Local Adventures
Whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River
Whitewater Rafting on the Nantahala River · about 10–20 minutes
The Nantahala Gorge starts just down the mountain from us. About 10 outfitters run trips here, from fully guided rafts to guide-assisted trips and “ducky” rentals you paddle yourself. The river is mostly Class II–III rapids, so it’s great for families and first-timers. Bring shoes that can get wet, and expect the water to be cold even in July. Tap to see outfitters on the map.
Tail of the Dragon
Tail of the Dragon · about 1 hour
The famous 11-mile stretch of US-129 at Deals Gap has 318 curves, and motorcyclists and sports-car drivers come from all over the country to ride it. Even if you’re just a passenger, the drive along Lake Santeetlah and the Cheoah River is beautiful. Please drive carefully, since it’s narrow, twisty and busy on weekends. Combine it with the Cherohala Skyway for a full day.
Andrews Valley Rail Tours
Andrews Valley Rail Tours · about 15 minutes
Pedal along historic railroad tracks on four-seat rail bikes. They’re electric-assisted, so you don’t need to be in great shape. The 8.5-mile round trip runs through woods and pasture, over the Valley River, and through the Valley River Tunnel, which was hand-carved in 1894. Tours leave from the Andrews depot and run seasonally, so book ahead in summer and leaf season.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad · about 30 minutes
Take a vintage train ride from the depot in Bryson City through river valleys and mountain scenery. Excursions change by season, including fall foliage trips and holiday trains, so check their schedule before you go. While you’re there, Bryson City has good restaurants and shops for an afternoon in town.
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest · about 45 minutes
This is one of the largest remaining old-growth forests in the eastern U.S., with yellow poplars more than 400 years old and so big it takes several people linking arms to reach around them. An easy 2-mile figure-eight trail loops through the big trees. The upper loop through Poplar Cove has the largest ones. There’s no drinking water at the trailhead, so bring your own.
Hiking trails
Hiking Trails · trailheads within minutes to an hour
You’re surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest. The Appalachian Trail crosses the river in the Nantahala Gorge, and there are trails nearby for every level, from short waterfall walks to all-day ridge climbs. Ask us at the office for our favorites and current trail conditions.
Fishing / Fly Fishing
Fishing & Fly Fishing · about 10–20 minutes
The Nantahala is one of North Carolina’s best-known trout rivers, and you’re staying right by it. Above the powerhouse, the upper river is a smaller mountain stream managed under Delayed Harvest rules. It’s stocked with rainbow, brown and brook trout, and it’s catch-and-release for part of the year. Paved pull-offs along the road make it easy to get to. Below the powerhouse, the cold water released from the dam supports one of the densest wild trout populations in the state. Because rafts fill the gorge during the day, night fishing is allowed on the lower river. Local guides offer wade and float trips if you’d like help learning the water.
A North Carolina fishing license with trout privileges is required. Regulations differ by section and season, so check NC Wildlife Resources Commission rules before you fish.