For me, going back to the Smoky Mountains always feels like going back home.
The smell of fresh air. Picture perfect scenery around every corner. Adventure waiting to happen.
It’s truly a place like no other.
My family has been visiting Bryson City since before I was born, but in 1993 my great grandparents happened upon a cabin under foreclosure in the perfect area. For many years to follow it became a tradition to vacation in the area for a week every summer as a family.
Visiting the cabin every summer became the perfect opportunity for us to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It was a chance for us all to get away, disconnect, and spend heaps of quality time with each other (sometimes too much quality time 🤪).
Despite the hiccups of a big family living in a small space for a week, we made countless memories together those summers – a lot of which are the main topics of our conversations today.
Unfortunately, all of that was put on hold when we had to sell the cabin while I was in high school. All of us were heart broken over losing such a special spot, but it definitely didn’t keep us away from the area.
For some families this change would encourage them to find a new spot to vacation…but not mine!
Not having a cabin hasn’t stopped us from continuing to visit Bryson City at least once a year.
While most of my family rents a cabin, my mother and step-father like to experience it a little differently. Back in 2017 they bought an RV and since then a little campground less than 5 minutes from downtown has stolen their hearts (more about the campground below).
After returning from this exact campsite a couple of weeks ago, I was feeling inspired to compile a list of things to do for someone who wants to travel to the area.
I mean we’re pretty much experts on what to do in the area, so why not let other people in on the fun?
There’s no way I could’ve done this alone though, so I reached out to multiple family members to ask them what recommendations they had.
Almost all of them said it was hard to pick because there’s so much to do, but they ended up giving some really great recommendations that can help make your trip extra special (my aunt blew up my phone for a good 15 minutes).
Check out my family and I’s list of memory making things to do in Bryson City and surrounding areas!
Bryson City Recommendations
As always, please make sure you follow the 7 leave-no-trace principles and take out what you bring in!
The Best Things to do in Bryson City (up to 30 min. away)
- Nantahala Outdoor Center – The NOC is filled with things to do for the adventure seekers of the group. From whitewater rafting to zip-lining to mountain biking, there’s no shortage of thrilling rides here. If you’re not the adventure seeking type though, don’t worry, they have something for you too!
360 mountain views makes this zip-lining experience unlike any other. 
If you want to raft down the river you’ll have to work for it. Those rafts are heavy! 
Nantahala rapids toward the end of the raft ride. 
We spent countless hours watching rafters come down the river. It’s pretty entertaining when they get stuck!
- Deep Creek – My family always made sure to carve out at least one entire day for Deep Creek. This part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to a creek to tube down (hence the name), hiking trails, and spots to BBQ the day away. Entry into Deep Creek is free, but if you’re looking to rent tubes then you’ll have to stop at one of the million tube renters right before you enter.
- Great Smoky Mountain National Park (GSMNP) – The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is a little less than a 30 minute drive from downtown Bryson and gives you an opportunity to see elk, visit the historic Mountain Farm Museum, get your national park passport stamped, and waste all your money on the souvenirs you “just have to have”. If you continue driving past the visitors center you’ll shortly see a sign that will take you to Mingus Mill. It’s a very short hike to reach the mill, but it’s always a must for my family to stop and walk around the 136 year old corn mill. Don’t want to do the whole stop, get out of the car, and walk around thing? Just continue driving through the park. The views out of the window will keep you coming back for more.
- Oh, and did I mention that this national park is FREE? Well it is. You’re welcome!
- Downtown Bryson City – Looking for a good shopping day? Or maybe a brewery crawl? Take a stroll down Everett St. (and the surrounding area) to immerse yourself in the historic buildings, artisan shops, souvenir stores, and delicious food/drinks.
- Great Smoky Mountains Railroad – The train ride is something you have to do at least once. The views are spectacular and it’s cool to experience something that has been so important to the area since the 1800s. I will say the ride can seem to drag on towards the end, so I recommend bringing a book, cards, or a game you can play on the way back to Bryson City (the train normally goes back the same way it came). They have multiple destinations and cart options to choose from, so make sure to visit their website for more information.
- Darnell Farms – This is probably one of my favorite places in all of Bryson City. I don’t remember going to it as a kid, but I’ve fallen in love with it as an adult. It’s a family friendly farm that has fresh produce, a great play area for the kids (or the adults who are kids at heart), and holds different events, activities, and festivals throughout the year. Oh, and you can’t forget the hayrides in the fall! If you feel up to it you can even buy tickets to do a hayride at night and then finish it off with a walk through their haunted barn!
- Cherokee, NC – My papa always loved going to Cherokee. Since you have to drive through the area to get to the Oconaluftee Visitors Center, it would be the perfect opportunity to explore. They have an amazing arts and crafts community, so stop at any shop you see. And if you have some extra time to kill, I highly recommend going to see “Unto These Hills” at the Cherokee Mountainside Theatre to learn about Cherokee life since the 1700s.
- Take a drive – One of the best ways to see the area is just getting in your car and exploring the area. Some of my Memaw and uncle’s favorite memories came from being in the car with loved ones and looking at all the beautiful scenery the mountains had to offer. Pack a lunch and go for a drive on the Smoky Mountain Expressway, take The Road To Nowhere, or test your motion sickness level on The Tail of the Dragon.
The Best Things to do Near Bryson City Area (30+ min. away)
- Clingmans Dome – The highest point of the GSMNP is only an hour drive away where you can see the most spectacular 360° views of the park when the weather is on its best behavior. Please visit the website linked to properly plan for this spot. If you visit in the late spring/early summer you may even be lucky enough to see through hikers on the Appalachian Trail!
- Gatlinburg, TN – Take a day trip over to Tennessee to get a bigger city feel. Here are some things you can do while you’re there: ride on the Skylift, test your fear of heights on the SkyBridge, shop your way through the local art and crafts community, coast through the mountains on the Moonshine Mountain Coaster, visit the new Anakeesta theme park, or hike one of the many trails in the surrounding area (click here to see the different trail options).
- Fontana Dam
- Pigeon Forge, TN
Where to Eat & Drink in Bryson City
- River’s End – Remember the restaurant I was talking about earlier at the NOC? Well this is it! A visit to North Carolina was never complete without a visit to River’s End. You can enjoy a delicious meal while you sit and watch rafters and kayakers come down the Nantahala River. Since the restaurant itself is located directly on the side of the river, it gives you a GREAT view of all the activity happening below!
- Everett Street Diner – “Best biscuits and gravy we have ever had!” – the woman, the myth, the living legend: my mother. Last year I remember my step-dad talking about buying a bucket of the gravy. Need I say more?
- Darnell Farms – Searching for the dessert of your dreams? Well look no further because Darnell Farm’s Dole Whips are the perfect thing to satisfy your sweet tooth, especially in those hot summer months. My favorite is the pineapple, but the strawberry is also delicious because they put fresh strawberry chunks in it (which are SO GOOD in the summer!). They also have fresh produce, unique artisan goods, and a breakfast/lunch menu.
- Nantahala Brewing Company – You HAVE to try their sriracha barbecue sauce! I swear it’s some of the best barbecue sauces I’ve ever had. Find something delicious to pair it with on the menu or just drink it straight…there’s no judgement here.
- The High Test Deli & Sweet Shop – I believe this deli has changed owners since our last family gathering at the cabin, but I used to eat at this deli shop all the time when I was younger! It used to be the smallest shop that only had room to order, but now they’ve expanded and have a room off to the left where you can sit and enjoy your order.
- Naber’s Drive In – I had to include this one for my Memaw! If you’re in to old timey drive ins then this is place for you.
- Smokehouse (Dillsboro, NC) – Looking for some mouthwatering BBQ? Take a short 30 minute drive to Dillsboro. I’ve personally never been here, but my aunt and uncle talk very highly of it and I trust their southern taste buds.
Where to Stay in Bryson City
- Grumpy Bear Campground & Gem Mine – My family ( + adopted family ) cannot rave enough about this campsite. We could go on and on about the site scenery, CLEAN BATHHOUSE, and wonderful atmosphere that Grumpy Bear offers. Plus it’s a short walk – right across the street – to Darnell Farms. Don’t have an RV? No problem! Grumpy Bear has 3 cabins and a bunch of tipis you can stay in. While you’re staying here, make sure you check out the Native American show that happens every Saturday.
- Cabin with a View – A quick scroll through Airbnb and VRBO will show you there are plenty of cabins to choose from for your stay in Bryson City. I’ve linked the beautiful log cabin my cousin stayed in for her honeymoon that has amazing views, plenty of space, an outside fire pit, AND a hot tub (sounds like a win win, right?).
- Deep Creek – I swear…this name has popped up on almost every list. That just shows how great of a place it is! If you’re looking to tent camp, give this area a try. Click the “Deep Creek” and it will take you to the campground’s website.
Convinced You Should Visit Yet?
As you can see Bryson City offers PLENTY of things to do for people of all ages and adventure types. There’s so much more I wanted to include in this list, but I think this is a great start for now. If you’ve been to Bryson City before leave a comment and let me know what your favorite things to do are. If you haven’t been before, tell me what you may want to try out someday from the list.
I look forward to hearing your feedback!
Till next time friends!
Kaitlin
