bizcor, Author at Great Smokys Cabin Rental

As we breeze through yet another radiant summer here in the Great Smoky Mountains, it’s impossible not to daydream about ziplining through the dense, rolling Nantahala National Forest. Most thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts who visit this sprawling, undeniably beautiful landscape love fishing, hiking, and whitewater rafting. That being said, the region’s Smoky Mountain ziplines continue to rise in popularity, particularly during summer’s hearth and autumn’s peak.

The Top 3 Smoky Mountain Ziplines

There are three exhilarating courses near Bryson City, home to Great Smokys Cabin Rentals. We provide a wide selection of Smoky Mountain cabins in Bryson City, Almond, Whittier, and Sylva, so you’ll always be a short drive from heart-pounding, mid-air action! Without further ado, here are three of the most enthralling (and scenic) Smoky Mountain ziplines. Helpful tip: Instead of searching for “zipline tours near me” this summer, simply bookmark this page for future use.

Nantahala Outdoor Center

The Nantahala Outdoor Center remains one of North America’s premier adventure-based destinations, primarily because thrill-seekers can experience some of the wildest whitewater rafting and ziplining in one fell swoop. In fact, the one-day Adventure Pass includes rafting, ziplining, mountain biking, and paddleboarding. The half-day mountaintop tour soars above the National Forest, where panoramic views of Fontana Lake and the Nantahala River Gorge are obtained. A pulse-pounding half-mile zip caps off the trip. Buckle up for the thrill ride of a lifetime! For those less interested in the widespread beauty, the shriek-inducing moonlight tour is quite a spectacle as the stars, various light displays, and moon provide guidance.

Wildwater’s Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours

Wildwater’s kid-friendly Smoky Mountain ziplines were the first of their kind in the Nantahala National Forest. Recent alterations allow children as young as eight years old to partake in the non-stop thrills. Wildwater is just up the road from the Nantahala Outdoor Center, so the valley views are quite similar. However, Wildwater’s 11-zip course provides views of Clingman’s Dome and even a few waterfalls, as well as Fontana Lake itself. Young ones, in particular, relish the time spent on the seven sky bridges.

RidgeRunner Ziplines

RidgeRunner doesn’t gain a ton of accolades because it’s located near the sleepy town of Andrews, approximately 17 miles south of the Nantahala Outdoor Center. In a typical year, there’s ample availability, even on weekends. This allows walk-in appointments and more one-on-one time with the charismatic guides. The mountains near Andrews are as “smoky” as they come, which is a nice bonus. Note: RidgeRunner is closed for the 2020 season.

Approximately three hours ago (at the time that this article was written), the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad officially reopened for business, much to the delight of thousands of thrill-seeking travelers. The wondrous, historic Great Smoky Mountain Railroad departs in the heart of beautiful Bryson City, NC, near the banks of the gushing Tuckasegee River. Regardless of the season, curious tourists flock to this top attraction to mosey into the sprawling, rolling Smoky Mountains. The attraction itself is excessively popular, leading up to Christmas and during autumn’s glorious peak. Great Smokys Cabin Rentals knows how integral this particular 53-mile track is to the local tourist industry. Thus, it’s time to show some love to the locomotive team here in downtown Bryson City.

The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad: Explore the Gorge

Most mid-day trips on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad are either diesel-powered or steam-powered excursions through the Nantahala Gorge in breathtaking Western North Carolina. These 44-mile, four-hour joyrides rumble past trestle bridges, sky-high mountains, serene Fontana Lake, and the Nantahala River itself. There are a variety of packages to choose from, many of which include meals and souvenirs, as well as large picture windows to peer through. Please don’t forget your camera, an appetite, and a sense of wonderment. The hour-long layover allows passengers to stretch their legs, savor a picnic, and enjoy the natural scenery of the peaceful river gorge.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad is widely celebrated around Christmastime for its holiday-themed, diesel-powered expeditions into the snowy “unknown.” But oenophiles, beer nerds, and those who appreciate a finely distilled spirit can also discover an array of adult and group-focused rides, mainly in the fall. As you can imagine, these excursions are quite popular among bachelorette and bachelor parties. Click the links below to learn more about the various options available throughout the year.

Over the past 100 years or so, the town of Bryson City, NC, has steadily evolved into one of the Great Smoky Mountains’ most desirable getaway destinations. Not only does this picturesque village rest at the foothills of dense, towering mountains, but it’s entirely enclosed by a vast number of handcrafted Great Smokys Cabin Rentals. Many of these log cabins sit at high elevations, seemingly within an arm’s length of the clouds. While most travelers choose Western North Carolina for its abundant adventure, there’s also plenty to love about the town’s culture, architecture, history, and downtown pleasures. To ensure that your next escape into the heart of the Smoky Mountains is nothing short of flawless, we’ve compiled five of our favorite things to do in Bryson City, NC, ranging from mid-day adventure to award-winning craft beer.

The 5 Best Things to Do in Bryson City, NC

Compiling a short list of things to do in Bryson City, NC, isn’t as easy as one might think. Even though our breathtaking town only boasts 1,450 citizens, this community is bursting at the seams with classic American eats, craft breweries, enticing downtown shops, and an abundance of outdoor outfitters for those that enjoy fly fishing, whitewater rafting, and mountain biking. Keep reading to learn why this peaceful Smoky Mountain staple remains one of the most alluring destinations in the Carolinas.

Deep Creek Waterfalls

As we so eloquently laid out last month, Western North Carolina boasts some of the prettiest waterfalls in the country. And the crème de la crème of waterfalls in this region rests just three miles north of downtown Bryson City, NC: the trio at Deep Creek. Deep Creek’s three unique waterfalls lie inside the sprawling Great Smoky Mountains National Park. An easygoing, 2.7-mile loop meanders past all three falls. It’s one of the most frequented trails in the state, so remember to arrive early (or near dusk) to avoid crowds.

The wilderness that encompasses North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park is revered for its world-class whitewater rafting, remarkably peaceful fly fishing, and some of the prettiest hilltop cabins in North America. There are several methods of exploration in this rolling, dense forestry, including hiking, kayaking, and horseback riding. During these serene, undeniably beautiful excursions, you may stumble upon a rumbling backcountry waterfall or two. The many waterfalls near Cherokee, NC, are frequented by photographers, nature enthusiasts, and backpackers alike. In fact, most of these picturesque destinations are a short trek from our Great Smokys Cabin Rentals near the towns of Bryson City, Whittier, Almond, and Sylva.

The 5 Prettiest Waterfalls near Cherokee, NC

To ensure that your upcoming escape into the Great Smoky Mountains is nothing short of flawless, we’ve compiled a handy list of our favorite waterfalls near Cherokee, NC. You may have already heard all about Deep Creek and Mingo Falls, but, hopefully, there’s more than enough useful information found below. Without further ado, let’s start the “countdown” with one of the most-visited waterfalls in Western North Carolina: Deep Creek.

Deep Creek Waterfalls

Deep Creek features a trifecta of famous Nantahala waterfalls: towering Tom Branch, slippery Indian Creek, and cascading Juney Whank. Because of the sheer popularity of these waterfalls near Cherokee, NC, expect quite a bit of foot traffic during peak seasons. We recommend arriving in the morning and hiking the beautiful, 4.9-mile loop in its entirety.

Mingo Falls

While the ultra-brief, five-minute trek to Mingo Falls requires 161 steep steps down into a gorge, most folks have no problem whatsoever visiting this picturesque roadside attraction. At approximately 120 feet tall, Mingo remains one of the largest waterfalls near Cherokee, NC (and the Appalachians, for that matter).

Soco Falls

A trip to Mingo Creek should include a 30-minute stop at Soco Falls, yet another roadside distraction for outdoor enthusiasts. The meandering, unmarked trail down to the waterfall requires some mid-level athleticism, especially after rainfall. Soco is fun because you can practically shake hands with the water as it spills from the creek into a shallow bed of boulders and long-forgotten leaves from the previous autumn.

Cullasaja Falls

Nearly a dozen Nantahala National Forest waterfalls rest just southeast of Franklin, NC, approximately an hour’s drive from Bryson City and Cherokee. Aptly-named Cullasaja Falls remains one of the prettiest waterfalls near Cherokee, NC, primarily because it surges down a river, rather than a patient creek. This 250-foot-long cascading waterfall lies in the heart of a breathtaking gorge, making it a quick pit stop for most. But don’t be afraid to explore its many intricacies down below.

Dry Falls

Yes, Dry Falls is an hour south of Bryson City, NC, but how often do you have the opportunity to stroll underneath a rushing waterfall? It’s big, loud, and a whole lot of fun for the entire family. If you plan to make the trip to Cullasaja, then we highly recommend adding Dry Falls to the itinerary.

The awe-inspiring Great Smoky Mountains, especially those in picturesque Western North Carolina, allure outdoor enthusiasts from all across the country. Twelve months a year, travelers young and old flock to the towns of Cherokee, Bryson City, Whittier, and Sylva to escape the city’s hustle. As you might imagine, adventure ensues around nearly every corner here in the heart of the profoundly dense Smoky Mountains, particularly for those with a penchant for “waterfalling,” whitewater rafting, backpacking, and fly fishing. In fact, fly fishing in Cherokee, NC, as well as the surrounding mountain towns, has evolved into one of the most popular draws among thrillseekers. And an idyllic place to start and finish each glorious day of exploration and angling adventure is inside one of our Great Smokys Cabin Rentals.

A Week of Fly Fishing in Cherokee, NC

Nothing tops the sheer joy one gains whilst luring a trophy-sized brook trout in the middle of an astonishingly peaceful stream. Whether you plan to enlist the services of a local outfitter or survey this gorgeous land with your own group of expert anglers, you’ll instantly be taken aback by this valley’s diverse array of trout fishing opportunities. Great Smokys’ pet-friendly cabin rentals are just a short drive from the Oconaluftee, Tuckasegee, and Nantahala, as well as countless creeks, wild streams, and lakes—fly fishing in Cherokee, NC, is as accessible as ever. Most local outfitters, including the two listed below, offer a wide array of options in order to meet the needs of each individual group. It’s important to note that some of these rivers and creeks are catch-and-release only, so remember to bring along a waterproof camera to capture the moment that you snag that monster trout!

Local Outfitters

For those hoping to spend a few days fly fishing in Cherokee, NC, we typically recommend the world-class services of Rivers Edge Outfitters and Fly Fishing the Smokies. Both of these reputable outfitters have surveyed seemingly each and every water source within 60 miles of our headquarters in Bryson City, NC. The folks at Rivers Edge often head down into North Georgia to fish the Soque River on private land, but their team walks and wades in over 2,700 miles of wild trout streams here in North Carolina. If you browse through Fly Fishing the Smokies’ wade trips, you’ll notice that they cover nearly every acre of forestry in this serene backcountry. Some excursions even venture into neighboring Tennessee.