Bryson City, with 1,500 people, is a charming small town nestled in Western North Carolina. Despite its size, it offers stunning beauty and easy access to the outdoors. Known for its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City attractions include scenic trails, waterfalls, and rich historical landmarks, making it the perfect destination for those looking to explore the natural wonders and cultural heritage of this picturesque region.
The charming small town makes a great, remote base camp. You can see the sites and then return to a peaceful, quiet cabin.
In case you’re unsure about what to do in Bryson City, this guide is made only for you.
Top Tourist Attractions in Bryson City, NC
Bryson City, in North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains, is a popular travel spot. It attracts those seeking both adventure and relaxation.
Let’s explore Bryson City’s main tourist destinations.
Explore the Great Smoky Mountains Near Bryson City
The most popular national park in America is Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
- It makes sense why. Feel the majesty of these legendary mountains. Watch the low-hanging fog rise among the ridges and see if they live up to their name.
- The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is 520,000 acres (800 square miles). It lies in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina.
- The blue mist that usually appears to linger over the peaks and valleys of the Smoky Mountains is well-known.
Timing: 24 hrs open
Entry: Free
Location: Great Smoky Mountains. Get Directions
Discover Deep Creek Bryson City
Deep Creek is just a few miles from Bryson City. It is one of the most breathtaking spots in North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains.
- Tom Branch, Indian Creek, and Juney Whank are three of Deep Creek’s beautiful waterfalls. You may easily reach them by hiking the 2.4-mile Waterfall Loop, which goes past all three falls.
- At Deep Creek, people also like to go tubing, fishing, biking, horseback riding, and having picnics.
Location: Deep Creek, Get Directions
Experience the Smoky Mountain Railroad in Bryson City
Enjoy stunning train rides through tunnels and over mountains. They run through valleys and along the Nantahala and Tuckasegee Rivers. Select from a range of rail journeys that leave from Bryson City.
- Numerous train rides for special events, include beer, wine, and the Polar Express.
- The Nantahala and Tuckasegee Rivers wind through the North Carolina mountains. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad runs train trips. They cross valleys and pass through tunnels. They are very scenic.
- The train rides all leave from the Bryson City, North Carolina, downtown depot (near Cherokee).
Timing: Monday to Sunday: 9 am to 5 pm
Location: 45 Mitchell St, Bryson City, NC 28713, United States, Get Directions
Contact: +1 800-872-4681
A Guide to Bryson City’s Historic Landmarks
Bryson City has historical sites that reveal its history and culture.
It provides a rare glimpse into Appalachia’s past. It is due to its closeness to Cherokee territory. Also, it was important to early American businesses like railroads and forestry.
Here is a summary of some of the most significant historical sites in Bryson City and the environs.
Swain County Heritage Museum – A Glimpse Into Bryson City’s Past
The Swain County Heritage Museum showcases Swain County’s history. It’s located in the 1908 courthouse in downtown Bryson City, North Carolina.
- Here, you can explore the first settlers’ lives. Learn how Fontana Dam and the park changed the area and lives. See images, displays, and videos.
- You’ll find the log cabin porch, an 1887 church organ, desks from a one-room schoolhouse, and a children’s activity area interesting.
- Although donations are welcome, there is no admission fee. There are accessible restrooms.
Timing: Monday to Saturday: 9 am to 5 pm
Sunday: 10 am to 4 pm
Location: 2 Everett St, Bryson City, NC 28713, United States, Get Directions
Contact: +1 828-488-7857
Old Bryson City Courthouse – Explore History and Culture in Downtown Bryson City
The 1908 Neo-Classical Revival Courthouse in Bryson City is now a great resource for all. It has been restored to its former splendor.
- The Great Smoky Mountains Association runs a store and bookshop on the first floor. It also has local info and the park’s official visitor center.
- Visit the second level of the Swain County Heritage Museum. Its displays show the lives of early mountain settlers. They’re fascinating. See the marble war memorial on the front lawn.
Timing: Monday to Sunday: 9 am to 6 pm
Location: 101 Mitchell St, Bryson City, NC 28713, United States, Get Directions
Contact: +1 828-488-7400
Explore 13,000 Years of History at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian
Immerse yourself in Cherokee history and culture by visiting the Museum of the Cherokee Indian.
- Discover 13,000 years of Cherokee history at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, spanning from the era when mastodons roamed the southern Appalachians to the present.
- Life-size figures, artwork, precious relics, and computer-generated animation and special effects are used to tell this story.
- The Museum, hailed as “a model for museums” by Van Romans, Disney Imagineering, and selected as one of USA TODAY’s Top Ten BEST Native American Experiences, is excited to greet you and your family.
Timing: Monday to Sunday: 9 am to 5 pm
Location: 589 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, NC 28719, United States, Get Directions
Contact: +1 828-497-3481
Discover the Historic Lufty Baptist Church in the Great Smoky Mountains
The Oconaluftee Baptist Church, or Lufty Baptist Church, is in the Smokemont region of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s a historic building.
- For a church that was founded in 1836, it was constructed in 1912. Up until 1935, when the region was included in the national park, the church was still in operation.
- The church has undergone restoration, and the old pews are often visible within.
Fontana Dam
The tallest dam east of the Rocky Mountains, Fontana Dam was built during World War II and impounded, creating Fontana Lake.
- You can drive or walk across the Dam’s surface, which is accessible by NC-28-N, to take in expansive vistas of the surrounding, unspoiled natural environment, which includes the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Fontana Dam is crossed by the Appalachian Trail, which stretches over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine. Explore the magnificence that lies ahead by taking the picturesque route.
Best Scenic Spots in Bryson City for Nature Lovers
Adventurers, hikers, and nature lovers agree. Bryson City, in the Great Smoky Mountains, is a hidden treasure.
Renowned for its forests, rivers, and views, the town has many stunning spots. They enthrall visitors with their beauty.
Clingmans Dome: The Highest Point in the Smokies
Standing tall at 6,643 feet above sea level, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- It’s a must-visit for stunning views and is only a short drive from Bryson City. A half-mile paved trail leads to an observation tower with 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains, where hikers can reach the peak.
- On bright days, views spanning seven states are visible for up to 100 miles. Visits during the sunrise and sunset are very enchanting.
Juney Whank Falls Trail
This 80-foot waterfall is reachable after a 0.3-mile trail. A footbridge spans in front of the falls, providing an ideal viewpoint for photographs.
- There are two sections of Juney Whank Falls: the upper and lower sections. At the falls, both are seen from the footbridge that spans Juney Whank Branch.
- When combined, they descend 90 feet in all directions. The somewhat challenging trail to the waterfall is 0.8 kilometers in total length.
Location: Juney Whank Falls Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, United States
Hike the Scenic Juney Whank Falls Trail for Stunning Waterfall Views
Situated on the southern boundary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Fontana Lake is an impressive lake with ample views of the surrounding mountains and great recreational options.
- This lake, which was formed by the Fontana Dam, has beautiful coves and wooded hills surrounding it. The waters are extremely clean.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Spots in Bryson City
Everyone loves visiting the many popular landmarks and locations in Bryson City.
But there are some places which is still a hidden gem. Hop on to discover them.
Explore the Mysterious Road to Nowhere and Nowhere Tunnel in Bryson City
In North Carolina, Fontana Lake was formed and the Fontana Dam was constructed between 1930 and 1940.
- Homes and streets were inundated, and hundreds of people were relocated. The state agreed to construct a new route from Bryson City to Fontana, which is located 30 kilometers to the west, north of the lake.
- The Great Smoky Mountains National Park saw the completion of 10 km of road, including a 400 m road tunnel, before work was suspended.
- Since then, the names “The Road to Nowhere” and “Nowhere Tunnel,” respectively, have become widely used to refer to this road and tunnel.
Discover the Hidden Beauty of Alarka Creek Falls: A Secluded Waterfall Adventure
Fewer people are aware of the splendor of Alarka Creek Falls than the many tourists that go to the well-liked Deep Creek region of Bryson City for its conveniently located waterfalls.
- The solitary experience of this lesser-known waterfall makes the effort to reach it well worth it. Alarka Falls descends at several levels, with a sharp drop into a pool at the bottom at the very top. Traverse a magnificent woodland upstream along Alarka Creek to reach the falls.
- For those who enjoy waterfalls but want to get away from the crowds, this is the ideal off-the-beaten-path trip because the pathway isn’t designated.
Location: 9762-9800 Alarka Rd, Bryson City, NC 28713, United States. Get Directions
Conclusion | Best Bryson City Attractions & Landmarks
In the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City is a hidden gem. It offers a perfect mix of leisure, culture, and outdoor fun.
Bryson City has something for everyone. Enjoy the charm of downtown. Ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad or, explore the waterfalls of Deep Creek.
Best Bryson City Attractions & Landmarks FAQs
1. What are the top attractions in Bryson City, NC?
Some of the top attractions in Bryson City include the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Deep Creek’s waterfalls, the Smoky Mountain Railroad, and historical sites like the Swain County Heritage Museum and the Old Bryson City Courthouse.
2. What is special about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the U.S., known for its lush forests, diverse wildlife, and iconic blue mist. It offers hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and abundant opportunities for outdoor activities.
3. Where can I see waterfalls near Bryson City?
Deep Creek is a popular spot near Bryson City for waterfall viewing. You can visit Tom Branch, Indian Creek, and Juney Whank Falls by hiking the 2.4-mile Waterfall Loop. For a more secluded experience, you can also explore Alarka Creek Falls.
4. What is the Smoky Mountain Railroad, and how can I book a ride?
The Smoky Mountain Railroad offers scenic train rides through the beautiful landscapes of North Carolina, including the Nantahala and Tuckasegee Rivers. Special event rides like the Polar Express are also available. Rides depart from Bryson City, and tickets can be booked online or by contacting the depot.
5. What historical landmarks should I visit in Bryson City?
You can visit the Swain County Heritage Museum, located in the 1908 courthouse, and the Old Bryson City Courthouse. Both offer insights into the region’s history, from the lives of early settlers to the impact of the railroads and Fontana Dam.
6. What is the Road to Nowhere in Bryson City?
The “Road to Nowhere” is an incomplete road project that ends at a 400-meter tunnel. It was intended to replace the roads flooded by Fontana Lake but was never completed. Today, it’s a popular spot for hiking and exploring the tunnel.
7. Where is Clingmans Dome, and what can I expect there?
Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, standing at 6,643 feet above sea level. It offers a half-mile paved trail to an observation tower with stunning 360-degree views, allowing you to see up to seven states on clear days.
8. Is Bryson City a good destination for outdoor activities?
Yes, Bryson City is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, tubing, and horseback riding. The town’s proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains makes it a great base for nature lovers.
9. What is Alarka Creek Falls, and how do I get there?
Alarka Creek Falls is a hidden gem in Bryson City, offering a more secluded waterfall experience. You’ll need to hike through an unmarked trail along Alarka Creek to reach the multi-level waterfall, making it perfect for those looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
10. What is the best time to visit Bryson City?
Bryson City is beautiful year-round, but the best times to visit are during spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the natural scenery is at its most vibrant. For outdoor enthusiasts, summer offers a range of activities, while winter brings a magical atmosphere, especially with train rides like the Polar Express.
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