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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Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Quilliam Cave via Courthouse Rock Trail
2.85 mi / 1404 ft gainQuilliam Cave via Courthouse Rock Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee.Read more -
Bryson City, North Carolina
Hike Ledbetter Creek
5.0Leaving the Nantahala Outdoor Center, drive upriver for 6.5 miles until you see a pull off on the right. Walk past the picnic tables, cross the railroad tracks, then follow the trail to arrive at the creek. Once you're there, it's up to you on what to do next.One of the most popular activities he...Read more -
Maggie Valley, North Carolina
Soco Falls
5.00.09 mi / 0 ft gainThis double waterfall is located a mile and half off of the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Cherokee Indian Reservation. From the parking area, it's a short walk down a well-established trail to the viewing area of the falls. For an even closer view of the falls, you can follow a roped, steep path dow...Read more -
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Hike the Cucumber Gap and Little River Loop
4.05.5 mi / 800 ft gainThis loop offers a scenic 2.5 mile hike next to the river before looping back around via the Cucumber Gap Trail. At the tail end, you'll connect with the Jakes Creek Trail for about 0.7 miles to return you back to the parking lot. Many people hike this trial clockwise, but if it's a hot day, it...Read more -
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Mount LeConte-Cliff Tops via Rainbow Falls Trail
4.513.37 mi / 3993 ft gainBegin at the Rainbow Falls trail parking lot. This is very popular area especially in the summer. If the parking area at the trail head is full there is additional parking located just past the main lot. From here the Rainbow Falls trail is just under 14 miles to the summit of Mount Leconte. Elev...Read more -
35.675929,-83.485764
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
5.05.83 miThis 6 mile drive is a great way to spend a scenic day in the Smokies. The road is open to cars only (no trucks or RVs) and runs one-way. There are no visitors centers after you head out, so be sure to bring everything you need along. The drive begins at the historic Ogle farmstead, which is als...Read more -
Sevier County, Tennessee
Little River Trail to Backcountry Campsite #30
5.012.34 mi / 412 ft gainThe trailhead parking area is large but if no spaces are available additional parking can be had at the Jake's Creek trailhead at the top of the hill and to the right of the Little River trail parking lot. After parking, the trailhead itself will be to the left of the parking area. Parking Lot Co...Read more -
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Grotto Falls Trail
5.01.83 mi / 585 ft gainThis is an intermediate hike along Trillium Gap Trail. There are four stream crossings on your way to the falls as you hike through an idyll, often wildflower-sprinkled landscape. Late spring is best for catching blooms. Once at the waterfall, you can walk behind the cascade of water. This is a ...Read more -
Sylva, North Carolina
Abandoned Cessna 414A at Waterrock Knob
3.71.72 mi / 430 ft gainThis is an AWESOME day hike for anyone looking to get outside for a few hours and see some special views of the blue ridges, as well as check out the abandoned plane crash of a Cessna 414A that happened back in 1983. The remains of the plane are still scattered along the hillside making it a supe...Read more -
Sylva, North Carolina
Waterrock Knob Trail
5.01 mi / 407 ft gainThe trail begins paved and quickly climbs up into a heavily forested area. Once at a 1/4 of a mile in, you will come to a nice overlook that will give you your first real good view of the surrounding mountains. The trail then continues on, though now unpaved, with great views off to your left as ...Read more -
Upper Tremont Road, Tennessee
Hike to Indian Flat Falls via Middle Prong Trail
4.57.21 mi / 1140 ft gainOne of the best trails in the Smokies is the Middle Prong Trail. The trail passes three major waterfalls, in addition to numerous smaller falls, cataracts and cascades. Once you've parked, you'll start at the trail head and immediately see your first cascade. From the trailhead hikers will cro...Read more -
Sevierville, Tennessee
Laurel Falls Trail
4.32.45 mi / 314 ft gainThis straightforward, yet scenic hike follows a paved trail to the falls, which is among the most popular in the park. This trail can be especially crowded during the summer, so be sure to arrive early. Keep an eye out for a few steep drop-offs on either side of the trail along the way. There ha...Read more -
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Cataract Falls, Smoky Mountains
4.41.09 miYou will find the trailhead to this gravel path just to the left of the Sugarlands Visitor Center. The easy walk along Fighting Creek is scenic and tends not to be crowded, either. At the end of the hike you will find a beautiful 25-foot waterfall. Please refrain from climbing on or around the f...Read more -
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg Trail
5.03.8 mi / 351 ft gainGatlinburg Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee.Read more -
Franklin, North Carolina
Photograph Wayah Bald Lookout Tower
0.1 mi / 0 ft gainThe Wayah Bald Lookout Tower is located in Nantahala National Forest in one of the oldest part of the protected land. It was first built in the 1920s then it was rebuilt throughout the years until it was finally made out of stone and concrete. The current tower that stands offers great views of t...Read more -
Maggie Valley, United States
Hemphill Bald
Hemphill Bald is a quintessential Smoky Mountains vantage point and this moderate loop trail leading to it takes you through beautiful forest and rolling hills. This area is incredible in all seasons - wildflowers in the spring, colorful leaves in the fall, and with bare trees in the winter, the ...Read more
