Hemlock Inn makes a peaceful home base for exploring the Smokies on two wheels. The Bryson City area offers everything from flowing forest trails to more adventurous terrain surrounded by mountain and lake scenery, with popular biking destinations within easy reach of the inn.

• Tsali Recreation Area
  Explore scenic mountain biking trails near Fontana Lake.
• Nantahala Outdoor Center
  Ride near the Nantahala Gorge with outdoor recreation and equipment options.
• Fire Mountain Trails
  Ride over 11 miles of free, flowy singletrack at Cherokee’s Fire Mountain Trails.
• Explore Bryson City Biking
  Browse additional trails and biking opportunities throughout Bryson City and the surrounding Smokies.

Trade the hiking trails for snow-covered slopes and enjoy a winter day in the mountains. December snowfall can bring opportunities to pair a stay at Hemlock Inn with a day on the slopes, while select winter holiday openings may offer additional chances to enjoy ski season.

• Cataloochee Ski Area
  Enjoy skiing and snowboarding with slopes for a range of skill levels.
• Cataloochee Ski Area Terrain Parks
  Explore terrain park features designed for a variety of skill levels.

Skiing and snow conditions vary throughout the season. Hemlock Inn is open through December and offers limited mid-winter stays on select holiday weekends, including Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ Day. The inn is generally closed during January and February outside of these special openings.

Tee off surrounded by the rolling landscapes and mountain views of Western North Carolina. From championship courses to relaxed mountain rounds, nearby golf destinations offer memorable play for a range of skill levels.

• Sequoyah National Golf Club
  Play an 18-hole championship course with panoramic Smoky Mountain views.
• Maggie Valley Club & Resort
  Enjoy scenic mountain golf with both relaxed and challenging terrain.
• Waynesville Inn & Golf Club
  Play a scenic mountain course with practice facilities and beautiful views.

From peaceful walks at Hemlock Inn to waterfall trails throughout the Smokies, there are plenty of ways to explore on foot. Venture beyond the inn to discover Deep Creek, sweeping mountain views, and more challenging hikes throughout the Bryson City area.

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  Explore scenic trails, waterfalls, mountain streams, and panoramic overlooks.
• Deep Creek Trails & Waterfalls
  Hike along mountain streams to three signature waterfalls near Bryson City.
• Hiking in the Smokies
  Discover trails ranging from peaceful woodland walks to challenging mountain hikes.
• Blue Ridge Parkway
  Pair a scenic mountain drive with trails, overlooks, and beautiful views.
• Explore Bryson City Waterfalls
  Discover even more waterfalls throughout the area.

Hemlock Inn’s mountain setting puts the natural beauty of the Smokies right at your doorstep. Venture into the surrounding area and Great Smoky Mountains National Park for opportunities to spot elk, birds, and other native species in their natural habitat.

• Oconaluftee Valley
  Spot elk in the open fields near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  Watch for wildlife along trails, streams, roads, and open meadows.
• Explore Bryson City Elk Viewing
  Find additional information for planning an elk-viewing excursion from Bryson City.

Cast a line into the cool mountain waters surrounding Bryson City, where trout-filled streams, rivers, and Fontana Lake create opportunities for everyone from first-time anglers to experienced fly fishers.

• Deep Creek
  Combine a peaceful day of fishing with the mountain scenery of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
• Tuckasegee River
  Flowing through Bryson City, the Tuckasegee offers convenient access to trout waters without traveling far.
• Fontana Lake
  Spend the day fishing amid expansive lake and mountain views, with plenty of water to explore.
• Cherokee
  One of the region’s notable freshwater fly-fishing destinations.

Find your own quiet corner of the mountains from the water. Paddle across a peaceful lake, explore hidden coves, or take on moving water for a more adventurous day surrounded by the Smokies.

• Fontana Lake
  Paddle across scenic waters surrounded by mountain views.
• Tuckasegee River
  Paddle closer to town on the Tuckasegee River, which winds directly through Bryson City.
• Nantahala Outdoor Center
  Explore kayaking opportunities and instruction along the Nantahala.

Get ready for one of the Smokies’ signature adventures on the Nantahala River. Paddle through cool mountain waters and exciting whitewater in the scenic Nantahala Gorge. Choose a guided trip or explore options designed for more experienced paddlers.

• Nantahala Outdoor Center
  Enjoy whitewater rafting, kayaking, and outdoor adventures in Nantahala Gorge.
• Wildwater Nantahala Gorge Adventure Center
  Experience the Nantahala River on a guided or guide-assisted rafting trip.
• Rolling Thunder River Company
  Explore the Nantahala with guided or self-guided river trips.

Cool off with one of the Smokies’ favorite summertime traditions. Grab a tube and float through refreshing mountain water surrounded by forest scenery for an easygoing adventure near Bryson City.

• Deep Creek
  Float along a mix of lively currents and gentle stretches near Bryson City.
• Oconaluftee River
  Enjoy scenic mountain tubing surrounded by Western North Carolina views.
• Tuckasegee River
  Get out on the water for tubing, fishing, and paddling through Bryson City.

You don’t have to venture far to make the most of your stay. Enjoy wooded walks, friendly games, good food, or a quiet afternoon with a book. There are plenty of simple ways to enjoy your time at Hemlock Inn.

• Arthur Stupka Trail
  Enjoy a peaceful wooded walk and seasonal wildflowers right on the property.
• Lawn & Patio Games
  Challenge friends and family to shuffleboard, ping-pong, Skittles, Wiffle ball, croquet, or cornhole.
• Games & Puzzles
  Unwind in the Sun Room with board games, puzzles, and cards.
• Hiking
  Browse hiking books and suggested routes at the inn. Then, plan your next adventure in the Smokies.
• Tyson Library
  Borrow a book from the inn’s library. Then, find a cozy spot and settle in for a quiet read.
• Porch Rocking
  Grab a rocking chair, breathe in the mountain air, and take in the beautiful views.
• Dining at Hemlock Inn
  Gather around the table for family-style breakfast and dinner. Meals are served daily, except for Sunday dinner.

One of the highlights of a stay at Hemlock Inn may be gathering around the table. Enjoy the inn’s one-of-a-kind family-style meals, or head into Bryson City to discover casual cafés, hearty mountain favorites, locally loved restaurants, coffee shops, and sweet treats.

• Dining at Hemlock Inn
  Enjoy family-style breakfast and dinner around the inn’s signature “lazy Susan” tables.
• The High Test Deli & Sweet Shop
  Grab made-to-order sandwiches, salads, soups, and sweet treats downtown.
• Everett Street Diner
  Enjoy classic diner favorites and casual comfort food in downtown Bryson City.
• The Bistro at the Everett Hotel
  Fuel up with coffee, espresso, breakfast, and café favorites.

Step beyond the trails and discover the people and stories that have shaped Western North Carolina. Explore Cherokee culture and traditions, local museums, Appalachian heritage, artisan craftsmanship, and historic places nearby.

• Downtown Bryson City
  Wander downtown for local shopping, dining, galleries, treats, and an easygoing mountain-town atmosphere.
• Swain County Heritage Museum
  Learn more about the people, places, and stories that shaped Bryson City and Swain County.
• Appalachian Rivers Aquarium
  Discover native freshwater species at this small aquarium located along the Tuckasegee River downtown.
• Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians
  Explore the history and traditions surrounding one of the region’s most beloved outdoor pastimes.
• Museum of the Cherokee People
  Explore thousands of years of Cherokee history, culture, and stories through engaging exhibits and collections.
• Oconaluftee Indian Village
  Explore Cherokee history through traditional crafts, demonstrations, and cultural experiences.
• Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual
  Browse traditional and contemporary Cherokee art and craftsmanship by local artisans.
• Unto These Hills
  Experience Cherokee history brought to life through an outdoor theatrical performance.

Take in the beauty of the Smokies from a different point of view. Ride the rails through mountain landscapes and river valleys, or follow scenic roads to sweeping overlooks and iconic peaks. Whether you travel by train or car, the journey is part of the experience.

• Nantahala Gorge Excursion
  Travel alongside mountain scenery on one of the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad’s signature routes into the Nantahala Gorge.
• Tuckasegee River Excursion
  Follow the river towards the historic Dillsboro for another leisurely way to experience the region on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad.
• The Polar Express Train Ride
  Climb aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad for a magical journey to the North Pole on The Polar Express Train Ride in Bryson City. (November & December)
• Blue Ridge Parkway
  Cruise through mountain landscapes, scenic overlooks, and picnic areas.
• Newfound Gap
  Take in sweeping views from this high-elevation Smokies overlook.
• Kuwohi
  Visit the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains for expansive views across the surrounding peaks.
• Road to Nowhere
  Add something a little different with this scenic Bryson City drive ending at the famous tunnel.