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Blue Ridge ParkwayThe most visited unit of the National ParkSystem, the Blue Ridge Parkway is known forits stunning views, abundant hiking trails,picnic areas, campsites and informationalexhibits. Named “America’s Favorite Drive,”the Parkway offers 469 miles connecting theGreat Smoky Mountains National Park in NCto the Shenandoah National Park in VA andis definitely worth the trip. Experience theworld’s most diverse display of flora and fauna.blueridgeparkway.orgGreat Smoky Mountains National ParkStraddling NC and TN, the Great SmokyMountains National Park encompasses overhalf-a-million acres, making it the largestnational park in the East. It has more speciesof plants, animals and insects than anywhereelse in the world, rivaling even the rainforests.Hike on one of the more than 900 miles of trailsin the park. Locals agree that the NC side of thepark is considered more pristine and tranquiland is less heavily used than the TN side.nps.govNantahala National ForestNantahala National Forest is the largestof the four national forests in NorthCarolina, covering just over half-amillion acres. There are more than27,000 acres of designated wildernessfound in its hills, including Ellicott Rock,Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock and the SouthernNantahala Wilderness.The Nantahala National Forest isrenowned for whitewater rafting,mountain biking, camping and hiking.World-renowned trails including TheAppalachian Trail, Bartram’s Trail andthe Mountains-To-Sea Trail all meanderthrough the forest. fs.fed.usPisgah National ForestThe Pisgah National Forest began as apart of George Vanderbilt’s private estate.The area west of Vanderbilt’s AshevilleBiltmore Estate was sold to the federalgovernment after his death in 1914 andbecame the first tracts of the now halfmillion-acre Pisgah National Forest.Today, Pisgah is home to the ShiningRock Wilderness Area, Max Patch, theHarmon Den Bear Preserve, The Cradle ofForestry and Sliding Rock. fs.fed.usThe folkways of AppalachiaJust off of U.S. Highway 441 through Great Smoky MountainsNational Park sits Mingus Mill, a historic gristmill built in1886 and a living piece of Smoky Mountain history. Visitorscan purchase corn meal and other mill-related items whileseeing how a real mill works. Just a half mile down the roadat the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, you’ll find The MountainFarm Museum. Mingus Creek Trail, Cherokee, NC16NATIONAL PARKS &NATIONAL FORESTSNATIONAL PARKS &NATIONAL FORESTS17

Horseback RidingWhether it’s an all-day ride with a picnic or a shorterexcursion, children and adults of all ages will enjoy a guidedhorseback-riding trip through the mountains. To book a trip,check out one of the many operating stables in the Smokies,including Arrowmont Stables & Cabins, Cataloochee Ranch,Chunky Gal Stables and Smokemont Stables.MotorcyclingFor a winding trip through the mountains, take a tour onThe Dragon, which is considered “THE DESTINATION” forthousands of motorcycle and sports car fans throughout thespring, summer and fall. Along your way, stop by Deal’s GapMotorcycle Resort for a bite to eat, shop or a place to stay.Motorcycles are available to rent at Smoky Mountain SteelHorses in Waynesville.Mountain Biking and Hiking TrailsWhether you want short or long, difficult or easy, trees orwaterways, there are mountain biking and hiking trails forevery adventure, and then more trails on top of that.FOR THEWHOLE FAMILYFishingNationally recognized for native and stocked trout, fishermenare happy to explore the many lakes, creeks and rivers that runthrough the area. Cherokee is a former site of the U.S. National FlyFishing Championships and offers some of the best fishing in theU.S. You’ll fall in love with the beautiful freestone streams stockedwith trout that flow through Qualla Boundary. Jackson Countyhas a fly-fishing trail that is sure to amaze, considering it wasthe first of its kind in the country. If that isn’t enough, now SwainCounty has one too and Bryson City is home to the Fly FishingMuseum Of the Southern Appalachians!Nonresident and resident fishing permits can be purchased online. Specialtribal fishing permits can be acquired to fish on the Qualla Boundary ofthe Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians at fishcherokee.com.Gem MiningMany gem mines in the region offer a wonderful experienceas adults and children sift through locally mined soil to try anduncover valuable stones. Deep Creek Tubing/Campground, BrysonCity; Gold City Gem Mines, Franklin; Jackson Hole Gem Mines,Highlands; Mason’s Ruby and Sapphire Mine, Franklin; Rose CreekMine, Franklin; Primitive Outback Kayaking & Gem Mining, Otto;and Andy’s Trout Farm, Otto all offer an unforgettable experience.GolfingGentle slopes and woods-rimmed fairways beckon pros andamateurs alike to indulge in a relaxing, scenic game at SequoyahNational Golf Club and Sky Valley Country Club.18OUTDOOR EXPERIENCESRafting and KayakingThe North Carolina Great Smokies are known for whitewaterrafting. Named “One of the Best Outfitters on Earth” byNational Geographic Adventure, Nantahala Outdoor Centeroffers a wide array of adventures for everyone in your group.If you’re looking for tamer, family-friendly river experiences,the Tuckasegee River and the Little Tennessee River areperfect places to get children out on the water. Thereare plenty of companies that book trips on these rivers,including Smoky Mountain River Adventures in Whittier andPrimitive Outback Kayaking & Gem Mining in Otto. For moreexciting rafting experiences, check out Brookside, CarolinaOutfitters, Rolling Thunder and Wildwater.TubingDownhill tubing in the North Carolina Smokies offerbreathtaking mountain views. Celebrate the outdoors andhave more fun than ever this summer and winter by tubingand ice skating at Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center. The townof Highlands has an ice skating rink at Kelsey-HutchinsonPark.Water Tubing and PaddleboardingOne of summer’s sweetest pleasures in the North CarolinaSmokies is floating along the cool mountain waters. Notube? No worries. All four rivers have companies to outfityou with a tube. Some more popular spots are DeepCreek Tubing in Bryson City; Smoky Mountain Tubing onthe Oconaluftee River in Cherokee; Smoky MountainAdventures in Whittier; on the Tuckasegee River andPrimitive Outback on the Little Tennessee River south ofFranklin in Otto. If standing is more your thing, try theincreasingly popular paddleboarding.Zip LiningIf you’ve taken the time to see the forest from the trails, perhapsit’s time to get a bird’s-eye view. Three popular spots are theNantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City; Wildwater NantahalaGorge Adventure Center in Wesser and the Highlands Aerial Parkat Scaly Mountain.OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES19

NC Scenic BywayNational Scenic BywayInterstateNC Highway512436Follow the byways, and you will see some of the mostbreathtaking scenery in the North Carolina Great Smokies.Designated specifically to give visitors and residents a chanceto experience a bit of North Carolina history, geography andculture, they also raise awareness for the protection andpreservation of area treasures. For more information, visitncdot.gov/travel/scenic to guide your tour along the region’sScenic Byways.201Cherohala SkywayEsquire magazine said, “It’s like driving through a carcommercial.” Connecting the Cherokee National Forest tothe Nantahala National Forest, this clean, smooth highwayencourages you to open up your sports car or pause yourRV for a sandwich and the beautiful sights. And the skywayvs. byway bit? Once you drive it, you’ll understand.20 miles 45 minutes Graham County2Forest Heritage Scenic BywayTake off on U.S. 276 North from Brevard on the ForestHeritage Scenic Byway to see the Cradle of Forestry,the Pink Beds and Shining Rock Wilderness.65 miles 2 hoursHaywood, Transylvania and Jackson counties3Indian Lakes Scenic BywayWhere NC 28 meets U.S. 129 near the Tennesseeborder, fans of crystalline lakes (especially thosefeaturing Indian names) will find their calling. Justleave what’s known as “The Dragon” and discover thefirst landmark, Fontana Dam. From there, you’ll havea hard time watching the road as you pass the likes ofFontana Village and Stecoah on the way to the byway’smeandering end.57 miles 1.5 hoursSwain, Graham and Cherokee countiesSCENIC BYWAYS74Nantahala BywayThe Cherokee used “Nantahala” to mean “Land of theNoonday Sun.” Why noonday? Well, likely for the steep wallsthat frame the Nantahala Gorge, an impressive site you’lltour as part of this swirling byway. Nearby, the NantahalaRiver has become legendary for its whitewater. Just departfrom Marble, head east and don’t stop until you pass Wesser.43 miles 1.5 hoursCherokee, Graham, Jackson and Swain counties5Smoky Mountain Scenic BywayTravel through the Great Smoky Mountains NationalPark, renowned for its diverse plant and animal life. Atrip along this road puts you in close proximity to someof North Carolina’s most captivating wildlife, and givesa glimpse of the Southern Appalachian pioneer culturethat once dominated the region. Just hop off the BlueRidge Parkway onto U.S. 441 near the Qualla Boundaryof the Cherokee Indian Reservation and head northinto Tennessee.16.5 miles 35 minutes Swain County6Waterfall BywayStrangely powerful or eerily tranquil, waterfalls do have away of casting a spell. If you happen to be a fan, this is yourbyway. Winding 98 miles and featuring more than 200 distinctwaterfalls, it begins at U.S. 64’s intersection with NC 215.Where it ends is likely somewhere far deeper within you.98 miles 3.5 hoursClay, Jackson, Macon and Transylvania counties7Whitewater WayQuick: You have three guesses as to what you’ll encounteron this scenic byway. The aptly named Whitewater Wayis named for Whitewater Falls, which is the highestwaterfall east of the Rockies. Take NC 281 and hikethe many trails leading to spectacular rushing water.Bathroom breaks are a must.9 miles 20 minutesTransylvania and Jackson countiesSCENIC BYWAYS21

*Waterfall number corresponds with the fold-out map*22WaterfallsTownCountyDescription1Big Laurel Falls &Mooney FallsOttoMaconEasy 0.5-mile trail, 30-foot cascading falls, tumbles into pool.2Bridal Veil FallsHighlandsMaconVisible from U.S. 64, waterfall drops 45 feet, can walk behind.3Bust-Yer-ButtFallsHighlandsMaconPopular swimming hole, can jump off a boulder.4Carlton FallsSapphireJacksonIn Panthertown Valley, variety of photo ops.5Chasteen CreekFallsCherokeeSwainGreat stop for campers staying at Smokemont Campground.6Courthouse FallsBalsam GroveTransylvaniaHike 1/2 mile, pool at base is deep, water is clear & cold.7Cullasaja FallsFranklinMacon250 foot falls, cascades viewable from road, safest approach onFranklin side.8Dry FallsHighlandsMaconAlso known as Upper Cullasaja Falls, 65-foot fall, NW of Highlands.9Frolictown FallsSapphireJackson15-foot waterfall, vertical drop, great stop on Great Wall Trail.10Glen FallsHighlandsMaconOne-mile trail hike is steep & rough but consist of three 60 footfalls each.11Gina FallsSylvaJacksonIn Pinnacle Park, near urban area, 35-foot upper drop with cascades below.12Granny BurrellFallsSapphireJacksonKid-friendly-sliding, swimming, sunbathing @ beach, large pool.13Greenland CreekFallsSapphireJacksonSteep cascade drops on boulder ledges, cascades into deep pool.14High FallsGlenvilleJacksonAlso known as Cullowhee Falls, has two-section free fall over cliff.15Indian CreekFallsBryson CitySwainEasy 1.6 mile roundtrip hike allows you to enjoy two beautifulwaterfalls.16Jawbone FallsGlenvilleJacksonSmall island downstream & a pool, picturesque spot.17Juney WhankFallsBryson CitySwainDivided in upper & lower, both viewed from footbridge, 90 footdrop.18Leatherwood Falls@ Fires CreekHayesvilleClay75-foot falls visible from picnic area. Paved trail, great for kids!19Looking GlassFallsBrevardTransylvaniaRoadside gorgeous views, just off Blue Ridge Pkwy, near Brevard.20Mingo FallsCherokeeQuallaBoundary120 foot high, tallest in the southern Appalachians.CHASING WATERFALLSCHASING WATERFALLS23

WaterfallsTownCountyDescription21Moses Creek FallsCullowheeJacksonCalling all daredevils: 100-foot, a bit difficult to see, steep.22Mouse Creek FallsWaynesvilleHaywoodTiered water cascades, swimming, popular & beautiful.23North Shoal Creek FallsMurphyCherokeeStunning 30’ tall, cascades over rock layers, offers tranquility.24Rainbow FallsBrevardTransylvaniaExceptionally beautiful, 150 ft. enormous falls-near Gorges St. Park.25Rock Slab FallsCherokeeSwainGentle waterfall, sparkling bands of quartz.26Rough Butt Creek FallsCullowheeJackson30-foot waterfall falls, small pool and rocks coated in moss.27Rufus Morgan FallsFranklinMaconWest of Franklin-65 foot falls, 1 mi. hike, family friendly.28Sassafras FallsRobbinsvilleGrahamThis is an interior trail with a noted fishing spot.Moderate to Strenuous.29Secret FallsHighlandsMacon50-foot Hidden Oasis, (known: Big Shoals Falls) cascadesinto serene pool.30Schoolhouse FallsSapphireJacksonBest in Summer, 18-foot falls of Panthertown Valley,a mix of cascades.31Silver Run FallsCashiersJackson200 yard trail, 25-foot falls, observation points.32Sliding RockBrevardTransylvaniaNear Brevard, sliders ride water 60-foot flat, 8 ft. pool.33Soco FallsMaggie ValleyJackson5-minute trail, double waterfall-edge of Cherokee Indian Reservation.34Tom Branch FallsBryson CitySwainWide path, 80-ft. Falls, many benches to admire the falls.35Toxaway FallsBrevardTransylvania150-foot falls, seen by car, US64 E. near Rosman.36Whitewater FallsCashiersJacksonHighest falls E. of Rockies, falling 811 feet-Nantahala Nat’l Forest.37Yellow Creek FallsRobbinsvilleGrahamGorgeous falls-Nantahala Nat’l Forest, easy trail, swimming hole.Numbers above correspond with the fold-out map24CHASING allsCHASING WATERFALLS25

AGRITOURISMDININGSwain CountyFarmer’s MarketOrganic produce, plants,trout, honey, jams, quailand rabbit as well as anarray of local crafts. 9am to1pm on Fridays from Maythrough October.At the Barn Island Street,Bryson City.828.488.3848 facebook.com/SwainCountyFarmers MarketRoad to NowhereBryson City 27 milesfromFranklin31 milestoFontana10.2 miles to Cherokee - EasternCherokee ReservationGateway to Great Smoky Mtns NationalPark & part of Appalachian Trail3 Vibrant Recreation Areas in Bryson City:Deep Creek - Known for Camping, Hiking, MountainBiking, Picnicking, Tubing & Waterfall: Tom Branch FallsThe Nantahala Gorge - World-Class WhitewaterDestinationTsali Recreation - One of the Finest Mountain BikingTrail Systems in the country. Hidden Gems / Popular Attractions:The Road to Nowhere - Find out the story behind“The Road to Nowhere.” greatsmokies.com/road-nowhere/Tubing on Deep Creek - Family Fun for the entire day!Experience the thrill of riding an Inner Tube down therapids in the GSM National Park. Tubing Season:Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day.BLUEWAYSThe Nantahala RiverA popular spot offeringriver rafting and kayakingthrough family-friendlyrapids. It features eightmiles of Class II rapidsbefore splashing through theexciting Class III whitewaterof Nantahala Falls.CULTURE/MUSEUMSFly Fishing Museum of theSouthern AppalachiansExhibits/videos of legendary“Stream Blazers,” evolutionof rods/reels, knots, flytying, gear, gamefish,history.210 Main Street, Bryson City838-488-3681 flyfishingmuseum.orgSmokyMountainTrain MuseumCatch thespirit of modelrailroading. Museum rankedin top ten in U.S. GSMRowned and operated.100 Greenlee St., Bryson City 28713828-488-5200 ain CountyHeritage MuseumPhotos, exhibits, video aboutlife of early settlers in smallmountain communities.Children’s activity area.2 Everett Street,Bryson City 28713828-488-7857 800-867-9246SwainHeritageMuseum.comBig WesserEnjoy a heartymeal at theintersection of theAppalachian Trail and theNantahala River. Pets welcome.13077 Hwy 19 W.Bryson City 28713828-488-7174 noc.comRiver’s EndRestaurantFuel up for a dayof adventure at Nantahala’sGastropub, where every seatis a riverside seat!13077 Hwy 19 W.Bryson City 28713828-488-7172 noc.comFryemont InnFull countrybreakfast,four-course dinners. Primerib, lamb & trout, full bar,fine wines.245 Fryemont St.Bryson City 28713828-488-2159 800-845-4879fryemontinn.comHeavenly Fudge Depot& ShoppeFudge, chocolate, truffles,candy, coffee, drinks255 C Everett StreetBryson City 28713828-488-4447 Fudgedepot.comPop-NJacksGourmetPopcornIf you haven’t tried Pop-NJacks gourmet popcorn, youdon’t know Jack.225-B Everett St.Bryson City 28713828-620-3931 pop-n-jacks.comgreatsmokies.comBRYSON CITY27

EVENTS/WEDDINGSMcKinleyEdwards InnSpecializingin intimateweddings to make yourspecial day perfect. Onsite coordinator. Cateringavailable.208 Arlington Ave.Bryson City 28713828-488-9626 Mckinleyedwardsinn.comGEM MINES SHOPSDeep Creek TubeCenter & CampgroundGEM MINING1090 West Deep Creek Rd.Bryson City 28713828-488-6055 Deepcreekcamping.comLODGINGFryemont InnHistoric innon nationalregister.Breakfast and dinnerincluded, restaurant, bar,swimming pool, fireplace,suites.245 Fryemont StBryson City 28713828-488-2159 800-845-4879fryemontinn.comMcKinleyEdwards InnCharminghistorical innwith stunning views of theSmoky Mountains, clean,comfortable rooms,delicious breakfast.208 Arlington AvenueBryson City 28713828-488-9626 mckinleyedwardsinn.comSleep InnOne mile from GreatSmoky MountainsRailroad. Minutesfrom Cherokee IndianReservation, Harrah’sCherokee Casino.500 Veterans Blvd.Bryson City 28713828-488-0326 sleepinbrysoncitync.com28CalhounHouse Inn &SuitesAffordable,4-room luxury suites, privatebaths, private entrances, A/C,king beds, full kitchens, WiFi,Showtime.110 Bryson Ave.Bryson City 28713828-788-0505 calhounhouse.comNOC CabinsMountainsidecabins lodgingjust steps fromrafting, biking, hiking,riverside dining, and theOutfitter’s Store.13077 Hwy 19 W.Bryson City 28713828-785-5018 800-232-7238noc.comNantahala Cabins,Inc.Your Nantahalagetaway. Cabinrentals and adventureplanning. We specialize inmaking memories.580 Nantahala Cabins LaneBryson City 28713828-488-1622 nantahalacabins.comBRYSON CITY

LODGINGGreat Smokys Cabin RentalsWe have vacation cabins foreveryone, hot tubs, gamerooms, spectacular views,pets welcome.1181 Main St.Bryson City 28713828-488-4630 800-655-9771gscrnc.comSky Ridge YurtsReady to break out of theregular cabin routine? Comeexperience Sky Ridge.200 Sky Ridge Dr.Bryson City 28713704-701-5696 skyridgeyurts.comSmoky Mountain ModernModern architecture andstyle in vacation rentals, newconstruction, or home sales.162 Everett StreetBryson City 28713828-538-4225 info@smokymou

Named “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Parkway–a National Scenic Byway–offers 469 miles connecting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. If you need to stretch your legs, there are ample recreational op