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.
After your hike enjoy a picnic along the banks of Deep Creek. Or plan to stay awhile at the beautiful National Park campground or at one of the close-by private campgrounds.
Dogs are allowed in the Deep Creek campground and in the picnic area. They must be kept on a leash (no more than 6 feet long) at all times. Please clean up after your pet, and do not leave them unattended in campsites, vehicles or RVs.
From your favorite table games, to traditional Asian games, to exciting video poker, Harrah’s Cherokee has all the casino excitement you crave. And for sports fans, you can place bets on a wide range of professional and collegiate sports at Caesars Sportsbook.
Enjoy mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, motorized boating, kayaking or camping at Tsali Recreation Area, all located within steps of Fontana Lake.
Follow the Trail. The Tsali (pronounced “SAH-lee”) Recreation Area’s four-loop trail system has become a popular destination for mountain bikers and horseback riders. It is best known as a challenging mountain bike course.
Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap with 318 curves in 11 miles: America’s number one motorcycle and sports car road.
Designated US 129, the road is bordered by the Great Smoky Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest with no intersecting roads or driveways to hamper your travel. It is considered “the destination” for thousands of motorcycle and sports car fans throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Can you brave it? It’s best to be cautious as the turns are tight, but the Tail of the Dragon is guaranteed to be the ride of your life.
Tsali – Each year, Swain County attracts thousands of mountain bikers to the world-famous Tsali Recreation Area Trail System, 15 miles west of Bryson City. Pronounced “SAH-lee” and named after the 19th century Cherokee Indian martyr, the 42-mile network of multi-use trails is consistently rated one of the top ten riding destinations in the United States. The ‘flowy’ four-loop system offers a variety of landscapes and trail types from single track to old logging roads. Hikers may use the trails any day of the week, but mountain bikers and horseback riders are kept separated by alternating use of the trails.
A great way to enjoy the rugged beauty of the Smoky Mountains is on horseback. Several stables offer guided horse rides in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Nantahala National Forest. Horseback treks are generally one to four hours, but may also be overnight camping trips.
