Bryson City is a small mountain town tucked inside the Great Smoky Mountains in western North Carolina. We spent 3 days here in the fall and had an amazing time. You can use this itinerary any time of year. The fall colors make it extra special, but there is always something fun to do here.
The main reason people come to Bryson City is the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. They offer scenic train rides through the mountains. In winter, they run the most popular Polar Express ride in the whole country. Last year they sold over 110,000 tickets! The town sits along a small river with mountains all around. There are great food spots, a coffee shop, and it is easy to use as a base to visit nearby towns like Andrews, Sylva, and Cherokee.
Bryson City is about 4 hours and 45 minutes from Raleigh. It is only 1.5 hours from Gatlinburg, TN.
Day 1: Arrive and Settle In
Where to Stay
Elk Hollow Resort is where we stayed. We booked a Safari Tent called Lost Creek and it completely blew us away. It had a hot tub, a wrap around deck, a fire pit, fast wifi, and a full bathroom. The road up is gravel and a little steep, but they have easier options too. It is a great pick for a modern mountain experience.
Fryemont Inn has been open since 1923. It is full of charm and history. We read old letters from guests in the 1940s who took the train all the way from Virginia to stay here for two weeks. The dinner is phenomenal.
After you arrive, head to Bryson City Brewing near the train station. It is a great spot to relax after a long drive. Then walk around downtown and explore the shops along the river.
Day 2: Trains, Horses, and a Sunset Soak
Start your morning at La Dolce Vita Bakery. They make great bagel sandwiches and lattes. Give yourself extra time since it can get busy.
Then head to the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad for your train ride. They have open air seating options that look amazing in the fall.
Next, drive about 30 minutes past Cherokee to Smokemont Riding Stables inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We spent one hour riding up and down the hills through the forest. It was one of our favorite things we did on the whole trip.
Also worth it: Clingmans Dome (now called Kuwohi). It is the highest point in the Smokies. On a clear day you can see Gatlinburg, TN from the top. The path up is paved but it goes straight uphill. Take breaks on the way up.
For dinner, try The Rice Wagon (a Hawaiian food truck that is fast and amazing) or go for a full dinner at Fryemont Inn Restaurant. They serve a 4 course meal with fresh trout. Make a reservation since they only serve dinner for a few hours each day.
End the night at Treetop Soaks. You take a private outdoor bath with a view over Lake Fontana. Watching the sunset from that tub is something you will never forget.
Day 3: Hike and Head Out
Grab breakfast at Everett Street Diner, a local favorite.
Then explore these spots before you leave:
- Road to Nowhere: A paved road that leads to a tunnel and then just ends. The road was never finished. The tunnel is 3/4 of a mile long so bring a flashlight if you go through it. Cool and unique.
- Deep Creek Trail: Only 7 minutes from town. This easy trail in the national park takes you past 3 waterfalls. The paths are wide and not too hard.
- Cataloochee Valley: On your way out, keep an eye out for elk. Yes, real elk live in North Carolina! Cataloochee Valley is the best spot to see them.
Honorable Mentions
- Pasqualino's Italian Restaurant
- Anthony's Derailed (formerly Anthony's Pizza)
- River's End
- Mountain Layers Brewing Company
- Needmore Suspension Bridge
- Cars in the side of the river (a Bryson City quirk!)