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Winter Mountain Scene

Winter Adventures

Experience winter in Bryson City in a cozy cabin and explore our holiday-themed…

Experience winter in Bryson City in a cozy cabin and explore our holiday-themed events, and outdoor activities such as hiking, waterfalls, fishing, and scenic drives.

Winter Adventures

Explore Bryson City in the Winter

Visiting Bryson City and the Great Smoky Mountains in the winter season has many advantages. Leafless overlooks with crisp clear views, cozy cabins with fireplaces, mountaintops covered with fresh snow, and fewer visitors, allow you the opportunity to experience greater solitude. At the end of the day, gather around an outdoor fire pit and do some stargazing. And during November and December, Bryson City celebrates the holiday season with holiday themed events, including the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad's Polar Express excursion, and other Christmas-themed events..

Within the National Park, waterfall hikes are also popular. And wildlife can be easier to spot in the winter because the deciduous trees have lost their leaves.

Check out our adventures below for more ideas:

Famous Elk

Elk Viewing

Observe the elk in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on grasses and fords in open meadows such as the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and Cataloochee

Does it snow in Bryson City in the winter months?

It is somewhat rare to see snow in Bryson City, but it can snow from October through April, with December, January, and February being the most common months. Expect 3-5 significant snowfalls (over one inch in accumulation) during the winter months. Whenever snow is in the forecast, expect some of the high elevations roads, such as the Blue Ridge Parkway, to be shut down for inclement weather.

Fishing

Fishing

Bryson City and the Great Smoky Mountain National Forests are some of…

2 people Lookout over mountains

Hiking & Trails

With the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Nantahala National…

Road to Nowhere

Road to Nowhere

Steeped in history, the Road to Nowhere is a scenic drive, hiking…

Fontana Lake and Dam

Fontana Dam

Fontana Dam is a towering structure that was impounded and created…

Indian Creek Falls Bryson City

Waterfalls

Discover what it means to be ‘fall’-struck, we are…

Shopping

Shopping

We’re known as the Outdoor Adventure Capital of the Great Smoky…

Rail Adventures on a Train Excursion

Rail Adventures

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad train excursions depart from…

Adventures For Every Season

No matter the season, there is always something to do in Bryson City. Anything from rafting to hiking to train rides, we've got your outdoor adventures covered!