A Few of Our Favorite Things
Neighborhood
Our neighborhood, Tobacco Branch Village, has a great private swimming hole filled with fresh spring water, a giant valley to run around and play games in and a pavilion that's perfect for a picnic. It's located just down the hill from the cabin and makes for a great, quick hike.
Pro-tip: In the winter when there's snow, it's the perfect place to sled and build snowmen!
Tobacco Branch Road
Tobacco Branch RoadOur neighborhood, Tobacco Branch Village, has a great private swimming hole filled with fresh spring water, a giant valley to run around and play games in and a pavilion that's perfect for a picnic. It's located just down the hill from the cabin and makes for a great, quick hike.
Pro-tip: In the winter when there's snow, it's the perfect place to sled and build snowmen!
Activities
For us, a day on the lake is a must. Almond Boat & RV Park is located 5 to 10 minutes away. Bryson City Outdoors sets up camp here during the season and rents kayaks and paddle boards. Rentals can be by the hour or day.
If you've taken or plan to take the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, you'll encounter an old bridge that travels over Fontana. That's a short paddle away and is a fun place to catch the train from the lake side. There's also a rope swing hidden a cove or two away in Swain County Park. Ask the attendant and I'm sure they can give you more specific directions!
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Almond Boat & RV Park
1165 Almond Boat Park RdFor us, a day on the lake is a must. Almond Boat & RV Park is located 5 to 10 minutes away. Bryson City Outdoors sets up camp here during the season and rents kayaks and paddle boards. Rentals can be by the hour or day.
If you've taken or plan to take the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, you'll encounter an old bridge that travels over Fontana. That's a short paddle away and is a fun place to catch the train from the lake side. There's also a rope swing hidden a cove or two away in Swain County Park. Ask the attendant and I'm sure they can give you more specific directions!
Tubing at Deep Creek is a family favorite. It's a great place to see a few waterfalls along a well maintained trail, and the river itself is an exciting run starting at the top. It's short enough that you can tube down and run back up. It's basically a completely natural, outdoor water park in the Smoky Mountains!
It's also affordable. There's tubing rental companies all along the road heading into the campground and you can expect to pay <$10 per tube. We once used tubes from Walmart and I do *not* recommend that. The ones you rent are thicker and sit a lot higher up, and despite the name, the creek is not all that deep. Regular tubes will drag all the way down.
Deep Creek Campground Entrance Bridge
Deep Creek Campground Entrance BridgeTubing at Deep Creek is a family favorite. It's a great place to see a few waterfalls along a well maintained trail, and the river itself is an exciting run starting at the top. It's short enough that you can tube down and run back up. It's basically a completely natural, outdoor water park in the Smoky Mountains!
It's also affordable. There's tubing rental companies all along the road heading into the campground and you can expect to pay <$10 per tube. We once used tubes from Walmart and I do *not* recommend that. The ones you rent are thicker and sit a lot higher up, and despite the name, the creek is not all that deep. Regular tubes will drag all the way down.
If you've got kids, gem mining is a great way to create a memory and satisfy any potential case of the 'gimmes' they might have. We like this one and have found their buckets to be both affordable and filled with a lot of gems.
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Smoky Mountain Gold-Ruby Mine
971 Tsali BlvdIf you've got kids, gem mining is a great way to create a memory and satisfy any potential case of the 'gimmes' they might have. We like this one and have found their buckets to be both affordable and filled with a lot of gems.
Rafting, kayaking, mountain biking and zip lining along the Nantahala! The NOC has it all along with decent food and better beer. It's 10-15 minutes from the cabin, tops.
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Nantahala Outdoor Center
13077 U.S. Highway 19Rafting, kayaking, mountain biking and zip lining along the Nantahala! The NOC has it all along with decent food and better beer. It's 10-15 minutes from the cabin, tops.
World class hiking and mountain biking trail located a short 5 minute drive away. Killer views of Fontana Lake and the Nantahala National Forest. Trails alternate between hiking/horseback and mountain biking, so make sure to check the schedule posted at the trailhead.
Even in the winter we love coming here for a hike. When Fontana gets drained for the season you can hike around the lake bed. The whole lake returns back to its original collection of rivers and streams.
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Tsali trailhead
8105 Tsali RdWorld class hiking and mountain biking trail located a short 5 minute drive away. Killer views of Fontana Lake and the Nantahala National Forest. Trails alternate between hiking/horseback and mountain biking, so make sure to check the schedule posted at the trailhead.
Even in the winter we love coming here for a hike. When Fontana gets drained for the season you can hike around the lake bed. The whole lake returns back to its original collection of rivers and streams.
Chances are if you're coming to the area, you're already familiar with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. BUT JUST IN CASE YOU ARE NOT.
This is a wonderful half day activity to do with kids. It runs from Downtown Bryson to the NOC and back. Tickets include access to the model train museum which is sure to be a favorite.
At Christmas Time the train turns into the Polar Express and is a super popular family activity.
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Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
18 Fry StChances are if you're coming to the area, you're already familiar with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. BUT JUST IN CASE YOU ARE NOT.
This is a wonderful half day activity to do with kids. It runs from Downtown Bryson to the NOC and back. Tickets include access to the model train museum which is sure to be a favorite.
At Christmas Time the train turns into the Polar Express and is a super popular family activity.
For us, a day on the lake is a must. Much like Almond Boat & RV Park, the Prince Boat Dock is only 5 to 10 minutes away. They rent pontoons and houseboats, but not paddle boards.
Prince Boat Dock
237 Prince Boat DockFor us, a day on the lake is a must. Much like Almond Boat & RV Park, the Prince Boat Dock is only 5 to 10 minutes away. They rent pontoons and houseboats, but not paddle boards.
The fishing hole here is *awesome*. It's a well stocked trout pond. They'll give you a pole, bait your hook if you'd like and teach you the basics if you're new to fishing. They'll also clean your catch for you and send you home with perfect, ready to eat rainbow trout filets.
You only pay for what you catch, and you are basically guaranteed to catch something. You'll catch more in 15 minutes than you would all day elsewhere.
It's located one neighborhood over from the cabin off of Panther Creek, perhaps a 5 minute drive. Take a right on 28 and then another right, then straight down Panther Creek a few miles until you see it.
Tumbling waters campground and trout pond
1612 Panther Creek RdThe fishing hole here is *awesome*. It's a well stocked trout pond. They'll give you a pole, bait your hook if you'd like and teach you the basics if you're new to fishing. They'll also clean your catch for you and send you home with perfect, ready to eat rainbow trout filets.
You only pay for what you catch, and you are basically guaranteed to catch something. You'll catch more in 15 minutes than you would all day elsewhere.
It's located one neighborhood over from the cabin off of Panther Creek, perhaps a 5 minute drive. Take a right on 28 and then another right, then straight down Panther Creek a few miles until you see it.
With 100 foot trees that are 20 feet wide, this old growth forest has an easy to hike two mile loop.
There’s not many places where you can see 400 year old trees! The main loop is easy enough for small children and is well maintained.
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Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, Cheoah Ranger District, Nantahala National Forest
5410 Joyce Kilmer RdWith 100 foot trees that are 20 feet wide, this old growth forest has an easy to hike two mile loop.
There’s not many places where you can see 400 year old trees! The main loop is easy enough for small children and is well maintained.
Darnell Farms is a perfect half-day "agri-tourism" located on the other side of Bryson. They've got a wonderful play area for kids, an outdoor farmers market for fresh produce and supplies, and special activities for all four seasons of the year.
Pro tip: Darnell Farms actually delivers farm fresh groceries to the cabin most of the year as well. Order a day in advance on their website!
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Darnell Farms
2300 Governors Island RdDarnell Farms is a perfect half-day "agri-tourism" located on the other side of Bryson. They've got a wonderful play area for kids, an outdoor farmers market for fresh produce and supplies, and special activities for all four seasons of the year.
Pro tip: Darnell Farms actually delivers farm fresh groceries to the cabin most of the year as well. Order a day in advance on their website!
Excellent golf course! Sequoyah National has amazing views and is well cared for.
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Sequoyah National Golf Club
79 Cahons RdExcellent golf course! Sequoyah National has amazing views and is well cared for.
Kid friendly, relatively affordable and convenient to the cabin.
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Nantahala Village Riding Stable
9400 US-19Kid friendly, relatively affordable and convenient to the cabin.
A working mill located at its original site inside the Smoky Mountain National Park! It's a total gem.
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Mingus Mill
Mingus Creek TrailA working mill located at its original site inside the Smoky Mountain National Park! It's a total gem.
We love taking the kids here to run around. It's a collection of farm buildings taken from various areas of the park to recreate what would be a typical farm in the area from the pre-park era. It's an inexpensive, easy way to spend a couple of hours and located right near Mingus Mill (another favorite)
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Mountain Farm Museum
We love taking the kids here to run around. It's a collection of farm buildings taken from various areas of the park to recreate what would be a typical farm in the area from the pre-park era. It's an inexpensive, easy way to spend a couple of hours and located right near Mingus Mill (another favorite)
If you're around in December and early January, check out Tube World in Maggie Valley! You rent a tube for a two-hour session and ride an escalator up to the top of a hill made with real and artificial snow. It's a blast. There's even a play area for smaller kids who might not be 42" tall yet. Make sure to make reservations in advance via their website.
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Cataloochee Tube World in Maggie Valley
4721 Soco RdIf you're around in December and early January, check out Tube World in Maggie Valley! You rent a tube for a two-hour session and ride an escalator up to the top of a hill made with real and artificial snow. It's a blast. There's even a play area for smaller kids who might not be 42" tall yet. Make sure to make reservations in advance via their website.
A well-maintained mountain biking mecca over in Cherokee. There are trails for every skill level. Check out the Cherokee location of Bryson City Outdoors for Mountain e-Bike rentals!
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Fire Mountain Mountain Bike Trail Head
State Road 1361A well-maintained mountain biking mecca over in Cherokee. There are trails for every skill level. Check out the Cherokee location of Bryson City Outdoors for Mountain e-Bike rentals!
Sightseeing
This place is so cool. Built in just 36 months by the Tennessee Valley Authority in the early 1940s, it's the tallest dam east of the Rockies at 480 feet.
There's a well done observation area at the dam, and just across the street on the lake side there is a nice little park. If you go up the stairs at the park the lookout over Fontana Lake is superb.
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Fontana Dam
This place is so cool. Built in just 36 months by the Tennessee Valley Authority in the early 1940s, it's the tallest dam east of the Rockies at 480 feet.
There's a well done observation area at the dam, and just across the street on the lake side there is a nice little park. If you go up the stairs at the park the lookout over Fontana Lake is superb.
Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Smoky's. It's also the highest point of the Appalachian Trail, which intersects with the hike up to the Dome from the parking lot.
If you time it right, the view is astounding. When you don't, you're basically standing in a cloud. The views from the parking lot are wonderful either way though.
The hike up is 1/2 a mile. Even though it's well paved it can be steep. There are frequent benches to take a break if you need. On a clear day the payoff is worth it.
Closed for winter, so check ahead!
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Clingmans Dome
Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Smoky's. It's also the highest point of the Appalachian Trail, which intersects with the hike up to the Dome from the parking lot.
If you time it right, the view is astounding. When you don't, you're basically standing in a cloud. The views from the parking lot are wonderful either way though.
The hike up is 1/2 a mile. Even though it's well paved it can be steep. There are frequent benches to take a break if you need. On a clear day the payoff is worth it.
Closed for winter, so check ahead!
The "Road to Nowhere" is a bit of a hidden gem. With the creation of Fontana Lake in the 40s, the old highway was lost. The Fed's promised to replace the road with a new one but ran into a bunch of environmental and cost issues and abandoned the project.
So now there's this 6 mile long road that has a tunnel through a mountain and then it just completely ends. The tunnel has become a bit of a graffiti hotspot and has some creepiness to it, but nothing a flash light can't handle.
At the other end of the tunnel is the trailheads for Lakeshore Trail and the Goldmine Loop Trail
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Lakeview Drive East
Lakeview Drive EastThe "Road to Nowhere" is a bit of a hidden gem. With the creation of Fontana Lake in the 40s, the old highway was lost. The Fed's promised to replace the road with a new one but ran into a bunch of environmental and cost issues and abandoned the project.
So now there's this 6 mile long road that has a tunnel through a mountain and then it just completely ends. The tunnel has become a bit of a graffiti hotspot and has some creepiness to it, but nothing a flash light can't handle.
At the other end of the tunnel is the trailheads for Lakeshore Trail and the Goldmine Loop Trail
Remember the movie "The Fugitive" with Harrison Ford? Much of the film was shot around this area. The spectacular train wreck scene used real trains, not CGI or models, and the remnants are still sitting right where they left them in nearby Sylva.
You can look down from the public road and see them just fine. It's private property, so how close you're able to get will depend on if things are opened up or not.
Check AtlasObscura.com for more details
973 Haywood Rd
973 Haywood RoadRemember the movie "The Fugitive" with Harrison Ford? Much of the film was shot around this area. The spectacular train wreck scene used real trains, not CGI or models, and the remnants are still sitting right where they left them in nearby Sylva.
You can look down from the public road and see them just fine. It's private property, so how close you're able to get will depend on if things are opened up or not.
Check AtlasObscura.com for more details
Mingo Falls is a really pretty waterfall! It's just a short hike from the parking lot up a well maintained stair case. It's a quick visit if you happen to be adventuring in the Cherokee area.
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Mingo Falls
Eastern Cherokee ReservationMingo Falls is a really pretty waterfall! It's just a short hike from the parking lot up a well maintained stair case. It's a quick visit if you happen to be adventuring in the Cherokee area.
Cherohala Skyway, Verenigde Staten
Gorgeous drive that rivals Blue Ridge Parkway in the scenery.
The Wayah Bold Fire Tower is located at an elevation of 5,342 ft and has a fantastic view. Located just outside of Franklin, the tower was built in 1937 to have panoramic views of the southern Appalachian mountains. It's also located directly along the Appalachian Trail.
Small note -- the Bald is closed from Jan-March.
Wayah Bald, North Carolina 28734, Verenigde Staten
The Wayah Bold Fire Tower is located at an elevation of 5,342 ft and has a fantastic view. Located just outside of Franklin, the tower was built in 1937 to have panoramic views of the southern Appalachian mountains. It's also located directly along the Appalachian Trail.
Small note -- the Bald is closed from Jan-March.
New Found Gap off of 441, roughly half way between Cherokee and Gatlinburg, has an incredible view of the Smoky Mountains. It's easily accessible year-round and has some history to it -- it's where FDR dedicated the park. The spot is marked by a monument paid for by John Rockefeller and dedicated to his wife.
During winter, this area can be a decent bet to find some snow if it's melted everywhere else. That seems like an important sightseeing note for our Floridian brethren ;) Our kids have made more than a few parking-lot snowmen.
Newfound Gap, Tennessee 37738, Verenigde Staten
New Found Gap off of 441, roughly half way between Cherokee and Gatlinburg, has an incredible view of the Smoky Mountains. It's easily accessible year-round and has some history to it -- it's where FDR dedicated the park. The spot is marked by a monument paid for by John Rockefeller and dedicated to his wife.
During winter, this area can be a decent bet to find some snow if it's melted everywhere else. That seems like an important sightseeing note for our Floridian brethren ;) Our kids have made more than a few parking-lot snowmen.
Food scene
A wonderful local coffee shop that's just a short drive away. It's our go-to not just due to the proximity, but because they've got great coffee!
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Cardinal Coffee
22 Needmore RdA wonderful local coffee shop that's just a short drive away. It's our go-to not just due to the proximity, but because they've got great coffee!
This is a great family friendly diner that has a little bit of everything. Great breakfast. Their biscuits and gravy is among the best I've had.
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Everett Street Diner
126 Everett StThis is a great family friendly diner that has a little bit of everything. Great breakfast. Their biscuits and gravy is among the best I've had.
Bryson City has a couple of great breweries now, but we really enjoy Mountain Layers Brewing Company. They've got a great selection and when you order whatever the special is, they give you a poker chip to drop in a box and 'donate' to a local charity.
Out back, they have some covid-safe outdoor seating and rotate local food trucks.
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Mountain Layers Brewing Company
90 Everett StBryson City has a couple of great breweries now, but we really enjoy Mountain Layers Brewing Company. They've got a great selection and when you order whatever the special is, they give you a poker chip to drop in a box and 'donate' to a local charity.
Out back, they have some covid-safe outdoor seating and rotate local food trucks.
If you're in downtown Bryson looking for coffee, Mountain Perks is the place. A perfect pit stop before a morning on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. Try their chorizo quiche!
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Mountain Perks
9 Depot StIf you're in downtown Bryson looking for coffee, Mountain Perks is the place. A perfect pit stop before a morning on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. Try their chorizo quiche!
If you're looking for a nice sit-down dining experience, this is the date night go to. Make sure to make reservations in advance!
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The Bistro at the Everett Hotel
16 Everett StIf you're looking for a nice sit-down dining experience, this is the date night go to. Make sure to make reservations in advance!
Legit pancakes and a great view of the river! If you're going to visit Cherokee this is a great family friendly place to get a bite to eat.
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Peter's Pancakes & Waffles
1384 Tsali BlvdLegit pancakes and a great view of the river! If you're going to visit Cherokee this is a great family friendly place to get a bite to eat.
Imagine if Willy Wonka had a thing for popcorn instead of chocolate, gobstoppers and thinly veiled sadism. We start most of our trips with a stop at Pop-N-Jacks to load up for the week!
Kathryn's favorite is dill mixed with white cheddar and a smidge of jalapeño. The kids usually get the super-duper movie theater buttery one combined with something desert-like, like key lime.
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Pop-n-jacks
225 Everett StImagine if Willy Wonka had a thing for popcorn instead of chocolate, gobstoppers and thinly veiled sadism. We start most of our trips with a stop at Pop-N-Jacks to load up for the week!
Kathryn's favorite is dill mixed with white cheddar and a smidge of jalapeño. The kids usually get the super-duper movie theater buttery one combined with something desert-like, like key lime.
Great sit-down restaurant located near the cabin on the Nantahala River. River's End is at the NOC so it can get crowded but the view is hard to beat.
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River's End Restaurant
13077 US-19Great sit-down restaurant located near the cabin on the Nantahala River. River's End is at the NOC so it can get crowded but the view is hard to beat.
Great food, great beer, great views along the Cheoah river!
A few times a year there's a big water release from the dam. If you time your visit right, you'll enjoy watching kayakers from all over the world tackle class 4 and class 5 rapids!
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Historic Tapoco Lodge Resort
14981 Tapoco RdGreat food, great beer, great views along the Cheoah river!
A few times a year there's a big water release from the dam. If you time your visit right, you'll enjoy watching kayakers from all over the world tackle class 4 and class 5 rapids!
We find ourselves coming back here just about every trip. Great pizza and a fun view of the train for the kids!
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Anthony's Restaurant
15 Depot StWe find ourselves coming back here just about every trip. Great pizza and a fun view of the train for the kids!
Excellent hand crafted, small batch chocolatier. They also have a killer coffee selection. Perfect destination for the Dillsboro train layover or if you’re passing through town.
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Dillsboro Chocolate Factory
28 Church StExcellent hand crafted, small batch chocolatier. They also have a killer coffee selection. Perfect destination for the Dillsboro train layover or if you’re passing through town.
Solid Mexican restaurant located in Bryson City. If your kids are anything like ours, Mexican can be an easy answer for picky eaters!
4 Queens Mexican grill
Solid Mexican restaurant located in Bryson City. If your kids are anything like ours, Mexican can be an easy answer for picky eaters!
Essentials
This is the grocery store we use when visiting the area. It's just outside Bryson's downtown and is easily accessible.
There's another Ingles in the other direction, but it's located in a dry county. So..
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Ingles Markets
19/23 Hughes Branch RdThis is the grocery store we use when visiting the area. It's just outside Bryson's downtown and is easily accessible.
There's another Ingles in the other direction, but it's located in a dry county. So..
If you get a little crazy with the trash and want to tidy things up a bit, this is the local recycling center. Just pull in and toss in your bags and/or your recyclables and off you go.
Mountain living!
Swain County Recycling Con Center
1422 Old U.S. 19If you get a little crazy with the trash and want to tidy things up a bit, this is the local recycling center. Just pull in and toss in your bags and/or your recyclables and off you go.
Mountain living!
NOW NAMED "Red Barn Hallow"
A quick access general store for your everyday basics.
Wolf Creek General Store Cafe
2620 NC-28NOW NAMED "Red Barn Hallow"
A quick access general store for your everyday basics.
The BP gas station off of 19 has basic provisions as well as firewood. It's a little further away than Wolf Creek but you'll likely be passing it more often in your adventures. It's also in Swain County, which sells alcohol.
7530 W Hwy 19
The BP gas station off of 19 has basic provisions as well as firewood. It's a little further away than Wolf Creek but you'll likely be passing it more often in your adventures. It's also in Swain County, which sells alcohol.
Hopefully you never have to visit, but if you are in need of an urgent care, this is the closest one!
Smoky Mountain Urgent Care
80 Veterans BlvdHopefully you never have to visit, but if you are in need of an urgent care, this is the closest one!
Dollar General is close by and has a great, albeit basic, grocery selection. We'll often stop here for the first day or night before heading into town for Ingles and a full cart!
Dollar General
Dollar General is close by and has a great, albeit basic, grocery selection. We'll often stop here for the first day or night before heading into town for Ingles and a full cart!