Bryson City, North Carolina
Bryson City, North Carolina, is home to some of the best outdoor activities and attractions in NC. From scenic hikes to whitewater rafting, there is something for everyone. Popular trails include the Deep Creek Trail, which follows Deep Creek and offers spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains. The Nantahala River is a must-visit for whitewater rafting and kayaking, and the Appalachian Trail is a great place for a hike. The area also features some of the best mountain biking trails in the country, including the Tsali Recreation Area. Whether you're looking for a peaceful outdoor experience or an adventurous day, Bryson City has something for everyone and is the perfect destination.
Top Spots in and near Bryson City
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Sunset, South Carolina
Kayak to Laurel Fork Falls
4.0This stunning waterfall tumbles down 80 feet before spilling into Lake Jocassee between a slot of shear rock cliffs. However, the catch is not many people see this beautiful location unless you have a boat or are willing to hike a streneous 8-mile hike one-way along the Foothills Trail.But I am s...Read more -
Tellico Plains, Tennessee
Exploring Bald River Falls
4.8If you're looking to check out a secnic waterfall in East Tennessee, Bald River Falls is sure to be on your list. At 90 feet, you can't miss this roaring beauty during any season. Also, Tellico Plains is an awesome mountain town in itself; check it out before or after your hike.To get to Bald Riv...Read more -
Brevard, North Carolina
Art Loeb Trail
4.830.07 mi / 7467 ft gainStart at The Davidson River Campground just outside of Brevard, NC (276 Pisgah Ranger District). Have a shuttle car or a friend waiting at the Daniel Boone Boy Scout camp for the finish line. Hop on the 30.1 mile long Art Loeb Trail at the trailhead in the Davidson River Campground. Pull into th...Read more -
Brevard, North Carolina
Camp at Davidson River Campground in the Pisgah National Forest
4.5Pisgah National Forest, in my opinion, is one of the best national forests in the United States. Being just a short drive from Great Smokey Mountain National Park it has all the feel of being in the smokies with more to explore. Pisgah has anything you could want to see or do from tens of water...Read more -
Tamassee, South Carolina
Hike to Lee Falls
4.01.6 miThe Hike: Head out through the middle of the first of three fields, crossing creeks two times as you come to them. At the end of the last field, the trail enters the woods. Hike through the woods for 0.3 mile and take the left fork, crossing a creek , and head toward the larger branch of Tamassee...Read more -
Knoxville, Tennessee
Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area
This park is located in south Knoxville. The wildlife management area is very popular in the sunflower season. This area offers many activities including biking, hiking and photography. There are several trails that run through the area but some of them are closed in hunting season so make sure t...Read more -
Knoxville, Tennessee
Mead's Quarry Park
3.0This quarry is located near the Ijams Nature Center in South Knoxville. The quarry is right off of Island Home rd and has a large parking lot. The parking lot has about 30 spaces and about 50 spaces in overflow parking. There is a lot activities to do at the quarry. In the summer there is kayak a...Read more -
Pisgah Forest, North Carolina
Drive the Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway
5.076 mi / 1000 ft gainYou can drive this highway getting different views during the different seasons. Along the drive, have your camera ready for beautiful vistas, Looking Glass Falls, and many adventures along the highway. The views are especially beautiful in the autumn with the leaves changing colors. This route d...Read more -
Knoxville, Tennessee
River Boardwalk Trail
5.01.24 mi / 82 ft gainThis trail is located at the Ijams Nature Center. Ijams Nature Center is only 10 minutes from downtown Knoxville and is a great place to escape city life and enjoy the outdoors. The parking lot here is quite large and in the busy season it has an overflow lot too. Ijams Nature Center has many hik...Read more -
Salem, South Carolina
Camp on Lake Jocassee
4.8To avoid the regret of cutting your trip too short, go ahead and book a campsite. Come as a walk-in or reserve your site. Either way, you will have to check in at the Park Office. Upon check-in, you will receive your map and general information. Check-in time for camping is 2PM. The only publi...Read more -
Sunset, South Carolina
Virginia Hawkins Falls (Double Falls)
4.02.6 mi / 456 ft gainA moderate to advanced 2.6 mile hike has many stairs and a lot of ascents and descents along the way. The hike may not be the easiest but the payoff is worth it. The trail is easily marked so no need to worry about getting lost.Read more -
Blairsville, Georgia
Hike to the Brasstown Bald Peak
4.31.42 mi / 430 ft gainOnce you make it to the parking area (parking fee required) to Brasstown Bald you will be at about 4284 feet elevation. From there you will have a short (0.6 mile) but steep hike to the tower that sits atop Brasstown Bald. Along the path you will see Rhododendron and various other blooms dependi...Read more -
Knoxville, Tennessee
Will Skelton Greenway
7 mi / 300 ft gainThis greenway starts at the Island Home Park and goes through Ijams Nature Center and the Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area. The trail is almost 4 miles one way so it makes for a great half day trip. From start to finish it is 8 miles long. The trail is mostly paved with only a small bi...Read more -
Knoxville, Tennessee
High Ground Park
0.66 mi / 89 ft gainThis park is located in south Knoxville right off of Cherokee trail road. The parking lot is very large and can accommodate 15-20 cars. The park is home to the historic Fort Higley which was a Civil War fort built by the Union to protect Knoxville. This is a great place to walk or run through t...Read more -
Knoxville, Tennessee
Fort Dickerson Quarry Park
4.5This is an amazing gem in south Knoxville only 7 minutes away from Gay Street. This is one of the newest parks in Knoxville but it has been a part of Knoxville for centuries. The quarry is a gorgeous place for swimming and kayaking. This park offers numerous outdoor activities all in a great plac...Read more -
Murphy, North Carolina
Hike to Panther Top Fire Tower
1.5 mi / 450 ft gainThe Panther Top fire tower is located in the Nantahala National Forest outside of Murphy, NC. To get there you get off of US 74 then turn onto panther top rd and continue till you see the signs for the tower. Once you get there the hike is about .75 there mostly up on the way to the top of the to...Read more
