Our helpful staff will handle your reservations for white-water rafting, tickets to the Biltmore House, or a ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Or if you simply need some ideas for fun things to do, just ask!
Great Smoky Mountains National Park — The Inn overlooks the Park and serves as base from which you can enjoy all that this natural vacation wonderland has to offer. You can hike many miles of trails with their breathtaking vistas, picnic beside streams and waterfalls, and observe the Park’s wildlife, including the largest variety of birds found in the United States.
Whitewater Rafting — Several outfitters provide rentals and guides in the Nantahala Gorge, approximately 15 minutes from the Inn. We will be happy to make your reservations at:
Zip line canopy tours in the Nantahala Gorge.
Horseback Riding — Rentals are available for guided riding on designated trails in the Smokies, including Smokemont Riding Stables— in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, just north of Cherokee.
Great Smoky Mountain Railroad — Scenic excursion train ride through the Nantahala Gorge. We’ll be happy to make your reservations for you!
Scenic Rides — Blue Ridge Parkway 469 miles of scenic highway from the southern entrance in Cherokee, 15 minutes from the Inn. Cherohala Skyway another spectacular scenic highway with scenic views, reaching an elevation of 5,300-ft.; about an hour west of the Inn. The Dragon(Deal’s Gap) 318 curves in 11 miles, perfect for your sports car or motorcycle.
Mountain Biking — Trails abound in the Smokies. The famous Tsali Mountain Bike Trails are just 20 minutes from the Inn.
Fontana Dam and Reservoir — Highest dam in eastern America. Several marinas and public landings provide access to excellent fishing and boating, including Almond Boat Park.
Trout Fishing — Some of the best in the country. You can even use your mountain bike to reach those secluded streams.
Cherokee Indian Reservation — Several attractions including the outdoor drama “Unto These Hills” presented evenings June through August; Oconaluftee Indian Village, recreating authentic Indian lifestyles as practiced over 200 years ago; the Museum of the Cherokee Indian; and Harrah’s Cherokee Casino.
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest — The largest stand of virgin hardwood remaining in eastern America. Accessible from the Cherohala Skyway.
Golf — A spectacular course, the Smoky Mountain Country Club, is minutes from the Inn, as the Sequoyah National course in Cherokee.
Shopping and Antique Hunting — Bryson City has some fine shops and galleries, including watercolor artist Elizabeth Ellison’s Main Street gallery.
Biltmore House, Gardens and Winery — The 255 room mansion, the Asheville home of George Vanderbilt, is a favorite day trip from the Inn. Save some time and buy your tickets here before you go.
The Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge area — “Shopping headquarters” — is a 45 minute scenic drive from the Inn.
Bring your bike!
With owners who are riders themselves, the Fryemont Inn welcomes motorcycle riders to our Historic Lodge, fireplace suites and cabin. We’re right in Bryson City, just off the Great Smoky Mountains Expressway (US 74) and within minutes of the best riding roads in the Southeast —
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- US-129 ‘Dragon’
- NC-28 ‘Hell Bender’
- Cherohala Skyway
- US-441 in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- And dozens of scenic back roads throughout the mountains.
We’re happy to provide maps and directions to all these great rides.
Don’t forget, breakfast and dinner are included in your stay. Start your day with a hearty country breakfast, and after a day’s riding you can return to the Fryemont where you’ll find everything you need for a relaxing evening — a bar to unwind and a great restaurant for your evening meal.
Want more information about things to do and see in our mountains? Visit the Bryson City and Swain County, North Carolina website, which includes a Calendar of Events.