Hiking & Trails
Explore the Great Smoky Mountains
With the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Nantahala National Forest surrounding our destination, hiking is naturally one of the most popular outdoor adventures in the Bryson City area. Options range from an easy walk along a mountain stream to a strenuous backcountry hike and even bucket list treks, like the Appalachian Trail. Lace up, choose your route and set your sights on adventure.
There are several pet-friendly hikes near Bryson City. Use our amenity search in the listings below to discover them. Keep in mind that pets are not allowed on the trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with the exception of the Deep Creek picnic area and campground, and the Oconaluftee River Trail in Cherokee.
Our favorite hiking trails near Bryson City are listed below, and you can search by level of difficulty, pet-friendly, or if suitable for bicycles.
Looking for horse trail information? Check out our horseback riding page.
Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail winds through Bryson City and Swain County, and can be accessed at several points throughout the area, including the…
Hiker Shuttle
Bryson City Outdoors
On top of having the best gear for your outdoor adventure, we are happy to be able to…
Carolina Bound Adventures
Call for availability – 828-569-6699. We offer a Great Smoky Mountains Hiker…
North Shore Shuttle Service
For guests looking for access to some of the most remote sections of the Great Smoky…
Wing and Hoof Mountain Escape - Hiker Shuttle
We are a hiker shuttle company for hikers in western North Carolina, Section 1 of the…
More Outdoor Adventure Ideas
Waterfalls
Discover what it means to be ‘fall’-struck, we are surrounded by the…
Tubing
Ready to cool down? Grab a tube and enjoy a float through the Great Smoky Mountains…
Whitewater Rafting
Here in Bryson City, we’re fortunate to be conveniently located near four…
Biking
Mountain biking continues to grow in popularity, and Bryson City is no stranger to…
Motorcycling
Explore the open roads of Bryson City and the Great Smoky Mountains with views for…
Elk Viewing
Observe the elk in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on grasses and fords in…
Boating
Fontana Lake, the crown jewel of Bryson City, is your perfect under-the-radar…
Fishing
Bryson City and the Great Smoky Mountain National Forests are some of the most…
Gem Mining
A perfect activity for all ages, our gem mining spots provide you with the best tools…
Horseback Riding
Whether traversing around Fontana Lake or exploring the trails of Deep Creek, channel…
Ziplining
Channel your inner Tarzan and explore the beauty of our national parks and forests by…
Kayaking, Canoeing, & SUP
Rent a craft, pack your own or take a guided tour and explore the serenity of Fontana…
Swimming
Get refreshed with a swim in the Smokies! This seasonal activity is just the cool…
Parks
Bryson City, NC, is known to have parks and outdoor spaces stretching as far as the…
Golf
Grab your golf clubs and get ready to play a round amongst one of the area’s…