Welcome to the Great Smokies Blog
Stories From The Smokies highlights interesting, out-of-the-ordinary aspects of life in the North Carolina mountains. We offer insider tips on things to do, places to go, and ways to make your Bryson City visit all the more memorable. Look for new posts in this space every few weeks. Or subscribe to receive updates by email.
Bryson City. A River Runs Through It.
If you enjoyed Robert Redford’s 1992 film starring Brad Pitt, the phrase “a river runs through it” evokes images of fly fishermen casting for Montana mountain trout. Yet that phrase also describes Bryson City, an Appalachian fly fisherman’s paradise where the...
Synchronous Fireflies – It’s The Toughest Ticket in the Smokies
If you want to see the Smokies' annual synchronous firefly show June 1–8, you'll have to win the lottery! Since 2006, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has limited access to the Tremont campground during the eight days of peak viewing in order to reduce traffic...
Bryson City’s Hellbenders Are a Once in a Lifetime Experience
A visit to Bryson City’s Appalachian Rivers Aquarium my be your only opportunity to see a reclusive hellbender. They’ve been around for 6 million years, yet there are people who have spent their entire life in these mountains and have never seen one. The aquarium has...
Spring Ephemerals Are The Big Kahuna of Smoky Mountains Wildflowers
White Fringed Phacelia and Creeping Phlox (Photos mid-April on the Oconaluftee River Trail) With more than 1500 native wildflower species, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is sometimes called “Wildflower National Park” thanks to the steady parade of wildflowers...
Bryson City Artists Add Color and Creativity to Downtown
Thanks to the work of our talented art community, Bryson City now has a walkable murals and street art trail. As you stroll around town, take a few moments to enjoy: Six colorful 4-foot quilt squares adorning a number of shops and businesses, a sampling from the...
A Guide to Social Distancing on the Smokies’ Trails and Waters
Here in the Smoky Mountains, we’re known for outdoor adventures. So with our “new normal,” how do we stay six feet apart from others on trails and while pursuing our favorite sports?
Culinary Secrets From Bryson City B&Bs and Country Inns
The one thing that sets bed & breakfasts and country inns apart from other lodging is the food. More than a mere amenity, inn dining can be the most memorable part of the lodging experience. So it's no surprise that innkeepers are often asked to share their secret...
Where to Drink Beer with Your Dog in Bryson City
A cold beer in one hand, your dog in another—now that’s a little slice of heaven. While North Carolina law prevents you from bringing your dog inside places serving food, four-legged friends are still welcome to join in on these patio spaces and dog-friendly places...
Beat the Heat Index: 10 Ways to Cool Off in the Smoky Mountains (And It’s Not All About Water)
If it’s hot where you are this summer, take a trip to Bryson City, where high elevations mean refreshing mountain breezes and plenty of opportunities to cool down. With the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in our backyard, check out these ways to beat the heat!...
Autumn in Bryson City – the Spectacular Grand Finale of Summer Fun in the Smokies
Fall exploration will lead you to the Bryson City area of North Carolina, including “The Road to Nowhere.” Tucked in iconic mountains, Bryson City, NC has a vibrant fall leaf viewing season, which you can enjoy while hiking, fishing, biking or riding the rails. It’s a...
These 6 Unique Places To Stay In Bryson City Are Perfect To Get Away From It All
Traveling is fun, but where you stay is just as important. In the Great Smoky Mountains of Bryson City, NC, there are a few places to spend the night that really stand out. You can sleep in a vintage camper, or a yurt or tiny house on a creek. If you like your stay...
There’s Much to Discover About One Bryson City Visitor Who Helped Create the National Park
Horace Kephart's grave. Photo: plugitinhikes. An icon of the Southern Appalachian region, Horace Kephart (1862-1931) is best known for his efforts to protect the Smoky Mountains as a national park. He was also vigilant in efforts to establish the Appalachian Trail...
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