Discover what's great about Bryson City, a laid-back mountain town bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and centrally located for whitewater rafting and kayaking, zip lining, boating, trout and lake fishing, mountain biking, creek tubing, hiking, horseback riding, beautiful waterfalls, and scenic train excursions (including leaf trains, Polar Express, BBQ & Brews, Wine and Moonshine rides, Pumpkin Patch and more). See why Smithsonian Magazine chose Bryson City as one of "20 best small towns to visit".

Bryson City is a laid-back, non-touristy town where you don't have to worry about what to wear or having a set of concrete plans. With only 1,500 residents and more stop signs than stoplights, it's an easily stroll-able town with local bookstores, galleries with working artisans, family friendly museums, breweries, and a surprising variety of restaurants. Lodging options run from mom 'n pop motels, to country inns and B&Bs to mountain cabins and small chain hotels.

Just 5 minutes outside Bryson City is the Deep Creek Recreation Area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park - known for waterfalls, trails, swimming holes and creek tubing, and fly fishing - and not taking a bite out of your wallet.

Bryson City is one hour west of Asheville, two hours from Chattanooga, Knoxville and Greenville/Spartanburg, and three hours from Atlanta and Charlotte.