We have no shortage of natural beauty here in the Tar Heel State, and it seems like more often than not, you can come across said beauty in our many small towns. There are so many gorgeous small towns in North Carolina that you could spend a lifetime exploring: it’s one of the things we’re best known for. One of the ones that frequently appears on “Most Beautiful Small Town In North Carolina” lists is Bryson City. This little town borders the Great Smoky Mountains and is an absolutely stunning part of the state. With a population of under 2,000, it’s got a great small town feel while having some incredible natural beauty.

Bryson City is truly an outdoor lover’s dream. There are virtually limitless opportunities for outdoor fun here.

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Google/Sweet T

You’ll find nearby waterfalls, miles of hiking trails through the gorgeous Smoky Mountains, rivers, lakes, and more.

Steve Walker/Flickr

You’ll also find that great small town feel that makes small mountain towns such a delight.

Gerry Dincher/Flickr Local shops and restaurants abound, and of course, adorable produce and peanut stands are on many of the roads here.

The Nantahala River and Fontana Lake are wonderful for tubing, boating, fishing, and rafting.

Gerry Dincher/Flickr

Of course, the water also makes a wonderful place to just sit and relax in nature. There’s nothing better than enjoying the sounds of a babbling brook as you savor a picnic after a hike through the woods.

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The scenery here is astoundingly beautiful - we may be biased, but there’s nothing as lovely as small town North Carolina.

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Seeing a sunrise or sunset over the Great Smoky Mountains is an unforgettable experience that belongs on everyone’s Tar Heel bucket list.

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For more information about Bryson City and the Smoky Mountains, check out Explore Bryson City.

Nick/Flickr

Google/Sweet T

Steve Walker/Flickr

Gerry Dincher/Flickr

Local shops and restaurants abound, and of course, adorable produce and peanut stands are on many of the roads here.

Timothy Wildey/Flickr

Jim R Rogers/Flickr

John Getchel/Flickr

Have you ever visited this beautiful small town in North Carolina? Share your experiences in the comments!

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Address: Bryson City, NC 28713, USA