GETAWAYS:

Bryson City

Bryson City, N.C. A gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson City is a laid-back, non-touristy town and an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. Stretching with wildflowers, streams and parts of the Appalachian Trail, Bryson City is an easy stroll with local bookstores, arts and crafts galleries, bike shops, museums, breweries and a surprising variety of restaurants.

What to Do:
Raging Rivers Rafting Company. Nantahala River is one of the most popular whitewater rafting rivers in the Southeast, luring more than 200,000 paddlers to its waters every year. A perfect combination of exciting whitewater and placid pools, the Nantahala is a great introduction to the sport of whitewater paddling and kayaking.

There are a lot of large rafting outfitters around the Nantahala River but don’t overlook Raging Rivers Rafting Company. Enjoy eight miles of fun with experienced and friendly river guides or you can go alone. Prices are very reasonable and Raging Rivers Rafting Company rents Aire rafts made in the U.S. They also rent bunk houses and camp sites in the beautiful Nantahala National Forest or you can enjoy a picnic rain or shine at their covered picnic area. Visit their Facebook page at Raging Rivers Rafting Company.

Where to Eat:
Pizza By The River. Seven months of the year Pizza By The River continues to be the go-to place for pizza in the Nantahala Gorge. This is the perfect paddle stop with a rushing river vibe. Every seat has a view of the river and you can enjoy watching rafting guests and kayakers roll by. This is a dining experience not to be missed during your next Nantahala Gorge trip. Visit www.pizza-by-the- river.business.site.

Where to Stay:
Nantahala Log Cabin Lodge is located in the scenic Nantahala Gorge and offers quality lodging in a secluded location. Situated right in The Gorge, it is locally owned and offers many outdoor recreational activities including fly fishing, whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding and mountain biking and hiking trails nearby.This area is also a mecca for motorcyclists with miles of scenic back-roads across the Smoky Mountain Range. Visit www.nantahalalogcabinlodge.com.