A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Charlottesville. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
If you’re lucky enough to live in North Carolina, you’re likely familiar with the jaw-dropping beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. But you may not have realized just how many different ways there are to experience this iconic stretch of the Appalachian Mountains, especially during the summertime. Head to Bryson City, North Carolina, aptly considered the Gateway to the Smokies, and prepare to be amazed by the variety of adventures. Whether you prefer exploring the mountains by foot, by water, by railway, or even by air, there’s a picture-perfect way for you to see the Smokies differently in Swain County.
Here are 7 outdoor adventures that will do just that:
Soar above the forest canopy when you sign up for a zipline adventure in the Smokies. Fortunately, there are two ziplining companies located just outside of Bryson City. Nantahala Outdoor Center’s Mountaintop Zip Line Tour offers visitors an exhilarating adventure like none other. This tour includes two miles of zip lines, including the half-mile Mega Zip with panoramic views. Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tour offers equally scenic adventures, with 13 zip sections and 8 sky bridges in total.
There's a reason so many biking enthusiasts head to western North Carolina: the terrain is simply spectacular. Whether you're up for a challenging ride or something more gentle, there's a perfect cycling itinerary for you. In fact, Bryson City is conveniently located near 16 popular biking trails.
North Carolina summers can be notoriously hot, and what better a way to cool off than tubing? You truly haven't experienced the best of North Carolina tubing until you've tried Deep Creek and the Oconaluftee River in Cherokee. Crystal clear waters will transport you past old-growth forests, waterfalls, and stunning mountain scenery. If you need rental gear, there are tubing companies located on West Deep Creek Road near the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The mountain lakes, streams, and rivers that make up Swain County are a fishing lover's paradise. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Nantahala National Forest are both notorious for their clear streams, which are home to rainbow and brown trout. Additionally, Fontana Lake offers ideal conditions for flat water fishing.
The tranquil waters of Fontana Lake lend themselves perfectly to paddle-ready adventures, like stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and kayaking. Both of these activities are perfect for all ages and are sure to bring you out of your comfort zone in the best way.
If you're an adventurous soul that craves scenery without wanting much exertion, you're in luck! The Great Smoky Mountains Railway offers passengers the chance to explore gorgeous mountain scenery from the comfort of a train car. Named one of USA Today’s "Top 10 American Train Rides," this stunning route winds through mountain valleys, through tunnels, across rivers and lakes, and into a river gorge.
Last, but certainly not least, we arrive at perhaps the most popular summer adventure in the Smokies: hiking. A significant portion of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park's 800 miles of hiking trails are accessible via Bryson City. Some popular day hikes include portions of the Appalachian Trail, Deep Creek Loop, Martin's Gap Loop, Noland Creek Trail, Mingus Creek Trail, and Clingmans Dome.
How many of these picture-perfect summer adventures have you enjoyed in the Great Smoky Mountains? We’d love to hear all about your experiences in the comments below! For more inspiration to plan your trip to Bryson City, North Carolina, you can visit the official visitor’s website by clicking here.
