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Franklin Gem & Mineral Museum
Spend the morning in Franklin mining for rubies, emeralds and sapphires. Bring a plastic bag to carry your treasures home or have your stones set by one of the local gemologists. The area is rich in minerals, and you can learn more about them and precious stones at the Franklin Gem & Mineral Museum located in a circa 1850 jailhouse.
Gazebo Creekside Café
Afterward, enjoy a relaxing lunch at Gazebo Creekside Café, or pick up sandwiches and all the fixings from Fat Buddies Ribs & BBQ and stop along US Highway 441 for a picnic lunch on your way to Cherokee.
Museum of the Cherokee People
Located at the base of the Smoky Mountains just outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee offers the rich heritage of the Cherokee people in museums and in a living history venue. Learn about Cherokee history at the Museum of the Cherokee People and at Oconaluftee Indian Village, then shop for authentic Cherokee arts and crafts at the Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual.
‘Unto These Hills’
Sample tacos for dinner at Paul’s Family Restaurant and cap your day with a performance of "Unto These Hills," an outdoor drama that traces the Cherokee nation from its beginning to the present day in a powerful, must-see production.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
After a breakfast of coffee and fresh-baked pastries at Mountain Perks in Bryson City, head across the tracks to the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot and catch a morning train ride through the Nantahala Gorge. Opt to purchase a boxed lunch, then enjoy the one-hour layover in the heart of the gorge.
Nantahala Outdoor Center
After lunch, it's time to lean into heart-pumping adventure at Nantahala Outdoor Center. Climb aboard a river raft with your guide and shoot down miles of family-friendly whitewater rapids that feature tons of splashes. Be sure to bring a towel and a change of clothes.
Fryemont Inn
At the end of the day, return to Bryson City, where you can stroll through charming shops like Bryson City Outdoors for locally made gear and gifts or Humanité Boutique for artisan goods and mountain-inspired apparel. Take your time exploring before settling in for a cozy, fireside dinner at the historic Fryemont Inn, known for its classic mountain lodge atmosphere and hearty Southern cuisine, including mountain trout, prime rib, and homemade desserts.
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
Enjoy breakfast or lunch at River’s End Restaurant, then take a hike in Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest to see ancient trees towering above a carpet of wildflowers and ferns. The forest is named for American poet Alfred Joyce Kilmer, most famous for his poem "Trees."
Fontana Lake
If you’d rather paddle than hike, sub mountain fly-fishing or a peaceful paddle on Fontana Lake in place of Joyce Kilmer. If you need gear or guidance, stop by Tuckaseegee Fly Shop in Bryson City for rods, reels and local fishing advice. Or visit Alarka Boat Dock, offering kayak and paddleboard rentals right on the lake, perfect for a relaxed morning on the water.
Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center
Afterward, head to the town of Stecoah and see the works of local artisans and enjoy a live performance of mountain music at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center. Then watch the sunset over Fontana Dam, the tallest concrete dam in the East, and enjoy dinner at the Mountview Bistro or the Wildwood Grill in Fontana Village.
Visit Outdoor NC for additional tips on how to connect with nature and help preserve the natural beauty of our state.
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Your Trip at a Glance
Stop 1
Franklin Gem & Mineral Museum
Stop 2
Gazebo Creekside Café
Stop 3
Museum of the Cherokee People
Stop 4
‘Unto These Hills’
Stop 5
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Stop 6
Nantahala Outdoor Center
Stop 7
Fryemont Inn
Stop 8
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
Stop 9
Fontana Lake
Stop 10