Bryson City is the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains. It’s an adventurers playground with some surprisingly luxurious options for relaxing at the end of the day.
Home to the Great Smoky Mountain railway, there’s more than one way to immerse yourself in the scenic landscape that envelopes this charming town. Horseback riding, zip lining, deep river tubing, paddle boarding, whitewater rafting and even fly fishing are all at your fingertips. Carolina Bound Adventures or the Nantahala Outdoor Center are great starting points to plan your visit.
There are also some great hikes in the area including the Road To Nowhere. An environmental issue kept the Federal Government from finishing the road that’s just out of town. It ends at a long tunnel. On the other side are several trails that take you past Fontana Lake. Warning, if you get lost like we did you might find yourself staring at a wild boar trap.
And when your muscles are sore from all of that outdoor exploring, I recommend a sunset soak in a treetop cabana overlooking Fontana lake. Lakeview at Fontana is an 18-and up resort that looks more like a European village than a mountain retreat. The soak is a unique and luxurious experience complete with a spa robe, plush towels and bath salts.
Sky Ridge Yurts is another alternative to the traditional mountain cabins that permeate the area. There are 8 glamping yurts and one spectacular glass front modern cabin just minutes outside of town.
Who says a trip to the mountains means roughing it all the time?