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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Arkaquah Trail, Georgia
Hike the Arkaquah Trail to Brasstown Bald
11 mi / 3756 ft gainThe Arkaquah Trail is unique as far as North Georgia trails go for any reasons. Its elevation gain and distance puts it near the top for most challenging day hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains. If the 11 miles round-trip sounds a bit daunting, this hike can also be done as a 5.5 mile point-to-po...Read more -
Hiawassee, Georgia
Blue Hole and High Shoals Creek Falls
4.82.45 mi / 479 ft gainLocated just a few miles north of Helen, Georgia is this hidden gem. The road that leads up to the starting point of the hike is a bit tricky to find so make sure you have your GPS to help a little, its a gravel road that winds up the mountain for a about a mile. The dirt trail winds down throug...Read more -
Knoxville, Tennessee
Lakeshore Park Loop
4.82.29 mi / 128 ft gainThe Lakeshore Park Loop in Knoxville, Tennessee, offers visitors a scenic and accessible pathway through the expansive 185-acre Lakeshore Park. This loop trail provides panoramic views of the Tennessee River and the Great Smoky Mountains, making it a favorite spot for walkers, joggers, and fami...Read more -
Sunset, South Carolina
Hike to Twin Falls, SC
5.01 mi / 0 ft gainOnce you get to the destination there should be a small parking area. At the end of this parking area you will see the start of the Twin Falls trail that will be mostly a flat walk. Follow this trail approximately 0.5 miles to the falls. You will know you are in the right place if the creek is r...Read more -
Del Rio, Tennessee
Meadow Creek Fire Tower
5.00.14 mi / 17.06 ft gainMeadow Creek Fire Tower is a great place to spend an afternoon watching the sunset or spend the night gazing at the stars. You can bring a blanket then lay out on the top of the tower and view the entire sky. The tower itself was made back in the early 1920's. Over the years it changed appearance...Read more -
Asheville, North Carolina
Explore Lake Powhatan
Lake Powhatan is located just minutes away from Asheville, NC and offers a number of fun activities for you, your friends, and your family. In the warm summer months, the Lake is a popular spot for swimming. The small stretch of beach along the lake is a nice place to lay out and soak in the sun....Read more -
Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia
Unicoi Gap and Indian Grave Gap Loop
5.05.04 mi / 1765 ft gainThe Unicoi Gap and Indian Grave Gap Loop in Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia, is a moderately challenging hiking trail. Spanning approximately 5.04 miles, the loop offers a variety of terrain, including forested areas, open fields, and rocky paths. The trail is known for its two significant landmarks: U...Read more -
Asheville, North Carolina
Mountain Biking Bent Creek
4.0Bent Creek is my favorite Mountain Biking spot in the Southeast, and epitomizes the fun and beauty to be found biking in the North Carolina mountains. Riding is open year round, but spring and fall are ideal when temperatures are still cool and colors are exploding. You can easily spend hours ...Read more -
Walhalla, South Carolina
Yellow Branch Falls
5.03.15 mi / 630 ft gainOnce you have turned into the picnic area off of Highway SC 28, you will see the open and easy parking area. The trail begins at 2 points on the southern end of the parking area. These 2 points form a small loop about 0.2 miles long, with a spur in the middle of the loop onto the main yellow bran...Read more -
Walhalla, South Carolina
Hike to Issaqueena Falls and Stumphouse Tunnel
4.31.5 mi / 250 ft gainFrom Walhalla South Carolina, follow SC 28 westward 7 miles until you see Stumphouse Tunnel Park on the right-hand side of the road. Take this road halfway down, and park in the parking area on the right. From here, you can travel a short walk to the falls overlook, or, for the more adventurous ...Read more -
Lakemont, Georgia
Minnehaha Falls
4.40.39 mi / 98 ft gainDespite their beauty, not many hikers know about Minnehaha Falls. Even more shocking, these are some of the most accessible falls in all of North Georgia. Round trip, the hike to the falls will only take about a half a mile. Hikers can park along the side of the road at the trailhead. Follow the ...Read more -
138 Silver Mine Road, North Carolina
Hike the Lovers Leap Loop Trail
5.01.8 mi / 472 ft gainLovers Leap Loop trail is a 1.8 mile loop in Hot Springs, NC. The address of the trailhead is 138 Silver Mine Rd, Hot Springs, NC 28743. Once you arrive at the parking lot, you will see a trail leading up into the mountain with a post next to it. This is where you want to begin. It is part of the...Read more -
Tallulah Falls, Georgia
Camp at Tallulah Gorge State Park
4.8Tallulah Gorge is a must-see feature of Georgia. Campers can lay low and experience the gorge from its floor, engaging in river activities such as kayaking or swimming. Those seeking a thrill can hike the rim trails of the gorge, and even cross an 80' high suspension bridge. (Hikers who may be fe...Read more -
Tallulah Falls, Georgia
Hurricane Falls Loop
4.41.85 mi / 564 ft gainThe trail is located in Tallulah Gorge State Park which is about 1 ½ hours northeast of Atlanta, off of Highway 441. There is a $5 per car entry fee into the park and they prefer the use of cash. From there, follow the signs to the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center, where there is parking and pl...Read more -
Tellico Plains, Tennessee
Drive the Cherohala Skyway National Scenic Byway
5.0The Cherohala Skway is one of the National Scenic byways in America it spans over 43 curvy miles from Tellico Planes, Tennessee to Robbinsville, North Carolina. On the Skyway there are many overlooks ranging elevations from 2000-5200 feet all have beautiful views and different view points. The pa...Read more -
Blairsville, Georgia
Hike to Horsetrough Falls
5.00.4 mi / 10 ft gainTo get to the trail head you will follow Wilks road five miles to Upper Chattahoochee River Campground. The five miles down the gravel road should be doable for a majority of cars as the gravel road is in good condition. Pretty much if you feel comfortable driving your car on a regular gravel roa...Read more
