What to do and see in Bryson City, North Carolina (NC): The Best Tours

August 14, 2021 Veronika Gaddis

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. Wildwater Nantahala Adventure Center

Excellent
91%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,340 reviews

Wildwater Nantahala Adventure Center

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.

2. Nantahala Outdoor Center

Excellent
83%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,194 reviews

Nantahala Outdoor Center

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.

3. Nantahala Rafting with Adventurous Fast Rivers

Excellent
96%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 932 reviews

Nantahala Rafting with Adventurous Fast Rivers

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!

4. Rolling Thunder River Company

Excellent
97%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 528 reviews

Rolling Thunder River Company

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.

5. Tsali Cycles

Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 34 reviews

Tsali Cycles

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.

6. Endless River Adventures

Excellent
96%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 342 reviews

Endless River Adventures

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.

7. Fly Fishing the Smokies

Excellent
91%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 138 reviews

Fly Fishing the Smokies

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!

8. Carolina Bound Adventures

Excellent
95%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 21 reviews

Carolina Bound Adventures

Carolina Bound Adventures - Guide Business & Vacation Planning in Bryson City, NC. We offer vacation planning and Guided Hikes to Waterfalls, at Sunset, & in the Smokies plus Guided Mountain Biking, Lake Kayaking & SUP rentals, and our popular Waterfalls and Breweries Tour. You can also book your Bryson City Adventures thru us including whitewater rafting, ziplining, horseback riding & fly fishing

9. Smoky Mountain Jet Boats

Excellent
87%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 54 reviews

Smoky Mountain Jet Boats

We do a jetboat ride that is 40 min. on the water and we offer combination hike and jetboat ride trips that are 4-hr all-inclusive adventures. We have a new Adventure in the Park which features a longer boat ride with a chance to swim and have a snack and a drink (two hours total). Check out the website.

10. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Excellent
54%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
7%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 3,298 reviews

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

A 52-mile rail journey through valleys, inside winding tunnels and across spectacular gorges of the Great Smoky Mountains.

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