Local Attractions
Rafting
Nantahala Outdoor Center Established in 1972, NOC offers world-class paddling instruction and rafting. NOC is an employee owned business specializing in extraordinary outdoor recreation activities for your family and friends.
Rolling Thunder River Company Over 25 years of excellence in whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River and the Nantahala River. Whether you are a novice, an experienced paddler, young or simply young at heart, they have a rafting trip that's right for you.
Wildwater Rafting Fully guided, guide assisted and rental trips available. A family-owned business since 1971. Offers Raft 'N Rail excursions which combines a scenic rail trip with beginning whitewater rafting. Jeep tours are available too!
Area Attractions
American Hikes Guided nature walks and hiking tours for all ages. This is a perfect opportunity to explore the history, mystery and wildlife of our National Parks. Each trail contains everything from the footprints of early settlers to the paw prints of the wildlife the Parks help protect. We highly recommend that you check out their website. There's something for everyone.
Appalachian Trail A 2,160 mile foot trail along the ridge crests and across the major valleys of the Appalachia Mountains from Katahdin in the central Maine wilderness to Springer Mountain in a designated wilderness area in north Georgia. The trail is 8 miles from the Lodge.
Bartram Trail The North Carolina Bartram Trail, blazed in yellow, crosses over some of the most scenic mountains of the state, with many side trails, blazed in blue, leading to views of the Blue Ridge and the Smokies. Trail is within walking distance of the Lodge.
Biltmore Estate Located in Asheville, North Carolina just 60 miles East of Bryson City. Plan to spend the day in this 250 room mansion built by George Vanderbilt in 1895. The vineyard and extensive gardens are unsurpassed.
Blue Ridge Parkway is 469 miles of scenic roadway that connects the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee.
Cherohala Skyway Drive above the clouds. Winding up and over 5,400 foot mountains for 15 miles in North Carolina and descending another 21 miles into the deeply forested backcountry of Tennessee. The road crosses through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests thus the name "Chero...hala". The Skyway is becoming well known in motorcycling and sportscar circles for its long, sweeping corners and scenic views.
Cherokee Indian Reservation is the home of the descendants of those Cherokee who, in the late 1830's, remained in the mountains of North Carolina rather than be forced to march along the infamous "Trail of Tears" to Oklahoma.
Clingmans Dome is the highest point along the Appalachian Trail and provides a 360° view of the surrounding mountains rising 6,643 feet above sea level.
Deals Gap / Tail of the Dragon World-famous among motorcyclists and sports car drivers, for its eleven-mile section with 318 continuous curves.
Fontana Lake and Dam Located 35 miles West of Bryson City, is the highest dam east of the Rockies. Towering 480 feet in height this dam backs water for 30 miles and provides a major source of energy.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park established in 1934 covers 520,408 acres of land with heights ranging from 840 feet at Abrams Creek to 6,643 feet at Clingmans Dome.
Great Smoky Mountains Railway With the romance and mystique of an era gone by, guests on board will enjoy scenic train journeys across fertile valleys, into tunnels and through river gorges.
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest A tribute to a hero whose poem “Trees” inspired millions. A walk through Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest is a journey back in time through a magnificent forest with towering trees as old as 400 years. Some enormous yellow-poplars are over 20 feet in circumference and stand 100 feet tall. The floor is carpeted with a garden of wildflowers, ferns, and moss-covered logs from fallen giants.
Lonesome Dove Stables Horseback riding in scenic Nantahala
Nantahala National Forest lies in the mountains and valleys with elevations as high as 5,800 feet at Lone Bald in Jackson County to a low 1,200 feet in Cherokee County along the Tusquitee River.
Nantahala Outdoor Center Since 1972, NOC has shared the outdoors with millions of guests. Their world-class staff leads whitewater rafting trips on seven Southeastern rivers. Learn to paddle from the best in their renowned canoe and kayak paddling school.
Mountain Waters Scenic Byway takes you from Highlands to Fontana Lake. The Byway follows U.S. 64, old U.S. 64, Wayah Road, and U.S. 19. Approximately 61 miles of nationally-recognized byway winds through southern Appalachian hardwood forests, by numerous waterfalls and lakes and through two river gorges.
Otter Creek Trout Farm Offers trout farm tours and fresh trout (whole or filet)
Tsali Recreation Area A mecca for mountain bikers and horseback riders. Suited for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, the 4-loop system offers a variety of landscapes.
Wildwater Jeep Tours An adventurous way to see the beauty of Western North Carolina.
Favorite Restaurants in Andrews
Chestnut's Cafe Casual fine dining restaurant Telephone: (828) 321-4566
The Cole House Great food, served in a casual atmosphere in a converted 1918 cottage. Special Sunday Brunch served year-round. Adjacent to the restaurant is the Bear Creek Home and Garden Shop featuring antiques, collectibles, home accessories, etc... Telephone: (828) 321-0874
Elsie's Steak and Seafood Family style restaurant Telephone: (828) 321-4915
Peggy's Depot Great home cooked breakfast - opens at 6:00 a.m. Telephone (828) 321-3818
Favorite Restaurants in Nantahala Gorge
Relia's Garden and Rivers Edge at Nantahala Outdoor Center Telephone: (828) 488-2176
The Village Restaurant at Nantahala Village Telephone: (828) 488-2826
There are several great restaurants along the river in the Gorge - Barbeque, Pizza and home made pork rinds to name a few.
Favorite Restaurants in Bryson City
The Oaks Restaurant at Smoky Mountain Country Club Telephone: (828) 497-6400
Jimmy Mac's Award winning hamburgers, hand-cut steaks, Florida Grouper, Tuna flown in twice a week Telephone: (828) 488-4700
Pasqualino's Italian Restaurant Telephone: (828) 488-9555
Guayabitos Mexican Restaurant Telephone: (828) 488-1336
Favorite Restaurants in Franklin
Chef & His Wife Savory American dishes served at this unique American grill. Lunch and dinner served. Telephone: (828) 369-0575
Ms. Lois at 145 Highlands Road and Stamey's Cafe at 1111 East Main Street are our favorite Mom and Pop restaurants.
Area Chamber of Commerce Websites:
Bryson City Chamber of Commerce
Graham County Chamber of Commerce
