Area Attractions and things to do
Looking for things to do? From hiking trails, train rides, and white water rafting to shopping, tubing, horseback riding, and rodeos - there’s something for everyone near the Nantahala Ridge Campground!
Scroll through some of our recommendations:
Rafting
Raging Rivers Rafting Company is a local rafting company that offers varying levels of guided river tours, plus single or double boats for those folks that aren’t quite ready to solo on the river. With such reasonable prices and often taking walk-ons, RRR is sure to provide a fabulous day of exciting river adventure for you and your family.
Rolling Thunder River Company has provided exceptional river trips for over 40 years. The family-friendly Nantahala River in western North Carolina has become a favorite river for hundreds of thousands of rafters each season. They offer Guided/Follow-A-Guide/Non-Guided options. Family-owned and operated for over 40 years
Nantahala Outdoor Center is one of the nation’s largest outdoor recreation companies. Over a million guests visit NOC annually to embark on a diverse collection of more than 120 different whitewater rafting and land-based itineraries. Learn to kayak at NOC’s world-renowned Paddling School, soar through the trees on NOC's multiple zip lines, travel to foreign countries with NOC’s Adventure Travel program, test the latest outdoor gear and shop at our three LEED-certified flagship retail stores or enjoy NOC’s resort amenities such as our three restaurants and multi-tiered lodging. NOC has been recognized by The New York Times as the “Nation's Premiere Paddling School,” “The Best Place to Learn” by Outside, and as “One of the Best Outfitters on Earth” by National Geographic ADVENTURE.
Popular activities
worth the time and effort!
Nantahala Village Riding Stable
Nantahala Village Riding Stables offers a fun, family-friendly horseback riding experience. They have 1-hour, 2-hour, 3-hour and 4-hour guided trips and will show you everything you need to know if you’re new to riding.
Since the 1960s, Smokemont Riding Stable has been an integral part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They offer several options around the amount of time you prefer and the scenery you choose, including a River Crossing Trail, a Waterfall and Riverside Trail, or if you have small ones in your party too little to ride, a Wagon Ride option.
This outdoor tour company is one-stop-shopping for all outdoor activities in the Smokies, including horseback riding. Check this outfitter out for other activities too, such as kayaking/SUP on Fontana Lake, mountain biking, ziplining and more.
“The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad historic train depot sits in the heart of Bryson City, North Carolina, and is a favorite regional attraction for family fun. A round-trip on the train is an ideal way to see extraordinary places that you can’t get to by car. Get a front-row view of Fontana Lake, the historic Fontana Trestle, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Nantahala National Forest, the Nantahala and Tuckasegee Rivers, historical structures, and stunning foliage.
Choose from steam-powered with the official “Steam of the Smokies” or climb onboard an excursion powered by diesel locomotives. A variety of passenger round-trip train options and special event trains — including THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride — makes this the perfect attraction for making memories and experiencing the true form of railroading.”
“Fontana Lake is unique in many ways. Unlike most lakes in the area, shoreline development has been kept to a minimum. More than 90 percent of the land around the Lake is owned by either the National Park Service or the US Forest Service. Maps of the Lake are available at local fishing stores.
Those fortunate enough to go boating on Fontana Lake have a unique perspective of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At places the view is unobstructed from the lake level to the top of towering Clingmans Dome, the Park’s highest peak.
There are a number of private marinas where you can rent a boat, or put your own boat on the lake. You’ll find knowledgeable staff, and plenty of boating and fishing supplies. Shuttle service is offered to Eagle Creek and Hazel Creek – two north shore locations where you can spend time fishing, hiking, exploring and camping in the National Park.
Also enjoy canoeing, kayaking & standup paddleboarding at various locations on the lake. Take a guided tour, or rent your own gear.”
Hiking and scenery
There are dozens of trails for all skill levels close to Bryson City!
From day trips to scenic overlooks, check out:
https://www.alltrails.com/us/north-carolina/bryson-city
You can also catch a bit of the Appalachian Trail, a few miles from out campground, from the NOC - look here for more info.
Enjoy the beauty of the Smoky Mountains, the trails within, and several waterfall destinations all near the Nantahala.
“An easy 2.5 mile round trip hike takes you to three waterfalls: Juneywhank Falls, Tom Branch Falls, and Indian Creek Falls. The area is also popular for fly fishing, tubing (in the summer), and has a pet-friendly picnic area.”
“A 30′ tall cascade with small pools at the base. The cascade is a beautiful destination for this easy four mile round-trip hike.”
“A series of small waterfalls located on Ledbetter Creek in the Nantahala Gorge with multiple access areas to the creek to play in. Great for a family hike.”
“One of the tallest in the Southern Appalachian region at a 120 majestic feet. The trail to the falls originates with 160 steps on a maintained stairway. The trail is 0.4 miles long and leads to a viewing platform. It is located near the Cherokee entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as well as the southern terminus of the Blue Ridge Parkway.”
“While not technically a waterfall, the Noland Creek Trail meanders alongside of Noland Creek within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It follows an old road bed and is usually much less traveled than other areas of the Park. So if you’re looking for a quiet, easy hike along a rushing creek, this is the hike for you. Several rocky cascades along the creek provide the splendor of small waterfalls, although none are specifically named.”
Other interesting sights
Originally a road envisioned to connect Lake Fontana and Bryson City, The Road To Nowhere (aka “A Broken Promise) is a 6-mile road that ends in a dead end tunnel and had become somewhat of an odd landmark popular to visit.
At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest peak in the Smokies and the third highest east of the Mississippi. From the parking lot, seven miles west of Newfound Gap, walk the steep half-mile path to the 54-foot observation tower for a 360-degree view of the Park. Sunrises and sunsets are spectacular. The Appalachian Trail crosses Clingmans Dome, marking the highest point along its 2,144-mile journey.
More info here.
“Deals Gap is a popular and internationally famous destination for motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts, as it is located along a stretch of two-lane road known since 1981 as "The Dragon" or the "Tail of the Dragon".The 11-mile (18 km) stretch of the Dragon in Tennessee is said to have 318 curves. Some of the Dragon's sharpest curves have names like Copperhead Corner, Hog Pen Bend, Wheelie Hell, Shade Tree Corner, Mud Corner, Sunset Corner, Gravity Cavity, Beginner's End, and Brake or Bust Bend. The road earned its name from its curves being said to resemble a dragon's tail.”