What a better way to get fit and active than doing so while enjoying the great outdoors. Ditch the in-house gym workouts, and incorporate hiking, biking, and outdoor activities into your wellness routine. Each season in Bryson City offers a variety of exhilarating workout opportunities. Let’s explore some of our favorites!
Tone Your Legs
Enjoy the tranquility of the outdoors by hiking the waterfall loop at Deep Creek. Stretching just 2.5-miles, you will encounter three breathtaking falls on this scenic loop trail. If you are looking for a hike with a moderate incline, Juney Whank Falls is the perfect trek, offering not only stellar views but also a rushing, 90-ft cascade. If you want to continue your hike, you can trek past Juney Whank to the main Deep Creek Trail to Tom Branch where you will witness a beautiful 60-ft waterfall that flows into the sparkling Deep Creek lined with plenty of benches offering you a front row seat to kick up your feet. Approximately 8/10’s of a mile from Tom Branch and over a wide footbridge, you will come across the Indian Creek Falls. You can expect a gorgeous 25-ft waterfall flowing into a calm pool below. Don’t forget your camera to capture the magic! If you are seeking more thrill, explore the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains by mountain biking, and enjoy views of wildlife, breathtaking lakes, and picturesque waterfalls. Get your sweat on while enjoying the tranquility of nature by adventuring on a mountain trail with friends, family, or solo!
Strengthen Your Arms
When the temperature starts to rise, and the air is no longer cool and crisp, enjoy a day outdoors strengthening your arms one reel at a time at one of our many fishing spots. You won't even know you are working out! If you are looking for an activity to get you off the shore, we recommend kayaking. Strengthen your arms and tone your inner core, all while you enjoy the beauty around you. Get a full arm workout by paddling through rapids when you embark on a white water rafting adventure. One of the best and closest white water rafting spots is the mighty Nantahala, which draws crowds to its thrilling rapids each year. Guides, such as the Nantahala Outdoor Center are ready to help safely guide you down the rushing river.
Seek Adventure!
If you are feeling adventurous, try ziplining over treetops and zipping fast through the forest. The Nantahala Outdoor Center offers an exhilarating ziplining adventure. Guests can navigate through 16 different obstacles at 20 and 40 feet high alongside an NOC expert. The Zip Line Adventure Park takes approximately 2 hours to complete. While this isn’t the most intense workout, you will be working your face muscles from all the smiling you will be doing as you glide over treetops and through nature! When it starts to get humid outside, what better way to cool off than diving into any of Bryson City’s wonderful lakes for a swim? Get a full body workout by taking a dip in one of Bryson City’s abundant number of streams and rivers or the iconic and beautiful Fontana Lake.
Strawberry Jam 5K!
If you are a running enthusiast and looking for a spectacular half marathon and 5K run in the Great Smoky Mountains of Bryson City, NC, then you need to sign up for the Strawberry Jam 5K! Experience a spectacular course, and an amazing finish line experience with your friends and family cheering you on. Both courses will start at Darnell Farms just outside of Bryson City.
Expect to run a 1-mile loop at Darnell Farms then follow US 19 through Bryson City. Runners will go twice through the outer edge of Deep Creek in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park before following a section of the Tuckaseegee River and crossing the finish line at Darnell Farms. We prioritize the health and safety of all of our runners, and Aid stations on the half marathon course will be located approximately every two miles, with water and Gatorade provided at every station. For a look at the Half Marathon course map click HERE!
