Our Favorite Activities for Getting Out On the Water
As we enter the season of sunny days and warm weather, there’s one thing we can all agree on: a vacation getaway is best spent on the water.
Feel the river’s spray as you raft down the best rapid of the trip. Or the calm ripples on your legs as you float down the creek. Or the splash of a river boiling with trout. No matter your water adventure style, you can find it in Bryson City, North Carolina.
From sparkling lakes, exhilarating rivers, and pristine fishing streams – Here is why Bryson City should be the destination for your next adventure on or in the water!
Enjoy Whitewater For All Experience Levels
Family-friendly floats on the Nantahala River will get you up close and personal to the stunning, tree-covered natural beauty that got Bryson City on the water sport enthusiast’s map. The Upper Nantahala and Cascades also supply the adrenaline-pumping class III+ rapids great for experienced boaters. The lower Nantahala provides entry-level rapids perfect for some family fun.
There are three ways to enjoy the rapids – bring your own boat of choice, rent an inflatable kayak or raft for a self-guided adventure, or book with one of the several outfitters on the river that offer a fun guided river experience.
Spin and Fly Fishing That Will Get You a Bite
Put up the “gone fishing” sign – it’s time to get out on the water and hook some trout, bass and crappie!
The Bryson City and the Great Smoky Mountain National Forest areas have a glowing reputation for offering extremely diverse fishing opportunities, with multiple fishing spots and a delayed harvest. Enjoy a relaxing day casting a line in Fontana Lake to nab some bass and walleye, or try your hand at the more technical fly fishing on the Nantahala River, Tuckasegee River, Hazel Creek or Deep Creek.
Want some help finding the best spots to cast out? Several outfitters in the area can take you to some hot spots that will get you a bite or three.
Kayaking, Canoeing and SUP Trips Perfect for a Summer Afternoon
The best way to take in the sights from the water is to slow down and explore from the lake’s surface. Fontana Lake is the ideal spot to spend the day, switching between lounging on the shore and exploring the perimeter of the water with kayaks, canoes or stand-up paddleboards.
Several companies on the lake offer guided tours or convenient rentals so you can take on a solo venture.
Unobstructed Boating Views
Grab your water skis and wakeboards! The calm, mirror-like Fontana Lake is largely underdeveloped, making it a perfect spot for boating without anything in your way. Fontana Lake is over 29 miles long, so there is more than enough space to explore.
Renting a boat from one of the outfitters that line the lake will give you front-row views of the neighboring Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Refreshing Tubing Adventures
With a calm current and endless natural beauty to look at, Deep Creek is the perfect spot for tubing. So settle into your tube and float by all the activities you can try along Deep Creek’s shores, including chasing waterfalls, splashing around swimming holes, and enjoying a shady picnic.
Bryson City is a well-kept secret among local water sport enthusiasts – get in on the secret by planning your next vacation around these stunning lakes, rivers and creeks!
