The Great Smoky Mountains offer no end to the thrilling outdoor escapades that are deserving of a cold brew at the end of a great day of play. Some travelers (and locals, as well) make it a point to visit and experience every brewery. And with a bit of guidance, so can you! Although it’s not a competition and there’s no “prize” for this feat, you will be rewarded with the memories and new friends made along the way. Here is the ultimate guide to some of the best breweries in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina:
Balsam Falls Brewing Company
- Located on W. Main Street in Sylva, NC
- Balsam Falls Brewing is a true labor of love, which makes falling in love with their beers, style, and delectable food menu a pleasure. This nano-brewing operation focuses on classic beer styles while also experimenting with adventurous flavors for truly one-of-a-kind creations every visit.
- Just reading the extensive menu will have your mouth watering, from small bites and wings to pair with your beer, to burgers and sandwiches, flatbreads, a kids’ menu, and weekend brunch.
Bearwaters Brewing
- Located on Soco Road in Maggie Valley, NC
- Bearwaters Brewing offers handcrafted beers and a full bar. Try the housemade hard lemonade or a non-alcoholic fruit-inspired spritz.
- Serving a full lunch menu all day and dinner after 4 p.m., enjoy an upscale dining experience beside a tranquil river.
Boojum Brewing
- Located on N Main Street in downtown Waynesville
- Boojum Brewing invites you to try their own craft brews, 16 on tap at any time, along with wine and craft cocktails. Get a first taste of new beer releases and take your favorite home with you.
- They call their menu casual pub fare, but it’s going to satisfy the foodies, too.
- Late Night Hint! Wednesdays to Saturdays nights, catch some karaoke, trivia, or live music downstairs from the taproom at the Gem Bar.
B & C Winery
- Located on Soco Road in the heart of Maggie Valley, NC
- B & C Winery’s selection of vinted wines is quite impressive. Reds, whites, dessert wines, and custom wines are their specialty. They offer daily wine tastings and host events where the wine shines.
Currahee Brewing Company
- Located on Lakeside Drive in Franklin, NC
- Currahee Brewing Company features a taproom, a bier garden overlooking the river, a kayak put-in and take-out, and an outdoor music stage. Find them on Facebook to see upcoming events.
- The Tye Dye Food Truck, serving a mix of Mexican and American cuisine, is on-site.
Ferncrest Winery
- Located on Main Street in downtown Andrews, NC
- Ferncrest Winery offers a full selection of their award-winning wines, made from grapes in their vineyard, as well as partnering with area vineyards in North Georgia and Western NC. All the wines are named after ferns.
- They have snacks and treats for sale, all produced in NC, and selected to pair well with your tastings. They bring food trucks in for events throughout the year.
Frog Level Brewing
- Located on Commerce Street in downtown Waynesville, NC
- Frog Level Brewing offers their ever-popular flagship beers (like the Salamander Slam and Nutty Brunette), its rotating beers, and seasonal offerings. Enjoy your unique craft brew on a deck overlooking the creek.
- If you’re hungry, you are in luck. The kitchen is open daily from 11:30 and closes one hour before the taproom closes.
Hoppy Trout Brewing Company
- Located on Main Street in Andrews, NC, in Cherokee County
- Hoppy Trout Brewing Company is the perfect way to end a day of exploring the history and customs of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, or simply to enjoy great beer and delicious pizza. Beer and Pizza are a match made in heaven and happen to be their specialty.
- Wednesdays are Trivia Nights!
Innovation Brewing Company
- Located on W. Main Street in Sylva, on Depot Street in Dillsboro & Centennial Drive in Cullowhee (on the campus of WCU)
- Innovation, indeed! Each Innovation Brewing taproom has 25+ beers on tap, plus cider, wine, and non-alcoholic options, which means there’s always something new and exciting to try.
- The original Innovation Brewing Company lives in Sylva, NC, right next door to a pizza joint. Dillsboro’s Innovation Station is situated at the historic train station and features a production facility, taproom, and event space. The Innovation Brewing taproom on the Western North Carolina college campus in Cullowhee, NC, is perfect for the young at heart.
Lazy Hiker Brewing
- Located on W. Main Street in Sylva and W. Main Street in Franklin, NC
- Lazy Hiker Brewing in Franklin is a place to expand your beer experience and likely meet folks fresh off the nearby, iconic Appalachian Trail. With over 25 brews on tap, two outdoor areas, live music, a food truck, and a disc-golf course, you may plan to spend the whole day.
- In downtown Sylva, the taproom with its outdoor patio and game lounge is always an entertaining place to be, especially when it’s time for “Slogan Trivia”! The Mad Batter Kitchen will keep you nourished.
Mountain Layers Brewing Company
- Located on Everett Street in Bryson City, NC
- With both a taproom and the rooftop bar with views of beautiful downtown Bryson City, Mountain Layers Brewing Company is a magnificent venue to enjoy the mountain air over a cold microbrew.
- The Rice Wagon Food Truck is parked out back and serves up Hawaiian- and Asian-inspired creations.
- Shout out for their Honor and Remember Wal,l paying tribute to veterans and first responders.
Nocturnal Brewing Company
- Located on US 64 Business in downtown Hayesville, NC
- Nocturnal Brewing Company’s beers change frequently, keeping you on your toes. Rest assured, you will be pleased with the selection and with the stunning mountain views while sipping. Cocktails such as the Honeysuckle and Jungle Bird are tasty and memorable.
- The culinary team here will not disappoint. The menu has something for everyone.
Slanted Window Tasting Station
- Located on Harrison Avenue in Franklin, NC
- Enjoy Slanted Window’s limited production wines, local beers, and bourbon tastings. The only other way to experience their wine is on a vineyard tour (which you can reserve). Enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere and live music on Fridays and Sundays..
- Their food menu of sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and flatbreads pairs perfectly.
Snowbird Mountains Brewery
- Located on Locust Street in Andrews, NC
- If you’re looking for some out-of-the-box brew flavors, you’ll find them at Snowbird Mountains Brewery. The owners invite you to relax and enjoy the local music, as well as slightly competitive trivia.
Whiteside Brewing Company
- Located on NC Hwy 107 in Cashiers, NC
- Whiteside Brewing Company will serve you a Cackalacky Lite lager, or perhaps a Pickin’ Wildflowers Farmhouse Ale, or even a Panthertown Porter. Beer names are derived from their source. Everyone will find a choice beverage here as they also offer guest taps, house cocktails, and more.
- Serving American cuisine in a park-like setting, welcoming of dogs and large gatherings, Whiteside Brewing Company is also a fantastic venue for large celebrations.