Location: Bryson City
Top Things to do in Bryson City
Countries
What to do and see in Bryson City, North Carolina (NC): The Best Free Things to do
Bordering the southern side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson City is a small town with big outdoor possibilities: whitewater rafting, kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, tubing, zip-lining, paddleboarding, mountain biking and scenic train rides. This laid-back, non-touristy spot is a true getaway for couples, friends and families alike. Bryson City is just one hour west of Asheville, two hours from Greenville, Knoxville and Chattanooga and three hours from Atlanta and Charlotte.
Restaurants in Bryson City
1. Elizabeth Ellison Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Original paintings, giclee prints and cards by owner/operator. Open studio. Happy to have visitors and to answer questions
Reviewed By Swampgal123 - Sandston, United States
My husband and I were delighted to spend time with Elizabeth and George, as we are huge fans of their iconic work highlighting the magic of the Smokies. We made a visit to the gallery a priority, and we’re greatky rewarded.
2. Madison's on Main
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Featuring a selection of home accents, Bryson City momentos, clothing, bath & body products, specialty gifts, jewelry, & baby items.
Reviewed By 85nicoleg - Kitty Hawk, United States
What an adorable little shop! Staff was super friendly. Cute little items that make great gifts! Warm apple cider is waiting for you.
3. GSMNP - Deep Creek Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 111 reviews
Reviewed By seekingpeace - Ohio, United States
This is an easy hike if you just want to go to Tom Branch Falls and Indian Creek Falls. They are fairly close together with a short walk in between. Our favorite was Tom Branch Falls because you have a bench and a couple places you can just sit and enjoy the falls. The Indian Creek Falls is a little further up the trail with a slight incline to walk up. The path is made up of dirt and gravel but it is very easy to walk on. The Indian River Falls has steps you have to walk down to get to them and you have to stand on a small flat ledge that could possibly hold perhaps 7 to 8 people at a time. This water fall was our second favorite. The Juney Whank Falls are a much steeper and harder path to hike to get to them and it is mostly uphill. My husband has bad knees and he struggled to make it up the steep incline. In our opinion these falls were not worth the climb but we were able to say we made it to all three falls!
4. Three Waterfalls Hike
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By 512angelak - Fort Myers, United States
I don't know how anyone would rate this under a 5. It is so beautiful here and the hike is awesome. We saw all three waterfalls and did the loop trail. We took our time, taking in all of the beauty and taking pictures. It was about 2.5 hours. It was moderately difficult in parts of the loop trail but not for long just the way up had some places that really got your heart going. But the trail was plenty wide and plenty of spots to catch your breath and take a swig of water. I am not in anyway in great shape so I would say just about anyone could do this so long as they can walk 4-5 miles. I am 46 with 9 knee operations and could afford to lose 30 pounds and I did just fine. We tubed here years ago in the summer and it was a lot of fun but in October it was a little too cold for anyone it appears nobody was doing it. Looking forward to coming back in better shape and doing the more difficult trails. Also note: it says no pets allowed on the trails but I saw people with dogs. I like to take my dog on hikes with me but left him at the camper because of we knew it said no pets. It does no appear that the rule in enforced at least not when we were there. Also, we had to wait to get out of the park as the park rangers had to come and clear the road of a very big tree that had fallen and blocked the road. Thank goodness it did not fall on top of a car traveling down the road. It would have been really bad!
5. The Cottage Craftsman
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
6. Humanite Boutique
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Humanite serves a booming market of locals and Western NC visitors along with the students of nearby Western Carolina University (WCU) - Smith’s Alma Mater. Smith and her staff scout and source on-trend clothing, shoes and accessories, with most pieces affordably priced at under $100. “We have a fabulous client base and really cater to these women, often shopping at market with their individual styles and sizes in mind,” she says. “Unmistakably Southern, we really love to make connections across generations, offering looks for grandmothers as well as their teenaged granddaughters.” Following through on her giving back mission, 10 percent of Humanite’s sales are donated to Heart for Africa and other global and local charities. As Smith explains, “Humanite customers shop with their hearts on their sleeves.”
7. The Charles Heath Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By burgshine
My wife and I visited Bryson City and made our way down to Charles Heath's gallery. We enjoyed his work, and also his personality. I highly suggest stopping by.
8. Loose Moose
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
One stop shop for the Great Smoky Mountains and Bryson City, Swain County, North Carolina t-shirts, gifts, and souvenirs.
Reviewed By R84W - Charlotte, United States
What a cool little shop; there is plenty to see and shop for, from unusual items to decorations for the home and yard. They also have lots of t-shirts to pick from as well.
9. McClanahan's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By MsLoveTravel - Knoxville, United States
This shop is managed and run well. Item selections are something for everyone on the classier side - the outside to the decor and the display of (not a T-shirt shop!). If you do not have time to hit many of the quaint shops put this one at the top of the list so you do not miss it. (I walked from street parking space - credit cards accepted)
10. Swain County Heritage Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
Reviewed By soccermomnomore - Kernersville, United States
Enjoyed our visit to the museum above the welcome center. Recognized several things from our childhood. They even had a scavenger hunt for kids.
