Top 10 Outdoor Activities in Bryson City, North Carolina (NC)

At the Nantahala, Wildwater is the original outfitter for the Raft & Rail excursion, and also offers Jeep Tours, raft and inflatable kayak rentals,fully guided whitewater rafting trips and zipline canopy tours with Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours. For a multi-day experience, Wildwater Nantahala also offers group lodging and unique Yurt lodging at Falling Waters Resort across the street from our Nantahala Adventure Center. Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours, the first zipline canopy tour in Western NC, is also located on the Falling Waters property. Family owned and operated since 1971, Wildwater is the only company to offer a Quality Service Guarantee. Wildwater offers over 15 different trips on four different rivers in the Southeast.

Nantahala Outdoor Center is one of the nation’s largest outdoor recreation companies. Over a million guests visit NOC annually to embark on a diverse collection of more than 120 different whitewater rafting and land-based itineraries. Learn to kayak at NOC’s world-renowned Paddling School, soar through the trees on NOC's multiple zip lines, travel to foreign countries with NOC’s Adventure Travel program, test the latest outdoor gear and shop at our three LEED-certified flagship retail stores or enjoy NOC’s resort amenities such as our three restaurants and multi-tiered lodging. Why do more people choose NOC than any other whitewater outfitter in the world? It's because of our experience, unparalleled in the industry. 22 Olympians, including two Gold Medalists, have called NOC home. NOC has been recognized by The New York Times as the “Nation's Premiere Paddling School,” “The Best Place to Learn” by Outside, and as “One of the Best Outfitters on Earth” by National Geographic ADVENTURE. Trust NOC to provide you with the outdoor experience of your lifetime.

Rolling Thunder River Company has provided exceptional river trips for almost 40 years. The family-friendly Nantahala River in western North Carolina has become a favorite river for hundreds of thousands of rafters each season. We offer Guided/Follow-A-Guide/Non-Guided options. Family-owned and operated.

We are a family friendly bike shop with local beer on tap and non alcoholic drinks as well. Trek bikes are for sale and rent with hourly to weekly rates. Our repair shop and staff is set up to handle any human powered item with wheels. There are also free local maps and information on our beautiful trails and other outdoor activities. So come on by and say hello.

Our goal is to exceed your expectations in all facets of your rafting adventure. Our friendly, skilled, and sincere service is second to none and we welcome the opportunity to have you experience the beauty and excitement of whitewater on the Nantahala River with us. We have been family owned & operated for over 38 years! Our specialty is giving economical prices with the very best in personal service, equipment, facilities, and staff. No experience necessary. Guided & unguided trips available mid-March through early October. Walk-ins are welcome ~ reservations recommended. Call us or book online to reserve your adventure. We look forward to seeing you on the river with us. The most important trip down the river is yours! Come & Enjoy the Fun!

Western North Carolina is a dream vacation destination and we take advantage of everything WNC has to offer: whitewater rafting on three great rivers, white water kayak instruction, fly fishing, scenic lake tours and a store overlooking the Nantahala River. And when winter arrives, we take our expertise to Costa Rica and Ecuador for more great outdoor adventures.

The Great Smoky Mountain’s Best Fly Shop and Guide Service! 2018 Fly Fishing Outfitter of the Year. We offer private Guided Fly Fishing trips daily out of Bryson City and Gatlinburg to the Smoky Mountains finest destinations. Since 1999 Fly Fishing the Smokies has guided thousands of anglers on the east coast’s most beautiful trout streams. We have a new Fly Shop in downtown Bryson City which is stocked with everything you need for a great time fishing here in the Smoky Mountains. Stop by and check us out. We’re tying flies and telling lies with the best of them!

Bryson City Bicycles offers year-round mountain bike rentals. Ride the world famous Tsali single-track trails, or take a family-friendly tour in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Rentals come with a helmet and car rack to transport your bike to the trailhead of your choice. Kids bikes are also available. Stop in and we'll help you find a trail that fits your riding style.

JJ's Deep Creek Tubes rents tubes to vacationers visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Bryson City, NC. We have tubes available in all sizes and a friendly staff that will provide you with any and all the information you need. JJ's also offers shaved ice and other concessions. If you are looking for some cheap fun and adventure the stop by JJ's this summer!

Bryson City NC's only full service fly shop! We are your headquarters for local fly patterns, fly fishing gear, guided trips, and fly fishing advice.