Summer Fun in the Smoky Mountains

News and updates provided by the Swain County Chamber of Commerce

210 Main Street in downtown Bryson City NC

Around Bryson City NC there are more outdoor adventure spots than any ither place in the Smoky Mountains for rafting, lake kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, boating, mountain biking, tubing, horseback riding ...and more. So if you want to enjoy the beauty of nature up close and personal, plan a trip to the Smokies in Western North Carolina and experience the wonders of the mountains.

National Park Service Junior Ranger Programs - daily programs, hikes, demonstrations at various Great Smoky Mountains National Park locations. Kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge. CLICK HERE for a calendar of Great Smoky Mountains Park events.



Children's Trout Fishing Derby - July 31- Aug 1, 2015 in Cherokee NC. Free for ages 3-11. pre-register on Friday; fish on Saturday starting at 8 AM. Free bait and tackle while supplies last. GET MORE information here.

Dinosaur Train - July 31-Aug 2. Enjoy this adventure filled train ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad that includes music and stories, plus all kids receive a Nature Trackers Club Card to use at the activities area to during your layover; and of course, an opportunity to meet the favorite T.rex, Buddy.  Find details and tickets HERE. 

ICF Junior and Under 23 Wildwater Canoeing World Championships - Aug 2-7, 2015 at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC). Watch juniors and young adults race downriver all in a family atmosphere. CLICK HERE for complete details.  



Cherokee Bonfire and; Storytelling - Fridays and Saturdays from 7 - 9 pm at Oconaluftee Islands Park in Cherokee NC. Free for the entire family. Get more information HERE.

Farmers Market -  Fridays, 9 am - 1 pm; and Tuesdays, 5-8 pm. At the old barn on Island St. (turn off Everett St. at the bridge.

Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama - Now until August 15, Monday - Saturday. The renowned outdoor drama tells the history of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. Don't miss this awe-inspiring evening. See details or get tickets. 


Wine Train Experience (the McNeill Uncorked) - August 15. Specialty all-adult first class ride on the 4.5 hr. Nantahala Gorge excursion featuring wines selected to pair with your lunch. Souvenir stemless wine glass and tote bag. Find tickets and more information.

Oconaluftee Indian Village - Mondays - Saturdays. Take a tour to explore Cherokee history at this authentic heritage attraction. Interact with villagers and join in the dancing. Learn more HERE.

BRYSON CITY Music in the Mountains - Free concerts at the Bryson City Train Depot, 6:30 - 8 PM Saturdays June - October. Full schedule.
Nantahala Brewing -  Live music, Friday and Saturday nights.
Derailed Bar and Lounge -  Music most Saturday nights. (Anthony's Restaurant, Depot Street)

GO FISH!  The Smokies waters have some of the best fishing ANYWHERE. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s streams and creeks offer natural populations of brook, brown and rainbow trout while most other streams are routinely stocked, including areas of the Cherokee Indian Reservation with trophy-size trout. CLICK HERE for complete information and fishing maps.