The 'Outdoor Adventure Capital Of The Great Smoky Mountains' Is A Scenic, Laid-Back River Town

When it comes to outdoor adventure, the American Southeast has plenty of opportunities. One of the best places to get outside is at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which offers hiking trails, scenic vistas, fishing opportunities, and much more. After all, there's a reason it's America's most-visited national park and a glorious haven for nature lovers. But while you can camp inside the park, not everyone is open to "roughing it" 24/7. So, that begs the question of where to stay if you're looking for easy park access and comfortable surrounds. One popular option is Bryson City, which is actually known as the "outdoor adventure capital of the Great Smoky Mountains."  

Bryson City is situated in the middle of everything. To the north is the national park, and to the south is Nantahala National Forest. Additionally, the Tuckasegee River flows through the town, offering both a scenic backdrop for your activities and fly fishing opportunities. In fact, Bryson City is also known as the "fly fishing capital of the South," so if you're into casting a line, you have even more of a reason to visit. 

Bryson City's prime location, gorgeous scenery, and abundance of amenities make it a great choice if you're looking to explore the Great Smoky Mountains or just want a quiet, riverside vacation surrounded by nature. 

Although there are at least eight charming gateway towns near the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City takes the title of "outdoor adventure capital" because it offers five access points to the park, which is more than anywhere else. If you're looking for a laid-back way to see the area, you can drive along the Road to Nowhere, which meanders through the park for six miles. It was originally going to be an access highway, but construction stopped due to environmental concerns, so it's now an easy way to experience the mountains from the comfort of your vehicle. 

One of the most convenient access points from Bryson City is Deep Creek, which is only five minutes north from the city center. This area includes three waterfalls, which you can view along the 2.4-mile waterfall loop. But if you prefer to be in the water, tubing is a popular activity, with multiple companies renting tubes for you to enjoy. Typically, though, tubing is a summer activity, running from about Memorial Day to Labor Day. 

Another way to view the scenery of the region is to book a ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. You can tour the area surrounding the Tuckasegee River or head southwest toward the Nantahala Gorge. And if you want to check out the tallest point of the mountains, head up to the Kuwohi Visitor Center (formerly known as Clingmans Dome), just over an hour north of Bryson City. There, you can get incredible views of the park and the surrounding region.

Although there are no major travel hubs directly near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the McGhee-Tyson Airport in Knoxville is often the best way to reach the park. From McGhee-Tyson, it takes around two-and-a-half hours to get to Bryson City. Fortunately, because the city is such a popular gateway to the mountains, it has plenty of lodging opportunities. If you want to stay next to the river, try Riverbend Lodging, which overlooks the water, so you can literally stand out on the deck and admire the scenery during your stay. 

But even if you're not staying next to the Tuckasegee River, you can still enjoy it by visiting a riverside restaurant, like The Tuck and Table. There, you can enjoy steaks, seafood, sandwiches, and burgers while enjoying the scenic views. Alternatively, if you're looking for a hearty breakfast to kickstart your outdoor adventure, try the Everett Street Diner, a quintessential small-town spot that serves all the breakfast classics. 

Finally, while using Bryson City as a base camp to explore nearby parks and forests, the city itself is also worth checking out. For example, you get a two-for-one special by visiting the Appalachian Rivers Aquarium and the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians, which are in the same building and free to enjoy (although donations are encouraged). However, if you really want entertainment, head up to Tennessee and experience Pigeon Forge, another gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains full of outdoor fun and attractions, including the legendary Dollywood.