Location: Bryson City
Top Things to do in Bryson City
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What to do and see in Bryson City, North Carolina (NC): The Best Sights & Landmarks
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. Newfound Gap Comfort Station
2. 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!
3. 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!
4. Nantahala River Gem Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By 639BM - Atlanta, United States
The gentleman that was at the front desk helped us learn about the gems, how to pan for them and the gems were plentiful in the 5 gallon bucket. My family had a lot of fun. The place was a real “find” and a real “gem”. After we went through the 5 gallon bucket, the gentleman at the front desk in the store identified every gem we found. Our grandchildren had a wonderful time !!!!!
5. Darnell Farms
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Darnell Farms is a family farm located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. We are on the most beautiful stretch of the Tuskegee river, in beautiful Bryson City, NC. We offer our guests the freshest mountain produce, fun for the whole family with kids' playgrounds, riverside camping, corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayrides, and so much more!
Reviewed By LGLifeisGoodTraveler - Orlando, United States
We visited their hayride and pumpkin patch while on vacation and had a wonderful time at Darnell Farms. The man who took us on the hayride up to the pumpkin patch was very friendly and knowledgeable about the farm. We had fun in the corn maze and then visited the produce stand to pick up some items for dinner and a frozen pumpkin whip treat - you have to try one!!
6. Nantahala Gorge Ruby Mine
7. Smith's Dry Goods
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 11 reviews
We are a solely family owned and operated shop located on the river banks of the Tuckaseegee in Bryson City. We specialize in boots, outwear for everyone, hats, gloves, t-shirts, western wear, functional clothing, and talks around the old wood burning stove. Our store is housed in one of the oldest building in town ( circa 1910) and is full of character; just like its owners. Our items are fairly priced and our boots are the best price around without sacrificing quality.
Reviewed By girlfromthesouth2017 - Midland, United States
We stopped in here because my husband likes to hike and he forgot his winter hats and I forgot long johns. This was a particularly cold weekend. I've read where others thought the prices were too high. We thought it was very reasonable. My husband found some high dollar wool hats for very cheap prices. I found long johns for cheap as well. The lady working there was very helpful and gave us suggestions on sights to see. There were some cool tshirts and the lady tried to find the one I liked in my size. The building is old and unique. If I'm back in the area, I'd go again.
8. The Tunnel To Nowhere
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 187 reviews
Reviewed By seekingpeace - Ohio, United States
This was a cool place to visit and not too far off the beaten path. As we were driving on the road they have dubbed "road to nowhere" you don't get much warning that the road ends until you come up to the pillar blocks that are in the middle of the road and you see the tunnel. We parked and got out and walked through the tunnel. It is such a shame how much graffiti has been done in and out of the tunnel and how much horse poop you have to walk around. They should have signs up not allowing horses through the tunnel because of how much poop is in there
