Enter to Win a Breathtaking Bryson City, NC Getaway
With misty mountain peaks, rushing rivers, and one of the most celebrated national parks in the country, Bryson City, NC is a destination that belongs on every adventurer's list. This is your chance to experience the beautiful and the thrilling in a true bucket list vacation. Enter below for the chance to win a three-night stay at 3 Little Bears Retreat—a luxury, safari-style mountain lodge reimagining the modern national park basecamp—plus a guided adventure, a scenic railroad excursion, and a whitewater rafting trip on the legendary Nantahala River.
This breathtaking bucket list Bryson City, NC getaway is valued at over $4,000.
What You'll Win
- A three-night stay for two at 3 Little Bears Retreat in a luxury safari-style lodge (see the Prize Redemption section below for the available dates)
- Your choice of one guided excursion for two with 3 Little Bears Retreat during the stay: wildlife safari, fly fishing, guided hike, e-bike adventure, or waterfall tour
- A courtesy pass for two Great Smoky Mountains Railroad tickets for the Nantahala Gorge or Tuckasegee River excursions regardless of engine (not valid during October or for special events; must be used by December 31, 2027; subject to availability; can be used during the stay or separately)
- A voucher for a guided raft trip for two on the Nantahala River with Nantahala Outdoor Center (valid March–October; not valid weekends in June–August; must be used by July 1, 2027; subject to availability; can be used during the stay or separately)
How to Enter the Sweepstakes
Enter using the form below any time between May 1, 2026 and June 15, 2026. Participants may enter only once over the course of the sweepstakes.
All entries must be received by 11:59:59 pm EST on June 15, 2026 to be included in the drawing.
Read the official rules for details.
Enter the Contest
Your Smoky Mountain Basecamp Awaits
3 Little Bears Retreat reimagines what a national park basecamp can be. This luxury, safari-style mountain lodge near Bryson City offers upscale accommodations, chef-driven dining, and spa offerings. The lodge is set against the wild beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. Whether you're unwinding on the deck, soaking in the surroundings, or simply breathing in the mountain air, this is a place designed for rejuvenation.
Adventures by 3 Little Bears Retreat
The excursion menu at 3 Little Bears is built for the curious and the bold. Your prize includes one guided adventure of your choosing. Will it be the wildlife safari, fly fishing outing, guided hike, e-bike excursion, or waterfall tour? Each experience puts you deep in the landscape that makes this corner of Western North Carolina so extraordinary, led by guides who know it intimately. Pick the guided adventure that's been on your list the longest.
All Aboard in Bryson City
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers scenic excursions through the North Carolina mountains, following the Nantahala and Tuckasegee Rivers through valleys and tunnels. All trips depart from the historic depot in downtown Bryson City. Winners receive a courtesy pass good for two coach-class seats and can select one of the flagship scenic excursions—Tuckasegee River Excursion or Nantahala Gorge Excursion, regardless of engine. May be used during the stay or on another visit to Bryson City.
Ride the Nantahala with NOC
No Western North Carolina bucket list trip is complete without time spent in or near an amazing body of water. The Nantahala Outdoor Center is one of the most respected outfitters in the Southeast. They’ll take you and a companion through one of the country's most exhilarating whitewater gorges, open for guided rafting for both beginners and experienced adventurers. Cool water, stunning scenery, and skilled guides make this a highlight of any Bryson City visit. May be used during the stay or at another time.
Prize Redemption
The lucky winner can claim their stay on the following available dates:
- 2026: August 14–17, 21–24 | September 11–14, 18–21, 25–28 | October 30–November 2 | November 6–9
- 2027: March 5–8 | April 2–5, April 16–19, April 30–May 3 | May 14–17.
- The Nantahala Outdoor Center rafting prize is valid March–October, not valid on weekends in June–August, and must be used by July 1, 2027.
- The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad scenic ride prize is valid for two adult coach-class seats for the Nantahala Gorge or Tuckasegee River excursions, regardless of engine, not valid during October or for special events, not redeemable for cash value, and must be used by December 31, 2027.
The winner will be notified via email and/or phone and must reply within 10 days of initial contact. Travel expenses to Bryson City are not included and will need to be arranged by the winner. Prize is non-transferable. Good luck!
