Swain County: Hiking Trails, Fontana Lake, and History

Great Smoky Mountains National Park occupies a large part of Swain County and lies partly within the county. Hiking trails, water views, railways, and local history offer different focal points for your trip. When looking for a hotel, it helps to consider whether you plan to spend most of your time hiking, at Fontana Lake, or enjoying railways and culture.

Hiking Trails in the Park and the Bryson City Area

The Appalachian Trail runs through Swain County and can be accessed at several points, including within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Near Bryson City, inside the park, the Goldmine Loop is a three-mile round-trip hike with views of Fontana Lake. Access is via a 365-foot-long paved tunnel.

In the Deep Creek area near Bryson City, the Juney Whank Trail lies within the national park. The 0.6-mile loop leads to a waterfall experience: the upper and lower sections of Juney Whank Falls plunge a total of 90 feet through the forest. This gives you a choice of two loop trails of different lengths and with different water features. The Nantahala Bikeway also runs along a historic railroad line in the Bryson City area; it has only gentle slopes.

Fontana Lake and Scenic Drives

Tsali Recreation Area is just steps from Fontana Lake. Activities offered there include mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, motorboating, kayaking, and camping. Its mix of activities makes it a different focal point from the loop hikes described above.

Lakeview Drive is an 11.4-mile paved round trip from Bryson City. Four overlooks offer views of Fontana Lake. At the end of the road is a 1,200-foot-long, unlit tunnel open only to pedestrians. Conditions may vary seasonally, so check them before your drive. Lakeview Drive also highlights the early history of mountain residents and logging in Swain County.

History and Railways

The Swain County Heritage Museum tells the story of the county and its people through photographs, exhibits, and videos. There is no admission fee; donations are accepted. It is located in a historic 1908 courthouse in downtown Bryson City.

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot is in the heart of Bryson City. The Nantahala Gorge Excursion travels from Bryson City to Nantahala Gorge and back to the depot: the round trip covers 44 miles and takes four and a half hours. This lets you include a train ride with a set duration in your travel plans, while the trails and overlooks offer other ways to spend time outdoors.

Explore more destinations: Bryson City, Cherokee, Transylvania County, Cumberland, Hyde, Gaston County, Haywood County, Henderson.

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