Fall is in the air in the mountains of North Carolina and if you’ve experienced the splendors of the season in western North Carolina in past years, then you know it’s positively magical. As the leaves begin to change in the highest elevations first, they’ll slowly make their way down from the mountaintops and into the valleys and then sweep across the Tar Heel State in a blaze of glory over the coming weeks. If your sense of adventure has you secretly wishing you could take a day or weekend trip to the mountains, then head to Bryson City – the one North Carolina town everyone should visit in the fall.
The number one and two attractions in Bryson City are train-themed and perfect for anchoring any trip to this little mountain town.
Facebook/Great Smoky Mountains Railroad See the best of fall foliage on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. The train is operating this fall and following protocols to keep everyone safe. Book tickets online for contact-free transactions, and then pick up a free mask from the GSMR to wear while on the train.
Lean into the curves as you wind through the Nantahala Gorge soaking in the brilliant hues of autumn.
Google Maps/Visit NC Then, after you return to the depot in Bryson City, head over to the other of the top two attractions:
The Smoky Mountains Train Museum (and Gift Store) is laden with nostalgia.
Google Maps Admission to the train museum is free with your train ticket purchase from the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.
Explore one of the largest collections of Lionel™ engines, cars, and accessories.
TripAdvisor/Mudduck77 There are more than 7,000 engines alone! Watch them run on the O-Gauge rails, and then explore the gift and toy shop for something to bring home from this trip.
Head out on foot in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
TripAdvisor/livinglifetothefull1 Lace up your hiking boots and immerse yourself in the fall foliage, inhaling the scent of freshly fallen leaves as you wander in wonder.
Hit the highlights by taking the Juney Whank Falls Trail to a fairy tale footbridge that crosses over a very impressive, steep waterfall.
Google Maps/Jojan Paul Or, combine your hikes and take one that leads farther into the Deep Creek Trail area and also has an offshoot to Juney Whank Falls.
When it comes to dining, Bryson City has no shortage of places to please any palate.
Google Maps/Sonya Burkholder Refuel downtown at any number of eateries, or head out on Route 19 to River’s End for pizza, burgers, salads, and more.
You can’t beat this view along the Nantahala River in the fall!
Google Maps/J. Velasquez Find out more about River’s End from its Facebook page.
If you’d prefer something closer to town, then Nate & Nick’s makes a pizza you can’t pass up.
Google Maps/Tino Medina
TripAdvisor/Meg Hand tossed and generously topped with only the finest ingredients, the pizza here will bring a smile to your face and go beyond satisfying that urge to stuff your face with delicious pie.
The whole family will love a stop at the Nantahala River Gem Mine.
Google Maps/Piotr Jasiak
Google Maps/Charles Warford Get one big bucket and divvy it up among the kids, saving some for yourself, of course. Who knows what you’ll find, but whatever you find you get to keep! Find out more about this gem mine here.
When it’s time to slow down and relax, check out Deep Creek Winery.
Google Maps/Deep Creek Winery
Google Maps/Cynthia Fleegle Whether you attend one of the wine pairing events, or just enjoy a glass or two, this is the perfect place and an ideal way to spend the afternoon.
Are you ready to start planning your fall foliage trip to Bryson City? We’ve done most of the planning… all you need to do is decide how long you’ll stay and then find accommodations! See this link for campgrounds, B&Bs, hotels, inns, and more.
Facebook/Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
See the best of fall foliage on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. The train is operating this fall and following protocols to keep everyone safe. Book tickets online for contact-free transactions, and then pick up a free mask from the GSMR to wear while on the train.
Google Maps/Visit NC
Then, after you return to the depot in Bryson City, head over to the other of the top two attractions:
Google Maps
Admission to the train museum is free with your train ticket purchase from the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.
TripAdvisor/Mudduck77
There are more than 7,000 engines alone! Watch them run on the O-Gauge rails, and then explore the gift and toy shop for something to bring home from this trip.
TripAdvisor/livinglifetothefull1
Lace up your hiking boots and immerse yourself in the fall foliage, inhaling the scent of freshly fallen leaves as you wander in wonder.
Google Maps/Jojan Paul
Or, combine your hikes and take one that leads farther into the Deep Creek Trail area and also has an offshoot to Juney Whank Falls.
Google Maps/Sonya Burkholder
Refuel downtown at any number of eateries, or head out on Route 19 to River’s End for pizza, burgers, salads, and more.
Google Maps/J. Velasquez
Find out more about River’s End from its Facebook page.
Google Maps/Tino Medina
TripAdvisor/Meg
Hand tossed and generously topped with only the finest ingredients, the pizza here will bring a smile to your face and go beyond satisfying that urge to stuff your face with delicious pie.
Google Maps/Piotr Jasiak
Google Maps/Charles Warford
Get one big bucket and divvy it up among the kids, saving some for yourself, of course. Who knows what you’ll find, but whatever you find you get to keep! Find out more about this gem mine here.
Google Maps/Deep Creek Winery
Google Maps/Cynthia Fleegle
Whether you attend one of the wine pairing events, or just enjoy a glass or two, this is the perfect place and an ideal way to spend the afternoon.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, 45 Mitchell St, Bryson City, NC 28713, USAAddress: 100 Greenlee St, Bryson City, NC 28713, USAAddress: Juney Whank Falls Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USAAddress: POB 509, W Deep Creek Rd, Bryson City, NC 28713, USAAddress: 1107 Wesser Creek Rd, Bryson City, NC 28713, USAAddress: 405 Johnathan Walk, Bryson City, NC 28713, USAAddress: Bryson City, NC 28713, USA
