ABOUT BRYSON CITY
Bryson City: In the Heart of the North Carolina Mountains!
Bryson City, North Carolina is the place to be if being surrounded
by the best the Great Outdoors has to offer is your idea of a vacation haven. Bryson
City, located in Swain County, is close to both the Nantahala National Forest
and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A small town with a huge
wallop of fun, walking down the main street of this picturesque artistic community
is like stepping back into a less-hurried era. Of course, the surrounding area,
filled with natural wonders, provides outdoor lovers a wonderland of opportunities.
You can spend your days hiking, horseback riding, white water rafting, fly fishing,
swimming, boating, snow skiing, and just about anything else you can imagine!
History buffs will want to visit Cherokee, located on the Cherokee
Indian Reservation on the outskirts of Great Smoky Mountains National
Park. This community is inhabited by Native Americans who are descended
from the Eastern Cherokee peoples that did not journey west on the Trail of Tears.
Visit the Museum of the Cherokee Indian for a look back at the
life and heritage of these courageous people. The Ocanaluftee Indian Village
is a replica of an 18th-century Indian village, and is the site for Unto These Hills,
the largest outdoor drama in the United States. The play depicts life in the area
from the first European contact until the Trail of Tears.
Another interesting museum is the Mountain Heritage Center, located
on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. Many
of the residents of the Carolina Mountains are descendents of people who immigrated
from Ireland, Scotland, and England. The Heritage Center's "Migration of the Scotch-Irish
Peoples" depicts the path these people took to wind up in the North Carolina mountains.
The museum also houses exhibits focusing on the day-to-day life that has shaped
mountain life. Blacksmithing, trout fishing, and Appalachian crafts are some of
the topics discussed. The museum houses a collection of over 10,000 artifacts taken
from families who have called the mountain region their home.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a one-stop-shopping area
for outdoor fun. If you even remotely like hiking, the park has over 850 miles of
trails offering treks that fit all abilities. Experts and novices alike will want
to hike the Appalachian Trail, which winds its way throughout the
area. One of the most popular hikes in the area is the 0.5-mile trek to Clingman's
Dome. The observation tower at the top of the trail offers successful
hikers a stunning view of the surrounding area. On a clear day, 7 states are visible
from the Dome, the highest peak in the Great Smokies. A good portion of the hiking
trails are open for exploration on horseback. Anglers have more than 2000 miles
of streams in which to toss a line. Favorites are Abrams Creek, Big Creek, Fontana
Lake, and Little River. Bicyclists can change gears
on either the roads that wind through the park or on the trails that crisscross
through forested terrain.
Step back and time as you take a ride aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad,
a steam train that departs from both Bryson City and Dillsboro. The train takes
visitors on a scenic journey through the Smoky Mountains, navigating 50 miles of
track, two tunnels, and 25 bridges in the process. You can choose a variety of excursion
options. Wine and food lovers might want to try the Gourmet Dinner Wine Train.
Mystery fans can try and solve a faux crime during the Mystery Theatre Dinner
Train. You can even combine a bit of white water rafting during the
Raft n' Rail excursion. There are over 15 different types of trips
to choose from.
Another popular activity in the region is viewing some of the many waterfalls that
grace the natural landscape. Bridal Veil Falls, located on route
64, has the distinction of being one of the only waterfalls in North Carolina you
can drive under. The falls cascade from a height of about 60 feet. Another interesting
waterfall is Dry Falls, also just off route 64. The falls drop
over an overhanging cliff, making it possible for visitors to walk behind them and
look through the spray as it falls. A trip past some of the sights in the "land
of the waterfalls" simply can't be beat for scenic wonder!
Bryson City is perfectly positioned for enjoying a variety of activities in the
North Carolina mountains. Take a day and head to Asheville and
see the Biltmore Estate, the largest single-family home in the
United States. Ski bums can enjoy the many gifts of the Cataloochee Ski Area,
located about 5 miles from Maggie Valley. Try your luck at
Harrah's Casino in Cherokee. Visit all the shops in Gatlinburg,
an hour and a half away. Visit Lake Junaluska and improve your
water skiing skills. Don your bathing suit and plummet down Sliding Rock,
a natural water slide located in Pisgah National Forest. Enjoy
a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Head to Hendersonville
and take in a play at the Flat Rock Playhouse. Let Mother Nature
be your guide on your vacation in Bryson City!
[ABOUT BRYSON CITY
Copyright © 1998-2005 A1 Vacation Rentals & The WVR Group. All Rights Reserved.]
ABOUT DEEP CREEK
Deep Creek tubing is no easy float down
a lazy river — it's a wild whitewater ride
For generations, families have been coming back to Deep Creek to enjoy tubing
in its swift, cool mountain waters. From the parking lot at the Deep
Creek trailhead, two miles north of Bryson City, you carry your inner tube upstream
about a mile into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The put-in is at the
convergence of Indian Creek and Deep Creek where the sign says “No tubing
beyond this point.”
Described as Nature’s Best Water Ride, the Deep Creek course consists of two
sections: (1) The upper “whitewater” section, which flows from Indian
Creek through the narrow Deep Creek gorge. This is a wild, bouncy ride that often
separates the rider from the tube, especially when the water is swift from spring
rains. At the end of the rapids section, there’s a wide, deep swimming hole
that provides a relaxing break before getting back on the tube. (2) The lower section,
which is wider, easier going and more appropriate for smaller kids, ends at the
parking lot. Put-in for this section is at the swimming hole just above the first
bridge on the Deep Creek trail.
There are several outfitters offering tube rentals near the Great Smoky Mountains
National Park entrance on West Deep Creek Road. Some have changing rooms and showers.
You can choose from different types of tubes — with seats and without —
which can be rented for less than $5 a day. It’s advisable to wear a bathing
suit or shorts and tee shirt and secure shoes. Watches and loose jewelry should
be left behind. And eyeglasses should be secured with a head strap. Finally, because
Deep Creek is a cool mountain stream, you should bring towels and a change of dry
clothes.
[From the Bryson City Chamber of Commerce
]
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