Area Attractions

Endless possibilities await you in the Great Smoky Mountains, but seclusion in a log cabin shouldn't come at the expense of close proximity to some great attractions. All of Watershed Cabins' vacation rentals are in the Bryson City, NC area, and most are only minutes from some of the most popular Smoky Mountains attractions. Whether you want to whitewater raft the Nantahala River, mountain bike the trails at Tsali, or relax on a Great Smoky Mountains Railroad trip, you are just a few minutes away from your cabin. We have no affiliation with these vendors, but offer their contact information to facilitate your search for fun and exciting activities to fill your time while you stay with us.
Updating attraction list ...
cabins match your criteria
image
name
Almond Boat Park
reservation info
828.488.6423
category
water sports, outdoor activities
description
Boat rentals located 10 miles west of Bryson City on beautiful Fontana Lake. This is literally less than a mile from the Watershed Resort Property but no more than 10-15 minutes from most of our cabins.
image
name
American Hikes
reservation info
828.488.6688
category
hiking trails, outdoor activities
description
Guided hiking trips in the National Park.
image
name
Bryson City Bicycles
reservation info
828-488-1988
category
mountain biking, shopping, outdoor activities
description
If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much room; rent a mountain bike to thrillsville. Or take it easy, strap on a basket and pedal to a picnic in the park.

We are a complete bike shop (skateboards, too!) offering full service repairs, accessories, and the top brands you will love. Bike rentals available ranging from comfort bikes to full-suspension mountain bikes. All experience levels, or none at all, we offer complete packages and training.
image
name
Cataloochee Ski Area
reservation info
800.768.3588
category
skiing, outdoor activities
description
Ski and snowboard area in the Maggie Valley, which is about one hour away from Bryson City.
image
name
Deep Creek Tubing
reservation info
-
category
water sports, outdoor activities
description
Enjoy tubing in Deep Creek.
image
name
Endless River Adventures
reservation info
800.224.7238
category
water sports, outdoor activities
description
Watershed has teamed up with Endless River Adventures for packages including their guided trout fishing services.  See our packages here, or click the photo to the right to get details about some of the best fishing anywhere.
image
name
Horseback Riding
reservation info
-
category
equestrian trails, outdoor activities
description
A great way to enjoy the rugged beauty of the Smoky Mountains is on horseback.  Several stables offer guided horse rides through areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Nantahala National Forest, following trails that lead to waterfalls, across streams or along scenic ridges with panoramic vistas of mountains and lakes.

Horseback treks are generally available from one to four hours. Or you can experience the adventure of overnight camping trips lasting two to four days. You should check with individual stables to learn what horseback riding trips each offers.
image
name
Mountain Bike Western North Carolina
reservation info
-
category
mountain biking, outdoor activities
description
An online resource for mountain biking in Western North Carolina.
image
name
Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours
reservation info
1-866-319-8870
category
outdoor activities
description
Enjoy a soaring and gliding experience naturally fueled by a gradual elevation change at Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours (NGCT). It takes limited energy to participate and is not designed to scare with big drops as much as excite with smooth gliding.Great trip for families. Fully Guided. Owned and operated by Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours Inc. Opens seasonally March through November (check website for exact dates)
image
name
Nantahala Outdoor Center
website
reservation info
888.905.7238
category
hiking trails, mountain biking, restaurants, shopping, water sports, outdoor activities
description
Since 1972, NOC has shared the outdoors with millions of guests on white water river rafting trips, with all varieties of kayak and canoe instruction, on mountain bikes and around the world with our adventure travel trips.

All of our cabins are conviently located to the NOC, with many being only 10 minutes from this popular attraction.

BOOK YOUR RAFTING NOW AT THIS LINK.
image
name
Paddlefish Kayaking
reservation info
888.730.1835
category
water sports, outdoor activities
description
Since 2004 PaddleFish has focused on connecting families to nature through first-class sea kayaking tours, powerboat excursions, and multi-day expeditions from unique destinations throughout the southeastern United States.
image
name
Sequoyah National Golf Club
reservation info
828.497.3000
category
golfing, outdoor activities
description
Nestled among the oak, fir and flowered valleys in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains resides Sequoyah National Golf Club. Owned by the Eastern Band of the Cherokee, this Robert Trent Jones II design offers golfers an idyllic 18 hole journey, filled with scenic vistas, beautiful landscapes and challenging golf - featuring a proshop, snack bar, rental clubs (Callaway), lessons, driving range.
image
name
Smokey Mountain Mountain Country Club
reservation info
828.497.7622
category
golfing, restaurants, shopping, outdoor activities
description
If golf is your sport, get ready to have fun playing our 18-hole mountain course. From valley floors to mountaintops, Smoky Mountain Country Club provides a truly unique golf experience — one we’re pretty sure no flatlander has ever experienced.

Designed by Thomas Walker, our course features bent grass greens and Bermuda tees and fairways. The course is a par 70 and plays slightly over 6,000 yards with 400 feet of elevation changes.

In addition to the golf course, practice facilities include a putting green as well as a driving range and chipping facility.
image
name
Smoky Mountain Jetboats
reservation info
888.900.9091
category
water sports, outdoor activities
description
Jet Boat Rides in the Great Smoky Mountains on Lake Fontana. We offer thrilling 35-40 minute rides on scenic Lake Fontana as well as combination trips, such as hike and jet boat ride trips that encompass everything that’s great about Western North Carolina-hiking, picnicking, swimming, and a thrilling jet boat ride.
image
name
Tsali Recreation Area
website
reservation info
-
category
equestrian trails, hiking trails, mountain biking, water sports, outdoor activities
description
Challenging, that's the best word to describe the 39 miles of Tsali Trails, rated as "more difficult." Suited for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, the 4-loop system offers a variety of landscapes. You can climb 1-foot wide rugged paths or travel flat, well-beaten roads. The four trails (Right Loop Trail, Left Loop Trail, Mouse Branch Loop Trail, and Thompson Loop Trail) meander through mixed pine and hardwoods on a peninsula stretching into Fontana Lake.

Hikers may travel the trails on any day, but mountain bikers and equestrians, the primary users, are kept separated by alternating use of the trails. A schedule is posted at all trailhead and displayed on this page.
image
name
Wildwater Jeep® Tours
reservation info
800.451.9972
category
outdoor activities
description
Jeep® Tours
Join our skilled and knowledgeable local guides by following in the steps of the early explorers, visiting the back roads of the region and learning more about this beautiful region directly from North Carolina locals. Excursions include options like "Rails & Trails" which is partnered with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad; or "Waterfall Tours" which is a 2 hour exploration of some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Nantahala area.