Adventures in the Great Smoky Mountains

With some of the highest mountains east of the Mississippi, the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina present a colorful tradition of mountain sports. Free flowing whitewater rivers abound in these mountains. The Nantahala River, one of the best loved whitewater rafting rivers in the country, is central to the history of paddle sports in the US. Hiking and camping opportunities abound in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or just take off your boots and cool off by a clear mountain stream.

Experience travel along the Nantahala and Tuckasegee River corridors from the seat of a steam engine as the railroad runs through the communities of Dillsboro and Bryson City. These communities were born along the banks of these mountain rivers and now the railroad connects them in a way that takes you and your family back in time.

The Blue Ridge Parkway and Cherohala Skyway (both National Scenic Byways) will take you along the mountaintops for a driving adventure that will change your attitude. These testaments to modern engineering will deliver you to mountain tops were once only the most intrepid mountaineer or Cherokee brave would venture.