Things to Do in Bryson City, NC: A Family Travel Guide to the Smokies
Looking for the best things to do in Bryson City, NC with kids? This family travel guide covers hiking trails near Bryson City, tubing in Deep Creek, Great Smoky Mountains National Park access, scenic train rides, downtown Bryson City favorites, and seasonal activities like the Polar Express.
There are places you visit once… and then there are places that quietly become part of your family’s story. For us, Bryson City, NC is the second kind.
My husband and I got engaged here. We spent one of our baby moons tucked into these mountains. We’ve camped here more times than I can count, introduced our kids to mountain streams and waterfalls here, and made it a tradition to return every few years for the Polar Express at Christmas.
It’s a place that feels both grounding and magical: a small mountain town with unprecedented access to some of the most stunning landscapes in the United States.
If you’re searching for things to do in Bryson City, NC, planning a family trip to the Smokies, or wondering if this quiet corner of western North Carolina is worth the drive, let me walk you through why it’s one of our favorite places, and how to make the most of your visit with kids.
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Why Bryson City Is Such a Special Place for Families
Located in Swain County, Bryson City sits right at the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, just minutes from park entrances, rivers, trails, and scenic drives. It’s a small town in the best way: walkable, welcoming and full of heart.
Unlike busier gateway towns like Pigeon Forge, Bryson City offers a slower pace while still being close to the country’s most popular national park. It’s a hiker’s paradise, a hub for outdoor adventures, and an ideal home base for families who want nature, connection, and flexibility.
Exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Bryson City
One of the biggest draws of Bryson City is its proximity to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the United States.
The Deep Creek Area (Perfect for Families)
The Deep Creek area is hands-down one of the best places to explore with kids. It’s easily accessible from downtown Bryson City and offers:
- Easy trails for little legs
- Multiple waterfall hikes, including Juney Whank Falls, Tom Branch Falls, and Indian Creek Falls
- Shaded picnic areas with picnic tables
- Mountain streams perfect for splashing on a hot day
The Deep Creek Trail system allows families to choose short distances or longer hikes, making it ideal for mixed ages and energy levels.
The Deep Creek Campground and Deep Creek Group Camp are also popular options for families looking to stay close to nature while still having access to flush toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings.
Junior Ranger Program & Visitor Centers
Kids ages 5 and up will love the Junior Ranger program offered through the National Park Services. Stop by the Oconaluftee Visitor Center (a short drive) or download materials from official government websites (look for the padlock icon on secure websites).
The visitor center also connects to the Mountain Farm Museum (a late 19th-century mountain farm), easy walking trails, and lots of wildlife viewing opportunities (including elk and occasionally black bears).
Hiking Trails Near Bryson City, NC
Bryson City truly is a hiker’s paradise, with trails for every level:
- Deep Creek Trail – stroller-friendly sections and beautiful waterfalls
- Lakeshore Trail – peaceful, flat, and great for longer walks
- Clingmans Dome – the highest point in the park, with an observation tower and breathtaking views. While challenging, I was able to do it while pregnant!
- Newfound Gap Road – scenic drive connecting NC to the Tennessee state line. It’s an amazing drive to check out the stunning foliage in the fall.
These trails weave through old-growth forests, mountain streams, and scenic vistas that showcase the beauty of our national parks.
Tubing Near Bryson City, NC (A Summer Highlight)
If you’re visiting in summer, tubing near Bryson City, NC is a must! The Deep Creek section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is famous for tubing, thanks to its cool waters, gentle flow, and shaded gorge.
There are multiple tubing options:
- Upper section – calmer, great for smaller kids and the whole family
- Lower section – faster, better for older kids and adults
Local rental companies like Deep Creek Tube Center and JJ’s Tubes offer inner tube rentals, life jackets and easy access to put-in spots. This is a perfect activity on a hot summer day and often the highlight of family vacations. Plus, you’ll love how well your kids sleep after a day of tubing.
Pro tips for tubing with kids:
- Wear water shoes (yes, even the grown up’s!) and a bathing suit under a pair of athletic shorts
- Secure loose jewelry (better yet, don’t wear anything valuable)
- Bring your own vest if you have one. It’s much more comfortable to have your own life jacket.
- Check tubing season dates (usually Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend) and weather alerts
- Connect directly with the tube rental company you plan to use to confirm any limitations on years of age to participate to ensure the entire family can participate.
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad & The Polar Express
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is the crown jewel of downtown Bryson City.
From spring through fall, families can enjoy scenic train rides through river gorges and mountain valleys. It’s especially magical if your children are in the sweet spot of loving trains.
But in late fall and early winter, something magical happens…
The Polar Express in Bryson City
If you can swing it, visiting during November and December for the Polar Express is unforgettable. This special event train transforms Bryson City into a holiday destination, complete with lights, music, and visits from Santa.
We’ve done it multiple times over the years, and it’s been a core memory for our kids every single time! It’s one of the most magical things we’ve done with our crew.
Tickets go on sale early in the year, so don’t wait to get them. If you’re on a budget, tickets tend to be cheaper in November and on weekday evenings.
Outdoor Adventures Beyond the National Park
Bryson City is surrounded by public lands and national forests, including:
- Nantahala National Forest
- Pisgah National Forest
- Access to the Blue Ridge Parkway
- Fontana Lake & Fontana Dam
There’s an abundant outdoor adventure opportunities. Popular activities include mountain biking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River, fly fishing and ziplining at Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours.
The Nantahala Outdoor Center is a hub for guided tours, rentals, and family-friendly excursions.
Fontana Lake (sometimes called Lake Fontana) is one of the most serene places in the region. With its deep blue water, surrounding mountains, and quiet coves, it’s perfect for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and picnic days.
Nearby Fontana Dam is a fascinating stop with scenic overlooks and historic significance.
Things to Do in Downtown Bryson City, NC
Downtown Bryson City may be small, but it’s packed with charm:
- Main Street shops and boutiques
- Ice cream stops (a must after hiking)
- Food trucks and casual dining
- Family-friendly breweries and pizza spots
- Swain County Heritage Museum
- Smoky Mountain Trains Museum
- Live music in warmer months
It’s easy to spend a relaxed afternoon wandering downtown, especially with kids. Whether you’re planning just a weekend trip or want to stay longer, don’t miss out on checking out downtown.
We love to wander and pop in and out of shops, stopping a brewery or two. Then we’ll pick up dinner to go before heading back to our cabin to unwind. You can find even more things to do with kids in Bryson City on Explore Bryson City.
Practical Tips for Visiting Bryson City with Kids
Here are some of my best tips for visiting the Bryson City area with the kids:
- Stop at a grocery store before heading into the park. There’s a Piggly Wiggly in town with great prices.
- Bring layers. Mountain weather changes fast, and kids are always more agreeable when they’re warm.
- Pack an extra pair of sturdy shoes. Wet feet will absolutely trigger a meltdown at some point.
- Check for firewood restrictions (heat-treated firewood only)
- Download maps ahead of time. Cell service is limited in parts of the parks.
- Respect wildlife and park rules to ensure a safe visit
You might also enjoy these family travel articles:
- Family Cruises: How to Cruise with a Family of 5
- The Best Things To Do in Huntsville, Alabama With Kids
- The Ultimate Family Guide to Great Wolf Lodge (Including What to Pack)
Why Bryson City Keeps Calling Us Back
There are plenty of great places to visit in the Smokies, but Bryson City has a way of staying with you.
It’s not flashy. It doesn’t try to be anything other than what it is: a small mountain town surrounded by some of the most beautiful land in the country. It’s a place where kids can roam, families can slow down, and memories are made without over-planning.
For us, it’s been the backdrop to some of our most meaningful moments, and we know we’ll keep returning for years to come.
If you’re planning a trip and wondering if Bryson City is worth it, I’ll say this:
It absolutely is.
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