Explore
Fontana Lake is a 10,600 wilderness lake with some of the best bass and walleye fishing in the area. The private Rockledge Marina is right on the lake with dock and slips for owner’s boats. Nearby boat rentals are also available as needed.
The neighborhood Tsali Biking Trail is one of the top mountain biking trails in the country. And the Appalachian Trail is in your backyard, as it crosses right through the Nantahala Outdoor Center at our south gate.
Bryson City
For generations, Bryson City has been the favored destination for people who enjoy the quieter, more natural side of the Smokies. At the edge of town, the Deep Creek area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has long attracted hikers, campers, fly fishermen and kids of all ages who enjoy the whitewater tubing on Deep Creek. There’s also a short walk to three sparkling waterfalls.
For outdoor lovers, the Nantahala River draws the more-informed whitewater rafters and kayakers each summer. It’s an area that National Geographic Adventure and ABC’s Good Morning America named the number one place to spend a wet and wild vacation in the US.
Bryson City has a terrific mixture of small town charms — more than twenty restaurants, a variety of shops and galleries, a community theatre, a fine arts center; and in warmer weather, musicians entertain the public with free performances at the Bryson City depot pavilion.
As headquarters for the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad — a restored passenger train providing scenic excursions into the surrounding areas — Bryson City offers many rail-themed activities: a model train museum, a summer “Railfest” festival, and plans are underway for a new roundhouse, museum and restoration center.
Golfing is great at the Smoky Mountain Country Club and the Sequoyah National championship course at Cherokee. And for a complete change in Rockledge-style action living, Cherokee also offers the rush of full gaming at Harrah’s Casino with Las Vegas style shows, fine dining and shops, stadium-seating 3-D Cineplex and a variety of native American cultural attractions and shopping.
Adding to the area’s cultural scene, Western Carolina University, just 30 minutes from Bryson City, offers events throughout the year. The nearby Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center hosts a great summer music series, as well as various festivals, and features artisans gallery that showcases the talents of local craftspeople. The John C. Campbell Folk School, a short trip away, offers courses in a variety of craft pursuits.