Swain County Top 30 Things to Do
Swain County sits about 70 miles southwest of Asheville and is home to Bryson City, the "Gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park". This mountain paradise delivers whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River, scenic rides on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, legendary motorcycling routes like the Tail of the Dragon, hiking trails, mountain biking and road cycling, waterfalls, camping, and Fontana Lake adventures. It is no wonder that Smithsonian named Bryson City one of the "20 Best Small Towns to Visit" in the country.
Holidays in Swain County
Bryson City is magical during the holiday season. Each November and December, 90,000+ people board the Polar Express at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot for the journey to the North Pole. Downtown shops and restaurants stay festive throughout the season, making this one of our Top Christmas Towns in Western North Carolina.
Discover more! Go to the Swain County Tourism website for more attractions and great places to stay.
Plan Your Trip to Swain County, NC
Swain County & Bryson City Lodging 
Swain County & Bryson City Visitor Guide Swain County Things to Do
Bryson City, Hometown to Polar Express
Bryson City is extra magical during the holiday season! Each November and December, 90,000 people climb aboard the Polar Express at the Depot and travel to the North Pole. Before or after your… More Information
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Take a scenic train ride on excursions along the Nantahala Gorge and Tuckasegee Rivers, over the mountains, across valleys, and through tunnels. Choose from a variety of train adventures…
Bryson City Christmas
Bryson City the hometown of Polar Express and dubbed one of our Top Christmas Towns! In the town square, you'll find ice skating, fresh-cut Christmas trees, a main street decked out… More Information
Nantahala Outdoor Center Mountain Biking
Rent a mountain bike at NOC’s Tsali Bikes on the Nantahala River! Located just 10 minutes from Tsali. Or, ride across the river on the NOC's Flint Ridge Trail. Service and repairs, bike… More Information
Bryson City Restaurants
For a small town, you'll find a nice variety of restaurants, ranging from southern home cooking to a brewery and gourmet dining. A nice reward after a day of exploring the Great Smokies and… More Information
Deep Creek Waterfall Hike
(2.5 miles, moderate) Hike to three waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on this loop trail at Deep Creek, near Bryson City.
Smoky Mountain Christmas Light Spectacular, Bryson City
Head to Bryson City, NC for the Smoky Mountain Christmas Light Spectacular this holiday season! The Great Smoky Mountains Event Park (formerly Inspiration Park) will dazzle you with all-new giant… More Information
Swain County Heritage Museum
Located on the second floor of the historic courthouse in Bryson City, see photos, exhibits and video about the early settlers in the Great Smoky Mountains, including a restored log cabin porch.… More Information
Fishing in the Smokies, Bryson City
Discover one of the most diverse fishing habitats in the world with four rivers and dozens of mountain streams throughout the Great Smoky Mountains, and the deep, cold waters of Fontana Lake. You… More Information
Indian Lakes Scenic Byway
This 60-mile drive takes you by Fontana and Santeetlah Lakes in far western North Carolina, through the historic communities of Stecoah and Robbinsville, in rural Graham and Swain counties.…
The Dragon
Perhaps the most famous motorcycle drive in the East, drive 318 curves in 11 miles. Located about 90 miles from Asheville, the Tail of the Dragon crosses Deals Gap at the Tennessee/North…
Cherohala Skyway
It took 34 years to build North Carolina's most expensive highway, winding up and over 5,400-foot mountains for 15 miles, from Robbinsville through the Nantahala National Forest and descending…
Road to Nowhere Hike
(3.2 miles, moderate) This loop hike in the Smokies includes a 1,200-ft. tunnel at the end of Bryson City's Lakeview Drive, known locally as the "Road to Nowhere." Lakeshore Trail starts here too…
Tom Branch Falls, Indian Creek Falls and Juney Whank Falls
See three waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the Deep Creek area with a two-mile hike. It is also a popular tubing and camping spot each summer. Near Bryson City.
Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome) Observation Tower
See the 360-degree scenic view from the tallest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park via a half-mile walk or enjoy views from the parking area. Open April-November.
Basecamp at NOC
Outdoor enthusiast accommodations at the Nantahala Outdoor Center feature budget-friendly lodging and river access. Try whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking, zipline tours, and adventure activities in close proximity.
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Freedom Fest
Experience an old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration and street festival in Bryson City with a 5K, crafts, food, contests, live music, and the best fireworks show in the Smokies.
Bryson City Great Smoky Campgrounds
Find campgrounds for tents, campers, and RVs near several entrances to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the Cherokee, Fontana Lake, and Bryson City areas.
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Nantahala River Rafting Guide
The most popular river for whitewater rafting and kayaking is about 12 miles west of Bryson City in the beautiful Nantahala River Gorge. The site of the Freestyle Kayaking World Championships,… More Information
Deep Creek Tubing
Rent a tube and float down Deep Creek on the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Bryson City. Float by one waterfall and hike to two others.
Nantahala Village, Bryson City
This small resort in the Nantahala Gorge offers a variety of lodging options, a team of culinary experts creating the perfect menu using the freshest ingredients, and many amenities for guests to enjoy. Many nearby group adventures include whitewater rafting, zip lines, horseback riding, biking and hiking in the Smokies. Open April-November.
Stand-Up Paddleboard Trips
Find the best places to stand-up paddleboard in and near Asheville on the pristine waters of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Rent SUPs, take lessons and even take a guided river trip. Fun way to see…
Fontana Lake & Dam
Located in the Great Smoky Mountains, enjoy fishing, boating, camping and swimming in this beautiful lake. Drive or walk across the highest dam east of the Rockies and stop by the Visitor Center…
Bryson City Gem Mining
There are several gem mining spots throughout Bryson City for you to try your hand at gem panning, such as the Nantahala River Gem Mine and Deep Creek Tube Center Mining Company. A perfect… More Information
Bryson City Scenic Drives
Bryson City's scenic drives through the Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains are some of the best in the country. No matter when you plan to visit, make time for a day trip from… More Information
Bryson City, Smoky Mountains
Find much to do! Ride the train on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad before you explore their downtown shops and galleries, or paddleboard down the river. Nearby Deep Creek in the Smokies …
Horseback Riding In and Around Bryson City
Bryson City features many tours and routes to show you the scenic beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounding areas on horseback. Their horseback riding guides and riding… More Information
Swimming Near Bryson City
There are various swimming holes throughout the Bryson City area that offer both fun and beauty, so you will be hard-pressed to find an area that doesn't have a spot to cool down.
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Great Smoky & Tsali Mountain Biking, NC
Find mountain biking heaven in the Nantahala National Forest with 40 miles of trails overlooking Fontana Lake in the Great Smoky Mountains. Located near Bryson City, where you can find bike…