Bryson City, North Carolina is located at the cusp of the Great Smoky Mountains in the southwestern corner of the Tar Heel state. Established in 1889, Bryson City is a small hamlet (pop. 1,450) that relies heavily on tourism and is best known for its Great Smoky Mountains Railroad excursions. It is home to a wide range of outdoor activities from hiking, biking and window shopping to rafting, kayaking, tubing or just dipping your toes into a cool mountain stream.
Bryson City offers culture in the form of museums, wondrous natural beauty on the Deep Creek Trail (aka 3 Waterfalls Hike) and even a road that literally goes to nowhere. There are the usual tourist-trap attractions like gem mines, wineries, art galleries and local merchant shops along the main drag of Everett Street along with an impressive selection of dining options. Everything is easily accessible from downtown either on foot or a short drive. We spent three wonderful days in Bryson City and never did the same thing twice!
Downtown Bryson City
Let’s start with the obvious . . . downtown Bryson City. We were impressed by Everett Street which serves as the downtown “strip”. It is refreshingly absent of the usual touristy feel of so many towns reliant on out-of-town visitors. The bridge over the Tuckasegee River is adorned with flower baskets, feature beautiful views both east and west as well as the Great Smoky Mountains to the north. There are shops, heavy with Smoky Mountain bear themes, the classic Calhoun House and a replica train car perfect for a family shot.
Bryson City features stores that sell spices, second-hand clothing, antiques, fudge, jewelry, a laundromat and even a micro-brewery. There’s a Harley Davidson store, La Dolce Vita Coffee, art galleries, Tuckasegee Fly Shop and even a Christmas Cottage. There are plenty of places to dine from Italian, Mexican and classic American to sandwich shops, coffee houses and desserts. Next to Uncle Bunky’s Christmas Cottage is a signing wall that usually gets filled up by early afternoon with messages from locals to visitors.
One of the cool features of Bryson City are the large painted fish and building murals scattered about town. The fish are representations of all the various species available in the surrounding local waters. They range from Native Speckled Trout and Largemouth Bass to Steelhead and the local favorite Rainbow Trout. There are (4) murals around town including one on the north side of the train museum, another on the back of the La Dolce Vita building, a small one on the side of the Bryson Vapor Shop and yet another on the southwest side of Madison’s on Main, near the old Smoky Mountain Community Theatre on Main Street.
Downtown Bryson City has a number of little items that help create a perfect small-town atmosphere. Just as you enter Everett Street there is the old Bennett Drugs sign while across the street, at Pasqualino’s, two Italian chefs welcome you with open arms. The train depot square has a magnificent tree that shades a modern art sculpture sitting alongside one of the painted fish. The Harley-Davidson Store always features classic “hogs” as window displays and, off of Mitchell Street and just west of Everett Street, you’ll find a refurbished GSMR locomotive still on the tracks it once called home.
Bryson City Island Park
East of Everett Street, at the end of Bryson Street, is the Bryson City Island Park. This small island was one of the unexpected pleasant surprises of our visit. The park has a path that winds around the entire island encircled by a constant rush of active whitewater. As we entered the park, over an old concrete and iron bridge and down a wooden pathway, we proceeded to our left on a parallel path to the Tuckasegee River. The surrounding woods are dense and alive with color. About 8 minutes in on your right there is a magnificent massive tree that has a huge knot about 15’ (4.57m) from its base and a hollowed-out section on the opposite side.
The path ends at a section that was devastated in 2004 during Hurricane Katrina (causing the park to be closed for several years) and there are still fallen trees that have not been moved since the storm. The river has several sections with heavy whitewater that are constantly monitored for flooding control. The island has an endless supply of interesting plant life and tree shapes that are always accompanied by the sound of rushing water.
At the far south end of the park the water becomes more active due to several converging water lanes and a rocky underbelly. There is a small land mass, that forms a tip, forcing the water both above and below through a narrow opening. It is noisy, violent and a great example of nature exerting itself. Just before this there is a large, uprooted tree on the river’s edge that is a perfect photo opportunity. Unfortunately for us, a man was meditating on the log the entire length of our visit to the island park!
Appalachian Rivers Aquarium
Just southwest of the island is the Appalachian Rivers Aquarium. It is very small (a single room) but it’s also free. It is primarily of interest if you either have little ones or have an interest in local aquatic species. There is a painted fish at the entrance and the real thing inside. There are about 15 displays with local fish ranging from Spotted Billy Bass to Blue Gill and even a Pickerel Frog. Donations are accepted.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
The centerpiece of any visit to Bryson City is a ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. There are (2) routes available, the Tuckasegee River Excursion with a Dillsboro stopover and our choice, the 44-mile Nantahala Gorge Excursion. They are both highly recommended and each offer a different user experience. We chose the open air gondola option so we could enjoy the views unobstructed, get free drink refills all day and even get an excellent pulled pork sandwich for lunch. The total length of the trip is around 4½ hours with a 30-minute stopover at the Nantahala Outdoor Center.
As the trip gets started the train runs along the banks of the Tuckasegee River until you cross over on a trestle bridge heading south. You’ll pass lush valleys, dense forests, steep hills and beautiful rock formations. About 20 minutes in you’ll see a beautiful open valley to your right followed shortly by a great look at one of North Carolina’s oldest homes and its faithful outhouse.
You’ll notice an abundance of vines that have draped themselves over power lines and wrapped around smaller trees and bushes. This is the Kudzu vine that was imported from Japan sometime in the late 19th-century, can grow as fast as 1 foot per day and is now considered an invasive plant. Eventually you’ll start to see Fontana Lake off to your right with its floating pontoons, boats and finger lakes. You’ll notice lines that extend from the shore to the floating homes to keep them tethered in place. The reservoir is the deepest lake in North Carolina reaching a maximum depth of 440 feet (130 m) and covering almost 16 square miles in total. The lake can be seen from Clingmans Dome and is integral to the story of Bryson City’s infamous Road to Nowhere.
Soon the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad crosses over Fontana Lake on the Trellis Bridge. From here the lake is a constant companion all the way to the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Along the way are some amazing rock formations, beautiful mountain views reflected on the lake and sheer cliffs rich with trees and viny bushes. Soon there is a stretch where you can look out over the lake and see the back end of the 25-car train snaking its way around a long slow portion of the route.
You’ll notice a number of “weeping rocks” to your right caused by water seeping down the mountain faces and steep grassy cliffs with tall trees reaching out to find the sun’s rays. This is a nice stretch to just relax and enjoy the natural beauty around you on both sides of the train. The views are awash in color to your right and the Nantahala River becomes more active to your left. Remains of a massive landslide that devastated the area in 2019 can be seen on the other side of the river to your left and a few mini-falls appear to your right.
After the 45-minute stopover at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, the train starts its journey back to Bryson City. One of the advantages to choosing the Gondola option is you can switch sides with other passengers on the way back so you can enjoy an entirely different experience on both legs of the journey. There are usually a number rafters and kayakers visible on the river along with nice small falls and some excellent whitewater. The foothills rise above the far shore in a burst of color while piles of old railroad ties remind one of a different time.
The Nantahala River bends and curves its way north as you get to experience the “money shot” (as our guide called it) again from the front and back. There are plenty of wonderful nature views to experience as you wind your way along mountain sides.
As you wind your way back to the station there are even more views of slopping hills divided by the valley river, old barns, burnt-out railroad ties and abandoned railroad cars. The ride is very peaceful filled with colors only available in the western North Carolina mountains. One last pass over the Tuckasegee River, a gentle pull back into the station and the journey is completed. An absolutely wonderful opportunity to experience some of the Tar Heel state’s natural beauty in a relaxing atmosphere.
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS RAILROAD FAST FACTS
LOCATION: Bryson City, North Carolina
HOURS: 8am-5pm – Monday-Saturday & 9am-4:30pm – Sunday
COST: $56-$139 – Adults & $32-$60 – Children (2-12)
TIME TO COMPLETE: 5 hours 15 min
ACCOMODATIONS: Public parking lots in town, restrooms available on train
Bryson City Nantahala Outdoor Center
Halfway through the Nantahala Gorge Excursion on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad there is a stopover at the Bryson City Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC). If you’re into outdoor activities you could easily spend a week here between the rafting, paddling, kayaking, mountain biking and ziplining. With over 1,000,000 guests per year the center has become a hub for recreation, training and a gathering of like minds for over 50 years. There have been over 22 Olympic athletes and trainers who have called NOC home but their bread-and-butter is teaching the novice to be safe and really enjoy the outdoors. The NOC also features restaurants, lodging and plenty of shopping.
Smoky Mountain Trains Museum
As you exit the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad you’ll see the side entrance to the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum. Since we took the train ride we had complimentary admission for the museum (normally $9 per person). If you are into trains, and in particular their history, the museum will be a trove of treasures for you. For the rest of us it is certainly a thorough examination of model trains with its 7,000 Lionel™ engines, cars and accessories along with multiple operating tracks, an activity center for kids and a gift/toy shop.
Swain County Heritage Museum
Located at the corner of Everett and Main Streets, the Swain County Visitors Center is also home to a great little museum on the second floor. You can work your way around the floor starting with encased samples of common 19-century logging tools, moonshine equipment, barbershop instruments and first responder paraphernalia. In the middle is a replica home with a front porch and some rooms. The other side has a more hands-on theme with equipment from farming, blacksmithing, sewing and shoemaking. There is plenty more including all kinds of interesting facts and a centerpiece timeline of Swain County.
The Visitor Center, located on the first floor, is quite an excellent resource for any local information be it lodging, dining, hiking trails, attractions, etc. There are always at least two staff members present that are eager to share their local knowledge. It also has a nice little gift shop in addition to some additional elements from the museum like lots of nostalgic photos, a replica 19-century schoolroom, a school bell and a church organ.
Road to Nowhere
The infamous (at least locally) Road to Nowhere has such an interesting, and tragic, story that it deserves its own post. Click the above link to learn, and see, more . . .
Deep Creek Trail
The Deep Creek Trail is home to the Three Waterfalls Loop, a 4.6 mile (7.4km) loop trail that features (3) waterfalls. First is the Tom Branch Falls, followed by the Indian Creek Falls and ending with the Juney Whank Falls. The hike, and the falls, are so great we decided it should have its own post called the Deep Creek Trail.
Places to Stay in Bryson City
We researched a number of lodging choices in Bryson City but for us the final choice was easy. We were looking for lodging that was moderately priced, had a great central location, a free breakfast along with a view of downtown and the Smoky Mountains. The Stonebrook Lodge provided all of this plus an attentive and helpful staff. We had a balcony room facing downtown right across the street from the Bryson City Visitor Center. We were able to walk to downtown Bryson City everyday while also being within easy driving distance to Cherokee, the Road to Nowhere and the Deep Creek Trail.
Places to Eat in Bryson City
Bryson City features a number of excellent dining options from the Snak Shak (sandwiches) and Kostas Express (Mediterranean) to La Poblana (Mexican). For us (2) restaurants really stood out. For lunch make sure to find the Boxcar Cafe & Cones, located across from the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot building. This was, simply put, one of the best burgers I have ever eaten and the chili cheese fries were excellent. Great 1950’s interior décor and homemade ice cream to boot! For dinner the best Italian in town is Pasqualino’s, located just before the bridge on Everett Street. Expect a wait as it is always jam-packed . . . for good reason. The bread is fresh, the service polite (and quick) with a superb old town rustic ambiance. Ramie had spaghetti and meatballs and I had the fettuccine with meat and Alfredo sauce. Molto delizioso!
Bryson City Final Thoughts
Bryson City is a perfect way to kick off a Smoky Mountain trip. We spent a few days in Bryson City, a day in Cherokee then drove into the Smoky Mountain National Park (with a half-day stop at Clingmans Dome) for a week of hiking, waterfall chasing, overlook vistas and the always entertaining Gatlinburg.
Did you have a Smoky Mountain adventure? If so, we’d love to hear more about it!
