Local Attractions
The book, "101 Best Outdoor Towns (Unspoiled Places to Visit, Live & Play)" named Bryson City as the third best outdoor town in the country. "This speck on the North Carolina map, sandwiched between the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and the Nantahala National Forest, packs a heavier dose of mountain biking, hiking and paddling adrenaline per capita than nearly any other town in the East."
At Native Winds, you’ll enjoy the privacy of a secluded, mountaintop cabin and you will be just minutes away from everything the North Carolina mountains have to offer!
Downtown Bryson City
10 minutes from Native Winds!
This quaint mountain town is perfect for strolling on a pretty day. Visit local bookstores, arts galleries, antique shops, a bike shop, two fly fishing shops, a historical museum, a fly fishing museum, an aquarium, an excursion train, two breweries, and a variety of restaurants. For those traveling with pets, you and your dog will love Island Park or Darnell Farm and Bryson City's pet friendly restaurants with outside seating.
For a map of downtown Bryson City, click here!
For information on local restaurants and bars, click here!
The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad
10 minutes from Native Winds!
Voted one of the “Top 10 American Train Rides” by USA Today, The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad operates rail excursions through Western NC, traveling through tunnels, across rivers and lakes, through mountain valleys and into a deep river gorge.
Each season brings something new to the train ride. In the spring, trees are budding and special excursions begin. In summer, you can add a package of whitewater rafting or ziplining to your ride. In the fall, see the colors during daily “Leaf Looker” excursions. In November and December, go on the railroad's famous, Polar Express; one of the most popular holiday events in the Smokies.
For information and tickets (we recommend booking your Polar Express Excursion by August!), click here!
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
18 Minutes from Native Winds!
Did you know the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s half-million acres are equally divided between Tennessee and North Carolina? With roughly 40% of the Park in Swain County, Bryson City is the ideal spot for a Smoky Mountain vacation without the hustle and bustle of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
After just a short drive from Native Winds, you will find yourself on uncrowded trails, gazing at beautiful waterfalls, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Smokies.
For a guide to the NC side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, click here!
Nantahala Outdoor Center
18 minutes from Native Winds!
If an adventure is what you are searching for, a visit to the Nantahala Outdoor Center is a must for your itinerary. The 500-acre adventure campus offers guided whitewater rafting, zip lining, ropes courses, mountain biking, flatwater paddling, guided hikes and more, as well as dining at two riverside restaurants, and shopping at the Outfitter’s Store for the best in outdoor gear and apparel.
For information and to book your next adventure, click here!
Cherokee, North Carolina
25 minutes from Native Winds!
Cherokee, NC is the ancestral home of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation. Today, the town offers natural beauty, family attractions, outdoor activities and the rich history of the Great Smoky Mountains. Some of the main attractions that draw visitors include the Oconaluftee Indian Village, where the 18th-century Cherokee lifestyle is preserved via live demonstrations, the Mountainside Theatre, where the drama "Unto These Hills" is performed, The Museum of the Cherokee Indian, The Fire Mountain Trails (for the outdoor enthusiasts), Fish Cherokee and of course, a number of shops, restaurants, hiking trails, elk viewing and waterfalls. (We are in the Smoky's after all!)
For information on this nearby town, click here!
Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort
25 minutes from Native Winds!
Did you know one of the finest casinos in the Southeast is right here in Western North Carolina? Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort offers a multitude of fine dining options (14 restaurants onsite!), the relaxing Mandara Spa, golf at the Sequoyah National Golf Club, a family entertainment center with arcades and bowling and, of course, all of the casino gaming you can possibly imagine!
For information on Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort, click here!
