Explore North Carolina’s Most Beautiful Wildflower And Waterfall Trails This Spring With A Trip To Bryson City
Bryson City, North Carolina is an outdoor lover’s paradise. As a gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this small town of approximately 1,500 residents offers it all — mountains, forests, waterfalls, wildflowers, and so much more. While it is a beautiful place to visit all year long, spring is one of the best as you can lace up your hiking boots and immerse yourself in some of the Tar Heel State’s natural beauty. There are numerous hiking trails found in Bryson City’s backyard from easy walks to strenuous hikes. There’s no doubt that this is one small North Carolina town full of adventure.
Bryson City is a small town just outside of Great Smoky Mountains National Park with something to offer everyone. From a delightful downtown area to scenic train rides and easy access to nature, this is the place to get away and relax.
While there is plenty to do in the community all year long, when spring arrives, it’s time to head outdoors and enjoy the fresh air and scenic landscapes. Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the Bryson City area and for good reason — the trails here are bucket-list-worthy.
One of the most spectacular trails near Bryson City is Deep Creek. This area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is where you can view three breathtaking waterfalls — Tom Branch, Indian Creek, and Juney Whank.
Even better, you can capture the beauty of all three waterfalls on a single 2.4-mile loop trail that is considered easy. It is one hiking trail in North Carolina that the entire family will enjoy and you won’t want to rush through.
Not only can you enjoy three magical waterfalls on this loop trail, but this is also one of the best places near Bryson City to view wildflowers.
In fact, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is nicknamed Wildflower National Park and is home to more than 1,500 species of flowering plants. Always bring a camera on the Deep Creek Trail as the sea of color you will walk through is incredible.
While the loop trail at Deep Creek is where you will capture incredible waterfall views, the hike to Shuckstack Fire Tower is where you can enjoy views of Fontana Dam, Fontana Lake, and the Smoky Mountain and Blue Ridge mountain ranges.
The hike to Shuckstack Fire Tower is challenging as the trail climbs more than 2,100 feet in just over three miles. However, the beauty of this springtime hike near Bryson City is second to none!
If you are searching for a shorter hiking trail near Bryson City, North Carolina, check out Waterrock Knob.
Waterrock Knob is where you will find Blue Ridge Parkway's highest visitor center, which sits at 5,820 feet in elevation. From the parking lot, you can explore the Waterrock Knob Trail, a 1.2-mile round-trip trail that takes you to the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is one of the best places to watch a sunrise or sunset, but make sure you are prepared for a climb! While this trail is short, it is quite steep.
While all of the above trails offer incredible views, you will find some of the best at Clingman’s Dome, the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
One of the easiest ways to capture the views is to drive along Clingman’s Dome Road until you reach the parking area. Then, you will take a short walk to the observation deck. Be aware that Clingman’s Dome closes in the winter months and reopens on April 1. However, once accessible, this area is open 24/7 and is an excellent location for capturing sunsets and sunrises and stargazing.
Experienced hikers can always hike to Clingman’s Dome, but it is no easy feat. There are multiple trails you can take to reach the dome but each is quite steep and you may travel anywhere from 18 to 30 miles on foot until you reach your destination.
Spend your spring outside, in your hiking boots, and surrounded by breathtaking scenery when visiting Bryson City. It’s an adventure that is unforgettable.
Have you ever hiked near Bryson City, North Carolina? What are some of your favorite trails in the area? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. You can also learn more about Bryson City on its website and Facebook page. Don’t forget to also discover even more hiking trails in Bryson City and the surrounding area.
Address: Bryson City, NC 28713, USA
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