In the heart of the Appalachians, where the Great Smoky Mountains and North Carolina’s Nantahala National Forest meet, there’s a town called Bryson City where adventure and serenity also converge. It’s a place where the roar of the Nantahala River soundtracks whitewater rafting trips, where the wind whistles as you whip down mountain biking trails or zip line runways, and where nature’s subtler sounds backdrop afternoons spent hiking or relaxing on Fontana Lake.
Photo: Dee Browning/Shutterstock
North Carolina's Nantahala Outdoor Center Promises Unparalleled Adventure in the Great Smokies
About 20 minutes from Bryson City, in the heart of the national forest, there’s one outdoors operator that visitors trust to facilitate all of those adventures and more: the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC). Travelers could easily spend an entire trip to this slice of North Carolina without ever leaving the NOC campus — which also has lodging and all the necessary amenities on site — except to venture out into nature on guided excursions. But the town of Bryson City has its own charms, from the historic downtown to romps on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.
For the thrill seekers, the curious, and anyone who’s drawn to majestic mountain landscapes, here’s what you need to know about recreating in Bryson City and its scenic surroundings with the NOC.
A window into the region and the Nantahala Outdoor Center
Photo: Tammy McCracken
Perfectly positioned between one of the country’s most-visited national parks and North Carolina’s largest national forest, with the Tuckasegee River and Fontana Lake within rock-throwing distance, Bryson City is considered the outdoor adventure capital of the Great Smoky Mountains. The region, whose peaks and valleys have been sculpted over millennia, has deep-rooted ties to the Cherokee Nation — Nantahala means “land of the noon day sun” in Cherokee, reflecting the way sunlight only graces the Nantahala Gorge’s floor around noon.
The Nantahala National Forest spans 531,286 acres, some 200 miles of which lay tracks for the Appalachian Trail (AT) and more than 500 acres of which belong to the NOC. The NOC was founded in 1972 by Payson and Aurelia Kennedy, along with their friend Horace Holden Sr. What began as a modest motel and petrol store by the Nantahala River quickly evolved into a premier outdoor adventure destination, largely thanks to the veteran guides and staff who run its campus at the intersection of the Nantahala River and the AT. Today, the outdoor center facilitates upwards of 100 exhilarating activities for more than a million visiting adventurers each year.
Nantahala Outdoor Center: 13077 US-19, Bryson City, NC 28713
Outdoor adventures with the Nantahala Outdoor Center
Editor’s note: Reporting for this story was done before Hurricane Helene barreled through North Carolina in September. A representative for the NOC has shared the following message: As communities across North Carolina continue to recover from the impact of Hurricane Helene, we are pleased to share that the NOC’s main campus in Bryson City is fully operational and ready to welcome guests. The NOC is also serving as a donation drop point to support impacted areas with essential supplies. Visitors are encouraged to travel responsibly and explore the open areas supporting local businesses as they recover. Looking ahead, new for 2025 are The Hemlocks by NOC. These newly constructed bungalows represent a bold evolution in premium outdoor experiences. This is not just a place to stay; it’s a reimagined way to connect with nature while enjoying unparalleled comfort.
Hiking
Photo: Jerry Whaley/Shutterstock
It makes sense that hiking is one of the most popular forms of outdoor recreation in an area that hosts part of the AT. Spanning more than 2,190 miles, officially making it the world’s longest hiking-only footpath, the AT stretches from Katahdin, Maine, to Springer Mountain, Georgia, which is about 100 miles south of Bryson City.
The highest point on the trail, Kuwohi, lies about an hour north of Bryson City by car near the North Carolina-Tennessee border. Formerly called Clingmans Dome, and recently restored to its original Cherokee name meaning “mulberry place,” Kuwohi is also the highest peak in Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 6,644 feet.
Multiple trails near Bryson City will get you to the top, but you can also drive almost all the way to the observation deck at the summit via a paved, seven-mile road — you’ll only have to do the last half-mile, which is steep but also paved, on foot.
Mountain biking
Photo: Tammy McCracken
If you prefer to get around on two wheels, the NOC offers access to the Flint Ridge Trail in the Nantahala National Forest. Winding along a ridge high above the river, the trail is available to riders of all skill levels, although it begins with a challenging series of switchbacks. Stick with it (the view at the top is worth the effort) and rest assured that you’re in good hands with NOC’s guides and gear, whether you’re a seasoned or newer rider. The NOC’s Adventure Center rents out an array of top-notch specialized bikes that are perfect for tackling the trails.
Zip lining
Photo: Tammy McCracken
Getting the best views of the Nantahala River Gorge requires a little bit of courage. The NOC’s Mountaintop Zip Line Tour is a heart-pounding experience that includes eight ziplines and culminates in the one-half-mile Mega Zip. As you soar 2,000 feet above the Nantahala River Gorge, the land below becomes a blur of wilderness — a reminder of the area’s unfiltered beauty.
The NOC provides everything you’ll need to zip line responsibly, starting with a harness fitting, detailed instructions, and a safety overview. Tours are designed for all experience levels — expect to complete the introductory “bunny” zip line to apply your new zip skills whether you’re a first-timer or not.
Whitewater rafting
Photo: Tammy McCracken
For an active day on the water, embark on an eight-mile rafting excursion down the Nantahala River with the NOC. Plan to encounter Class II and III rapids, which your guide will help you gear you up for and navigate pending the requisite safety instructions. The journey begins with a bus ride to your launch point. From there, you’ll carry your raft a short distance to the river’s edge, and then you’re off. Along the way, your guide will share stories of the river’s history and the Cherokee Nation that once inhabited the area, making the fun outing an educational one, too.
Things to do in Bryson City
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Photo: Tammy McCracken
No trip to Bryson City is complete without a ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. This round-trip excursion takes you through scenic river gorges, valleys, and tunnels, offering a relaxing way to see parts of western North Carolina that are inaccessible by car. If you visit between November and December, don’t miss the Polar Express Train Ride. Inspired by Chris Van Allsburg’s beloved book, this magical journey follows a young boy as he embarks on a ride to Santa’s headquarters, where he learns an invaluable lesson about the spirit of Christmas.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad: 45 Mitchell St, Bryson City, NC 28713
Downtown Bryson City
Photo: Tammy McCracken
With 1,500 residents, Bryson City is a small, walkable town that packs a lot into the compact area where Main Street and Everett Street intersect. Make the Swain County Heritage Museum your first stop. The stately white town landmark, which once served as a courthouse, doubles as the Bryson City visitors center where you’ll find everything you need to start your journey around town and beyond, including printed brochures and magazines, public restrooms, and free Wi-Fi.
From there, spend a few hours meandering through shops like the Loose Moose, a one-stop shop for tee-shirts and souvenirs, and the Chocolate Shoppe, an old-fashioned confectionery that peddles a variety of treats ranging from fudge to hand-dipped ice cream. As you explore, admire the Tuckasegee River that runs through the heart of downtown, while the surrounding mountains add the finishing touches to the backdrop.
Swain County Heritage Museum: 2 Everett St, Bryson City, NC 28713
Loose Moose: 190 Everett St Bryson City, NC 28713
Chocolate Shoppe: 134 Everett St, Bryson City, NC 28713
Bryson City Outdoors
If time permits, drop by Bryson City Outdoors. While not a brewery, this unique spot is a combination outdoor store, beer garden, and community hub. The store offers a wide range of outdoor gear and apparel, perfect for any adventure in the surrounding mountains. After shopping, relax on the inviting patio, where you can enjoy a wide variety of local brews on tap, as well as other craft beers and local ciders. It’s a great place to unwind, meet fellow adventurers, and soak in the vibrant community atmosphere.
Bryson City Outdoors: 169 Main St, Bryson City, NC 28713
Where to eat and drink in Bryson City
River’s End Restaurant
Photo: Tammy McCracken
This waterfront dining spot at the intersection of the AT and the Nantahala River has been serving hikers, paddlers, and everyone in between since 1972. The menu is hearty enough to sustain active types, with dishes ranging from trout cakes and New York-style pizza to hand-baked bread and the restaurant’s famous Nepalese-inspired sherpa rice. The River’s End is open for lunch and dinner year-round, as well as breakfast between March and October.
River’s End Restaurant: 13077 Hwy 19 W, Bryson City, NC 28713
Big Wesser Riverside Pub
Photo: Tammy McCracken
On the NOC campus, the Big Wesser Riverside Pub presents a casual dining experience with open-air seating along the Nantahala riverbank. The kitchen plates up dishes Southern-leaning fare like burgers, barbecue, and fresh salads, plus a great selection of craft beers, wine, and cocktails. It’s not the widest menu in the world, but dining and drinking along the river (with live music and special events peppering the schedule) is ideal after a day spent outdoors.
Big Wesser Riverside Pub: 13077 Hwy 19 W, Bryson City, NC 28713
Fryemont Inn Dining Room
Photo: Tammy McCracken
The Fryemont Inn Dining Room is open to the public for both dinner and breakfast from mid-April to Thanksgiving. If you’re a lodger at the Fryemont during the spring, summer, or fall, both daily meals are included in the price of your stay. Dinner entrees are served with homemade soup, salad with homemade dressing, your entree, three special side dishes of the day served family style, and your choice of homemade dessert. Entrees include a variety of local, legendary mountain trout dishes — the pecan-crusted trout is a must — as well as chicken, beef, and vegetarian entrees.
Fryemont Inn Dining Room: 245 Fryemont St, Bryson City, NC 28713
Mountain Layers Brewing Company
Photo: Tammy McCracken
Mountain Layers Brewing Company is situated on Everett Street just past the Tuckasegee River. The brewery has a lovely open-air rooftop bar where you can sit and watch the world go by and, if you are lucky enough, catch a local band entertaining on the rooftop’s covered bar.
Mountain Layers Brewing Company: 90 Everett St, Bryson City, NC 28713
Where to stay in Bryson City
Fryemont Inn
Built in 1923 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Fryemont Inn has 32 rooms and suites in the Historic Lodge, eight luxury cottage suites with fireplaces, and a two-bedroom cabin adjacent to the swimming pool. Designed by Richard Sharp Smith, known for his work on Asheville’s Biltmore House, the inn features oak and maple floors, locust post-and-beam construction, and poplar bark on the exterior. Inside, fireplaces serve as gathering spots where guests can do puzzles, read, or enjoy a cup of coffee. The inn’s dining room and fireside bar welcome tourists and locals alike.
Fryemont Inn: 245 Fryemont St, Bryson City, NC 28713
NOC Nantahala Adventure Resort
NOC’s Nantahala Adventure Resort offers a range of accommodations for both short getaways and extended mountain retreats, from cabins and campsites to mini-lodge-style rooms. One standout is the three-bedroom, one-bathroom Birch Cabin, which sleeps up to nine guests and comes with a full kitchen. The deck overlooks the Appalachian Trail, where you can occasionally catch a glimpse of through and section hikers making their way along the footpath. Another option that’s unveiling in early 2025 is the Hemlocks by NOC, a collection of newly built bungalows tucked away in the forest on the property’s ridgeline.
NOC Nantahala Adventure Resort: 13077 US-19, Bryson City, NC 28713
Getting to Bryson City
Photo: Tammy McCracken
Bryson City is an hour’s drive west of Asheville, NC; two hours from Greenville-Spartanburg, SC, and Chattanooga and Knoxville, TN; and three hours from Charlotte, NC, and Atlanta, GA. The nearest airport (about 40 miles away) is Knoxville (TYS). Other options include Asheville (AVL) at approximately 50 miles away and Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP) at about 80 miles away. Whether you plan a road trip to Bryson City or fly in and rent a car, one thing is certain: the scenic drive to the Great Smoky Mountains gateway is all part of the experience. 