Great Smoky Mountains National Park Is Just the Start in this Wild Corner of North Carolina

The seven-county region that makes up the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina contains a large swath of the most popular national park in the country, as well as the 56,000-acre Qualla Boundary, the home of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee. These mountains have a longstanding tradition of agriculture and adventure, both of which are alive and thriving today.

“We’re lucky to have started our business here,” says Megan Brown, founder of Waynesville Soda Jerks, a handmade soda company that uses local ingredients for one-of-a-kind flavors like Blueberry Basil. “The people here are so supportive of small businesses, especially those that support local agriculture. And we love the simplicity of life here. The access to nature and locally grown food in such a peaceful place. I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”

Dig into the Smoky Mountains and Cherokee region below or jump over to our comprehensive guide to visiting Western North Carolina this summer.

Adventures

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WNC Fly Fishing Trail

Jackson County is the official Trout Capital of North Carolina, boasting 4,600 miles of trout streams and more than 92,000 trout stocked annually — the most of any county in the state. The county also holds the state record for the largest rainbow trout ever caught. The WNC Fly Fishing Trail strings together 15 of the best fishing spots in the area, from narrow headwaters creeks like Scott Creek near Balsam, to Trophy waters like the Raven Fork, where trout up to 30 inches can be targeted.

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Raft the Nantahala River

The Nantahala River has carved a deep gorge through the heart of the Smoky Mountains region. An eight-mile section of that river has become one of the most popular white water runs in the country, offering fun but challenging Class II and III whitewater with more than 20 named rapids. The culmination of the adventure is the final class III ledge called Nantahala Falls just before the takeout. The Nantahala Outdoor Center has been guiding trips down the river since the ‘70s and still sets the standard for quality adventure in the area.

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Bike Fire Mountain Trails

Built in the heart of the Qualla Boundary, Fire Mountain offers an 11-mile system of multi-use trails that are optimized for mountain bikers. The system is full of smooth, fast berms as well as technical rock gardens and the occasional tabletop for those that want to test their relationship with gravity. Kessel Run, a fast, twisting descent down the mountain, is the system’s signature ride. All trails are marked with difficulty designations, just like at a ski resort, so you can safely ride within your skill set.

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Pose at Dry Falls

Sometimes, the prettiest view is right next to the road. Dry Falls is a roadside waterfall near the resort town of Highlands off Highway 64 where the Cullasaja River drops over the face of a 75-foot cliff. A trail has been built that travels behind the falls, allowing you to walk behind the curtain of water without getting wet.

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Standup Paddle Fontana Lake

The 29-mile long Fontana Lake helps form the southwestern border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering 240-miles of forested shoreline that is largely undeveloped. You can walk across Fontana Dam, the tallest dam east of the Rockies, for a unique view of the lake on one side, while a number of access points along the eastern shore offer access for boaters and anglers. Put in at the Tsali Recreation Area, in the Nantahala National Forest, and you can paddle to islands and look for rope swings dangling above the water.

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Fish and Camp on Lake Chatuge

Lake Chatuge offers 130 miles of shoreline, most of which is protected by national forest. The Jackrabbit Mountain Recreation Area occupies a peninsula that stretches into the cold mountain lake offering a bevy of adventure opportunities, from mountain biking to fishing. There’s also a campground with 92 sites, many of which have views of the lake. If you want to get in the water,  a designated swimming area has a sandy beach, but fishing is the thing here. Launch a boat or cast from the fishing pier to target striped bass, crappie and sunfish.

Cold Mountain Tubing

Tube the Pigeon River

There is no better way to relax during the summer than floating in a tube down a mountain stream. The Pigeon River can get hectic during its journey from Western North Carolina through Eastern Tennessee, and has some iconic rapids that rafters love, but the stretch leading into Canton is a mellow cruise perfect for tubers. Cold Mountain Tubing, in downtown Canton, rents tubes and can put you on a mellow float that will last from one to three hours depending on the water level.

Where to Shop

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Bryson City Outdoors

Located in downtown Bryson City, this shop has all of the outdoor gear you need for making the most of the Smoky Mountains just out the door, as well as beer on tap and a rotating array of food trucks parked out front.

Waynesville Soda Jerks

You can find Waynesville Soda Jerks’ handcrafted sodas all over the region, which makes it easy to enjoy one of their signature flavors, like Lavender Lemon, after hitting a swimming hole or hike. But you can also visit their production facility and gift shop, which carries a collection of local products, from potato chips to pickles.

Outdoor 76

A well-curated outfitter on Franklin’s Main Street, Outdoor 76 is staffed by local adventurers who are eager to help visitors explore the surrounding mountains. Come for the expert shoe fitting offered by Outdoor 76’s knowledgeable staff, stay for a beer at the small bar out back.

Where to Eat

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Ilda

Traditional Italian cuisine gets a touch of Southern hospitality at Ilda, an upscale dinner destination in downtown Sylva that serves delicious dishes like fettuccine with local mushrooms, and crawfish sausage.

River’s End

Perched on the edge of the Nantahala River at the main takeout, River’s End is a casual restaurant with views of the rapids and down-home favorites that hit just right after a big adventure.

Lakes End Cafe and Grill

Located at the marina on the small, but beautiful Nantahala Lake, Lake’s End has an expansive selection of burgers and pizzas, all served with a water view. If you’re staying on the lake, you can even paddle or drive your boat to the restaurant.

Where to Stay

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Old Edwards Inn and Spa

This five-star resort has a variety of accommodations, from single rooms to multi-bedroom cottages, as well as one of the most well-regarded spas in the Southeast. And it all sits on the edge of downtown Highlands within walking distance of the town’s boutique shops.

River’s Edge Treehouse Resort

Make the most of the lush forest at this treehouse resort, where a half-dozen elevated lodges offer the luxury of a high-end hotel set amongst the canopy.

The Everett Hotel and Bistro

Anchoring Bryson City’s historic district, the Everett is a boutique hotel with 10 suites above a restaurant and bar that occupies a bank originally built in 1908. Be sure you spend some time at the guest-only rooftop terrace, complete with a fireplace and mountain views.

Explore North Carolina Responsibly
Join the movement of adventurers exploring North Carolina. Learn how to travel with care, minimize your impact, and help preserve the beautiful pathways that enhance your adventure with Outdoor NC.