Great Smoky Mountains National Park lies partly in Swain County and covers a large part of its area. Along Lakeview Drive, natural scenery and local history come together: the paved out-and-back route from Bryson City is 11.4 miles long, passes four overlooks and offers views of Fontana Lake. At the same time, it highlights the early history of mountain residents and logging in Swain County.

Lakeview Drive and Trails to the Water

At the end of Lakeview Drive is a 1,200-foot-long, unlit tunnel open exclusively to pedestrians. This is a specific difference between the paved route and its endpoint. Since conditions can vary by season, it is a good idea to check current route information before your visit.

The Goldmine Loop near Bryson City in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a 3-mile loop hike. Access is through a 365-foot-long, paved tunnel; the trail offers views of Fontana Lake. Compared with the longer, unlit tunnel at the end of Lakeview Drive, this paved tunnel provides access to the loop trail. The two tunnels therefore differ both in length and in their role in the route.

In the Deep Creek area near Bryson City, also within the park, is the Juney Whank Trail. The 0.6-mile loop offers a waterfall experience: the upper and lower sections of Juney Whank Falls plunge a combined 90 feet through the forest. Compared with the 3-mile Goldmine Loop, the Juney Whank loop is considerably shorter, with the waterfall as its main attraction.

At Noland Creek, two trails described differently follow the creek. Noland Creek South runs for one mile to Fontana Lake. The Noland Creek to Spring House Junction out-and-back hike starts at the Noland Creek Trailhead on the Road to Nowhere in the park and also follows Noland Creek. Along the way, it passes through open meadows and former agricultural clearings.

More Discoveries Between the Lake and the Mountains

The Appalachian Trail runs through Swain County and can be accessed at several points, including in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Tsali Recreation Area offers a different mix of activities: mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, motorized boating, kayaking and camping are available just steps from Fontana Lake. Trails and a wide range of activities on the water thus offer different ways to explore the area.

In the Bryson City area, the Nantahala Bikeway is an approximately 1.2-mile, one-way paved trail through the scenic Nantahala River valley and along a former rail corridor. The grades are gentle. The Nantahala Gorge Excursion of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers a different way to plan your time: it is a four-and-a-half-hour, 44-mile round trip from Bryson City to Nantahala Gorge and back to the depot in Bryson City. The depot is in the heart of Bryson City. For this excursion option, the duration of the ride provides a different planning framework than the trail distances.

History in Bryson City

The Swain County Heritage Museum is located in downtown Bryson City in the historic 1908 courthouse. It tells the story of Swain County and its people through photographs, exhibits and videos. Admission is free; donations are accepted. Along with the history of mountain residents and logging on Lakeview Drive, the museum offers another perspective on the county’s past.

When looking for a hotel, you can first consider which of these facets you’d like to shape your stay: trails of varying lengths, Fontana Lake, a rail excursion or the history of Swain County.

Discover more destinations: Bryson City, Cherokee, Chowan County, Graham County, Lincoln County, Brunswick, Davie County, Lee.

For the broader travel overview: North Carolina.