Located in Swain County, North Carolina, Bryson City has a population of 1,400. The Great Smoky Mountains, the nation’s most visited national park, comprises roughly 40 percent of Swain County. The area is also home to part of the Appalachian Trail, as well as Nantahala Gorge, which offers premier whitewater rafting and kayaking. And not to be missed is the Deep Creek recreational area, which boasts camping, hiking, trout fishing and the area’s best whitewater tubing. Deep Creek is probably best known for its three waterfalls – Juneywhank, Tom Branch and Indian Creek Falls.
In keeping with Macaroni Kid Family Travel’s budget challenge of spending less than $1500 for a family of four, here’s a sample itinerary for family fun in Bryson:
Family Attractions:
- $160 - Scenic train ride to Nantahala Gorge in open car (4.5 hr). Free admission to Train Museum included with ticket.
- $20 - Deep Creek tubing (all day), Hike trails to 2 waterfalls, float by a third one.
- $60 - Cherokee Indian Village (children 5 and under free)
- $14- Two Adult, ten-day fishing licenses for residents of NC (non-residents $24). Children under 16 do not need a license if parent is present.
- $120 - one hour horseback ride
- $32 - gem mining for a family of four
- $36 - 2 kids can paint with Charles Heath Kidz program
- Total: $442
$750 - 1 bedroom plus loft with twins, 1 bath cabin - approx. $150/night
Meals
You've already spent $1192... that leaves just over $300 for meals. But not to worry, Bryson City has plenty of moderately priced restaurants to choose from. Pack some sandwich fixings to make your own lunch, and maybe you'll still have some room in the budget for souvenirs.
Freebies:
- Free - Cherokee storytelling and dancing around a bonfire (Thurs-Sat nights)
- Free - Mountain music concert in Bryson City (Sat night)
- Free - Mountain Farm Museum and Mingus Mill, Cherokee
- Free - Hiking and driving in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Appalachian Trail & Blue Ridge Parkway
- Free - Swain County History Museum
