & Soco Falls, with a trip to Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, Saunooke Village (you can shop for local arts and crafts here), and The Museum of the Cherokee for a full day out!
More waterfalls within an easy daytrip
There are so many incredible waterfalls in this part of the state that it would be impossible for me to list them all. I really love Glen Falls (you get to see 3 falls on this one too), Bridal Veil Falls, and Upper Whitewater Falls, the tallest in the state at 411 feet. These are all a bit farther out clocking in at about 1-1.5 hrs. It’s best to combine several for a full day out.
Glen Falls is the hardest hike of the bunch with a moderate (700+ elevation gain) over 2 miles. Bridal and Dry Falls are both viewable via the road or a simple walk. Whitewater involves a short quarter mile of a walk along a paved road (plus stairs if you want a better view).
Other outdoor based attractions
Nantahala Outdoor Center: At the NOC, one of “One of the Best Outfitters on Earth” according to National Geographic, you can enjoy an entire day exploring the wilderness. Fully guided trips on fun and slightly challenging Class II and III rapids make the NOC popular with families and newbies. I went rafting for the first time several years ago – it was scary but really fun too.
Numerous activities and packages are available. Check out the Adventure Pass which includes rafting, ziplining, mountain biking, and an adventure tree tops course for just under 100 bucks.
Blue Ridge Parkway: Bryson is located just 13 miles or so from the southern end of the Parkway. “America’s Favorite Drive,” as it has been nicknamed, is absolutely beautiful during the leafy green summer and golden fall seasons. Milepost 469 is located nearby Cherokee attractions.
Along with beautiful mountain overlooks, you can also enjoy a variety of waterfall hikes (check out my top 5) and summit hikes. It’s one of the most gorgeous drives in the country – I love the scenery, the fresh mountain scent in the air, the hikes & waterfalls, and the cooler summer temps.
Main Street: Local shopping, dining, & art galleries
The small, yet charming downtown is home to a number of local restaurants, coffeehouses, and galleries. I like supporting local businesses as much as I can and walking this old-fashioned Main Streets is definitely a step back in time. A refreshing change if you live in a suburban area overloaded with chain shops and restaurants!
A few places I recommend:
Soda Pop’s Ice Cream Parlor – Take a step back in time to the 50’s at this nostalgic ice cream shop. Treat yourself to an old-time malt, shake, banana split, or waffle cone after a long day on the trails! I love the colorful retro decor and all the antiques.
Smoky Mountains Trains Museum: Features a collection of 7,000 Lionel engines.
Appalachian Mercantile: Tourist shop featuring local food goods, handmade soaps, souvenirs, stuffed animals, t-shirts, and more.
Three Rivers Gallery: Artwork highlighting the beauty of the Smokies.
Best local dining options
Mountain Perks: This cute local cafe serves delicious coffee and pastries in a cozy setting. While the prices are a bit outrageous, the food is good, servers are friendly, and the outdoor patio is beautiful. Treat yourself to a homemade cinnamon roll or NY style bagel topped with homemade cream cheese. My Americano was great and I loved the rustic vibe.
River’s End restaurant: This cafe is located about 20 min outside of downtown at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Lunch at River’s End is the perfect compliment to a day out in nature. Whether or not you are rafting, it’s worth a visit. The restaurant serves delicious food in beautiful setting on the gorge. Take a seat on the breezy covered patio, watch the rafters paddle by, and kick back with a few drinks.
Try the Sherpa Rice, a high carb recovery meal consisting of whole grain brown rice, lentils, and seasonal veggies in a soy-ginger based sauce. I would definitely order this dish again. Mike also enjoyed his “Best Dam Chicken sandwich.”
Overall, I recommend planning a trip here if you are seeking a more relaxed Smokies experience. There is not as much to do in terms of fancy vacation restaurants and museums, but it’s a great spot for the nature lover. If you are looking for a busier, vacation vibe with lots to do, I’ll direct you to my Gatlinburg travel guide for more fun.
