Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

Bryson City is 81 miles, 1.5 hours west of Hendersonville. It is home to the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. Also at Bryson City there are many activities from fishing, water sports, or motor cycling on the mountain roads which are curvy and scenic.

You can take an old fashion train ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad through the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. The excursion departs from Bryson City and travels 44 miles to the scenic Nantahala Rive Gorge. The round trip ride takes 4.5 hours. The train crosses Fontana Lake on a 100 foot high Trestle Bridge that spans almost 800 feet across the lake and enters the scenic Nantahala Gorge. There is a 1 hour stop at the Nantahala River Center where you can have lunch and watch the exciting whitewater rafting activities on the Nantahala River. For more information visit Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.

Bryson City is located near the Native American Cherokee Indian Reservation where you can explore the museum, Indian Village, culture and crafts.