Bryson City boasts mountain views, scenic railways and a slower pace
At first glance, Bryson City may look like any other mountain town, but the community flourishes as a major tourist destination. It puts locals and visitors at the center of abundant recreation, from camping in the Great Smoky Mountains to tubing along Deep Creek and ziplining through Nantahala Gorge. People can reach these destinations by car or train, as the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad carries hundreds of thousands of people through the landscape each year. While the community’s access to recreation attracts a very active crowd of vacationers, the town also caters to those looking for a tranquil place to retire. “It’s just a slower pace of life, says Lytisha Shuler, Realtor with Keller Williams Great Smokies. “The mountains and the serenity, no hustle and bustle. It’s secluded, yet you’re close to everything.”
Hiking the Great Smokies, Deep Creek tubing and river rafting
The Great Smoky Mountains and Nantahala National Forest surround Bryson City, offering ample opportunities to hike, camp, horseback ride and zipline through the trees. The Tuckasegee River and Fontana Lake invite people to spend their days boating, fishing, kayaking and whitewater rafting. Deep Creek is a popular spot for tube floating and swimming. It also offers campgrounds, equestrian facilities and trails around its shoreline. Late spring and summer are generally considered peak recreation seasons, but mid-September to late October is prime time to see elk at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in Cherokee. “People also come here for the snow,” Shuler says. Snowshoeing, skiing and tubing are all popular. In town, Swain County Recreation Park has a public swimming pool, a skate park, ball fields, a playground and an indoor fitness facility. On Bryson Street, people take the footbridge to Bryson City Island Park, a lush landscape with river access and pet-friendly trails.
Shuler says the surrounding mountains keep Bryson City’s winters mild and buffer the community from tornadoes. However, nearby waterways and low-lying topography put the town at extreme risk from flooding, according to First Street. There is also a moderate risk of wildfire over the next 30 years.
Downtown lots and mountain homes with views and acreage
Lot sizes are smaller and neighbors are closer inside town limits, but businesses, major roads and community attractions are easily accessible. Bungalows, cottages and historic two-story homes are standard options near downtown. Outside Bryson City’s limits, rolling hills, thick trees and large waterways separate custom lake houses, wood cabins and ranch-style homes. Houses inside town boundaries typically cost between $100,000 and $490,000 depending on age, condition and size. Mountain homes surrounding Bryson City can also fit this range, but most cost between $500,000 and $1.5 million. Waterfront views, shoreline access, custom architecture and acreage are major factors in determining price.
Bryson City has many year-round residents due to its quiet and private atmosphere, but the population also fluctuates regularly. Newcomers are continually moving in, and Shuler says many buyers are looking for vacation homes. “I sell a lot of second homes and Airbnb short-term rentals,” she says.
Everett Street is the heart of Bryson City’s downtown activity
Downtown Bryson City is located along Everett Street, which spans across the Tuckasegee River. Crowds bustle between cafés, ice cream parlors, gift shops and other businesses. Mountain Layers Brewing Company lets patrons look out over downtown while enjoying craft beers, while High Test Deli serves stuffed sandwiches from its vintage counter-service shop. After a meal, people can explore the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot or visit the Appalachian Rivers Aquarium. More shopping and dining options are along Highway 19 and Veterans Boulevard. Local grocery markets include IGA Bryson City, Ingles Markets and Jimmy’s Produce.
River rail excursions and commuting to cities like Asheville
Most residents are car-dependent, relying on Highways 19 and 74. While some people work locally for Swain Community Hospital, many commute to Cherokee, Sylva or Franklin . Shuler says drivers can also reach Asheville in under 90 minutes, or approximately 65 miles. Asheville Regional Airport is 70 miles away.
Although the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad is not a commuter rail, it does transport roughly 200,000 passengers annually. The railroad’s steam and diesel trains are popular options for exploring the Tuckasegee River and Nantahala Gorge. The railroad typically offers between three and seven excursions daily.
Celebrating the seasons with the Polar Express and haunted corn mazes
The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad stays extra busy during seasonal events. Its most notable excursion is the Polar Express, which attracts over 90,000 riders. Passengers enjoy Christmas cocoa and a live story hour before arriving at the North Pole, where Santa Claus boards the train and gives out gifts. Popular events for adult riders include Spirits on the Rail and the Smoky Mountain Beer Run. Other major annual events include Freedom Fest and fall-themed activities at Darnell Farms, like pumpkin picking, hayrides and a haunted corn maze.
Swain County’s elementary through high schools have B-range ratings
Students attend either Swain County East Elementary or West Elementary for kindergarten through fifth grade. The schools have B-minus and B Niche ratings, respectively. Next are Swain County Middle and High, which also have B-minus and B scores. The high school has a college and career center offering mentoring and financial aid assistance.
