Why Bryson City, North Carolina, the Gateway of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Is Worth a Visit in Its Own Right

With over 12 million annual visitors, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular U.S. national park. Straddling the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, the park is 522,427 acres of endless scenery, hiking, horseback riding, scenic drives, and so much more. Due to its grand size, a number of cities and towns across both states can be considered gateways to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. One such town, Bryson City, North Carolina, may be overlooked, but it's worth exploring as well.

About Bryson City

Bryson City has a population of around 1,500 people; it's tiny but big on views and outdoor adventure. While recreational opportunities are abundant, there's a lively downtown area that's home to shops, restaurants, and art galleries. As a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, it's easy to drive through town without stopping. However, if you decide to explore this small community, you'll be glad you did.

Things to do in Bryson City

One of the top things to do in Bryson City is the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Reserve your tickets on the GSMR website and board the train at the Bryson City Depot for a memorable ride through the Smokies. Before or after your train ride, stop by the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Retail Store & Train Museum to learn more about the trains and pick up some souvenirs.

Another stop you can make is the Swain County Visitor Center and Heritage Museum to learn more about the area. Located within the old 1908 courthouse, it's worth seeing just for the architecture. For kids, gem mining is an option at the Deep Creek Tube Center Mining Company, or take kids 10 and older on a ziplining adventure.

You can't visit Bryson City without exploring its charming downtown. Spend an afternoon discovering its cafes, bakeries, restaurants, art galleries, shops, and antique stores.

Dining in Bryson City

For such a small town, you may be surprised at all of the dining options in Bryson City — there are over 80! For Mexican, try the casual Guayabitos Mexican Restaurant, and grab a margarita while you're there. If you're craving Italian, Pasqualino’s Italian Restaurant or Osteria Pasqualino are both great options.

If you need a caffeine fix, locally-owned Cardinal Coffee is a place to go for a coffee, view some art, and get a sense of the community. Craving sweets? Try Honey Bear's Bakery for a cinnamon roll, donut, or cupcake. Of course, there are plenty more restaurants and cafes to try around town, and you can see a more comprehensive list on the Explore Bryson City website.

Accommodations in Bryson City

If "million-dollar views" and a hot tub are important to you, well, you'll love spending a few nights at the One Sweet World cabin. This three-bedroom, 2.5-bath home is a Guest Favorite on Airbnb and for many good reasons. Yes, there are the stunning Smoky Mountains views from the floor-to-ceiling windows and the hot tub, but there's also a fire pit and outdoor seating.

If you prefer a hotel option, try the Nordic-themed Long View Resort, an exceptional place to stay. This retreat has ample views of the Smoky Mountains, luxury accommodations, and a daily breakfast for guests. You can also borrow tubes from the hotel and go for a float down the river.

For more accommodation options, check out our list of the best places to stay in Bryson City for more.

Should I Visit Bryson City?

Yes, you should absolutely visit Bryson City, North Carolina! With its location by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, abundant scenery, a pristine lake, and a downtown area, there's little reason not to visit this small mountain town.

If you can't get enough of the state's small towns and mountains, check out the highest towns in North Carolina. These small communities are worth the drive!