Top Eleven Things to Do in Bryson City in the Fall

Fall is calling. And so are the Smoky Mountains!

Here are our favorite adventures for the best fall color experience in the Smoky Mountains near Bryson City:

1. Scenic Train Excursions

All aboard! The historic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot sits in the heart of Bryson City, North Carolina – 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 the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Nantahala National Forest, Fontana Lake, extraordinary trestles, pristine mountain rivers, historic structures, and stunning fall foliage.

2. Scenic Drives

The Blue Ridge Parkway is magnificent in the fall, with the Cherokee entrance being close to Bryson City. Here are some additional scenic drives to consider for fall color:Cherohala Skyway - Beginning at the Santeetlah Gap overlook, the Cherohala Skyway connects the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina and Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee. Nearly 18 of the skyway’s 43 miles wind through far west North Carolina before crossing the state line. The route provides stunning overlooks for motorists, hiking trails, and waterfalls. Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, visible both from an overlook and via hiking trails, is home to more than 100 species of trees, including some tulip-poplars that have grown to more than 100 feet high and 20 feet in circumference. The highest point on the skyway is Hooper’s Bald at 5,429 feet.

Newfound Gap Road Scenic Byway - This nationally-designated All-American Road takes motorists through Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offers opportunities to glimpse diverse wildlife, including elk and black bears. Near Cherokee, the Mountain Farm Museum features a collection of log structures including a farmhouse, barn, and apple house, while the Oconaluftee Visitor Center features cultural history exhibits. The visitor center was named for the Oconaluftee River, which runs along part of the byway and is a popular spot for trout fishing. A large open field is a popular spot for elk viewing. It’s often foggy and misty in the mornings and takes on a very magical experience. Leaving the visitor center and heading up in elevation, sweeping mountain views provide great opportunities for catching a stunning sunrise or sunset. Newfound Gap is a great place to see both

From Newfound Gap, head south to Clingmans Dome Road and travel the 6-mile scenic drive to Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) for sweeping views of the Smokies right from the parking lot

Other scenic drive) are also open in our area: Nantahala Gorge Scenic Byway: US 129, and the Hellbender 28 to Fontana Dam. More scenic drives can be found here.

3. Hiking and Trails

From the Newfound Gap parking lot in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the 8-mile roundtrip hike to Charlie’s Bunion leads to a round outcrop with stunning views. You’ll see a wide variety of plants, trees, and views while traversing this particular section of the Appalachian Trail.

Steeped in history, the Road to Nowhere is a scenic drive, hiking destination and monument to the past, nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A six-mile winding road weaves through the National Forest, with multiple scenic stops along the way to pull off and take in the view of Fontana Lake. At the road’s end, a mile-long tunnel stretches under rock, which must be traversed on foot to reach hiking trails on the other side, including Noland Creek Trail, the Goldmine Loop, and Lakeshore Trails. Be sure to bring a flashlight on this adventure!

The Deep Creek area in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is best known for its streams and waterfalls. Hikers can take a waterfall loop hike leading to three waterfalls. The Deep Creek Waterfall  hike loop include Juney Whank Falls, Tom Branch Falls, and Indian Creek Falls. The trailhead starts from the large parking area at the end of Deep Creek Road (across the creek from Deep Creek Campground.

The hike to Clingmans Dome Observation Tower from the parking lot is fully paved and only half a mile. However, it is steep and considered strenuous. The trail features several benches along the way if you need to catch your breath during the ascent. For those that don't want to make the trek up to the tower, the views from the parking lot are nearly as spectacular. At the summit, hikers are greeted with incredible views of the mountain ridges of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trail to the observation tower intersects with several other hiking trails including the Appalachian Trail, the Forney Creek Trail, and the Forney Ridge Trail.

The Oconaluftee River Trail is a walking paths in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on which visitors can walk dogs and ride bicycles. Pets and bicycles are prohibited on all other park trails. The trail travels 1.5 miles along the Oconaluftee River, originating from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. The trail leads one-way to the outskirts of Cherokee, NC. It is relatively flat, but does have a few small hills. The trail runs through the forest offers beautiful views of the river. You might even catch a view of the elk and other wildlife. The river is also used for fishing. The Oconaluftee River Trail is frequently used by joggers, walkers, and bicyclists.

4. Waterfalls

A trip to the Smoky Mountains of Bryson City is incomplete without a visit to our gorgeous waterfalls. Wide open spaces, fresh air, and the sights and sounds of water create the perfect opportunity to get back in touch with nature. In addition to the Waterfall Loop Trail at Deep Creek, Soco Falls, and Mingo Falls, our waterfall loop near Bryson City takes you to 12 waterfalls.

5.High Adventure - Whitewater and Zipline

Experience the stunning autumnal landscapes of the mountains and journey through the Nantahala River Gorge for some whitewater rafting, or you can take in 360-degree vistas as you glide high above the Smokies on a mountaintop zip line experience near Bryson City, North Carolina.

    

6. Farms and Farmer's Markets

Darnell Farms is a true agro-tourism experience for the whole family located in a beautiful valley along the banks of the Tuckasegee River in Bryson City, North Carolina. The most magical fall experience is back through the end of October at Darnell Farms!   Book your spot now for an unforgettable hayride through the breathtaking Great Smoky Mountains, leading you to the most scenic pumpkin patch, a thrilling corn maze, and vibrant sunflower fields.   You can also visit the Smoky Mountain Farmers and Artisan Market which is open every Friday and Saturday from May through October from 9AM - 2PM. And Jimmy's Produce is  open 9am to 6pm 7 days week from May 1st to November 1st.

7. Get Close to Nature

Autumn is the perfect time to go on a fall camping trip. Take some time to relax, have fun, and be surrounded by nature while spending some quality time together with loved ones. Within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, both the Deep Creek Campground and Smokemont Campground are open this fall. Other campgrounds are also open for RV'ers. Staying in an authentic yurt is also a great fall experience.

8. Find a cozy cabin with a fire pit or fireplace.

Enjoy cozy nights around the fire at a Bryson City cabin rental with a fire pit or fireplace, perfect for roasting marshmallows and stargazing. Many cabins offer a relaxing mountain vacation with modern amenities and stunning outdoor spaces. Use the "amenity search" on our cabin rental page to find cabins with a fire pit and/or fireplace.

9. Fontana Lake and Fontana Dam

Fontana Dam is a towering structure that was impounded and created Fontana Lake in World War II, and is the tallest dam east of the Rocky Mountains. Visitors can walk or drive across the Dam’s surface to enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding, untouched natural landscape, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Appalachian Trail, which extends over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine, crosses Fontana Dam. The Fontana Dam Visitor Center is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. April through August, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. September and October. The center will close on the last Sunday in October.

Adventures on Fontana Lake  such as lake kayaking and paddleboarding are available in the fall through Carolina Bound Adventures. (Other outfitters provide these services during the summer only)

10. Downtown Shops and Restaurants

After a fun-filled day exploring and adventuring in Bryson City, visit our downtown shops, restaurants, and breweries. From tasty treats, to unique boutiques, to delicious Appalachian eateries and breweries, to food trucks with unique menu items, you're sure to find something special. Bryson City is well-known for having some of the friendliest locals you'll ever meet. 

11. Fly Fishing

Guided Fly Fishing trips for trout are an awesome treat in the Fall here in the Fly Fishing Capital of the South. Chase trout in some of our local trout streams.

No matter which activity you pick, autumn is an excellent time to explore the far western North Carolina Smoky Mountains. Visit and support our local businesses in this beautiful time of year. 🧡