Boating & paddling
Fontana Lake from Almond
Almond Boat & RV Park offers pontoon, kayak and paddleboard rentals, along with scenic lake cruises. Contact the operator to plan your time on the water.
Explore Almond Boat ParkAround Long Branch
Days worth
getting out for.
Almond. Cherokee. Bryson City.
A day on the lake, a walk to a waterfall, or an afternoon discovering Cherokee art and history. Make time to explore the communities around Long Branch.
A mountain day
Make time for
the fun part.
Get out, look around and make the most of a day in the mountains.
Plan your visitLake days & river adventures
Almond &
the Nantahala.
Head toward Fontana Lake and the Nantahala Gorge for time on the water and trails through the forest.
Rafting & zip lines
Nantahala Outdoor Center
Plan a guided rafting trip on the Nantahala River, try a zip-line adventure or visit the riverside campus. Check the requirements for your chosen activity before booking.
Plan a Nantahala adventureMountain biking & hiking
Tsali Recreation Area
Explore the forest trails beside Fontana Lake. Biking and horseback riding follow an alternating trail schedule; check current trail information before setting out.
View the Forest Service trail guide (PDF)Living culture & creativity
Cherokee &
the Qualla Boundary.
Explore the homeland of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians through its museums, living history and the work of Cherokee artists.
History & exhibitions
Museum of the Cherokee People
Discover Cherokee history, culture and stories through the museum’s exhibitions, collections and programs. See what is on view before your visit.
Visit the museum websiteLiving history
Oconaluftee Indian Village
Explore a re-created eighteenth-century Cherokee community through guided tours and craft demonstrations. This outdoor attraction operates seasonally.
Plan a village visitArt & craftsmanship
Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual
Browse Cherokee-made baskets, pottery, carvings and other artwork at this artist cooperative and gallery.
Discover Cherokee craftsmanshipScenic journeys & small-town afternoons
Bryson City
& the Smokies.
Pair an outing in the mountains with time to explore the shops, cafés and restaurants around town.
Scenic train rides
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Board an excursion from the downtown Bryson City depot. Routes and special-event trains vary, so choose your trip from the railroad’s current calendar.
Find a scenic train rideWaterfall walks
Deep Creek
Follow forest trails to Tom Branch, Indian Creek and Juney Whank Falls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Check park alerts, trail conditions and parking-tag requirements.
Plan a Deep Creek walkShops, cafés & local dining
An afternoon downtown
Browse locally owned shops and galleries, stop for coffee or find a place for dinner. The walkable downtown makes an easy companion to a day exploring the area.
Explore downtown Bryson City