Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Nantahala River

We've collected top 10 mentioned things to do in Nantahala River from other articles such as 4 days in Pisgah National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg Hotel - Downtown | Old Creek Lodge | Smoky Mountains, Wildland Trekking, including activities with kids, adult only attractions, cheap and free events

Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Nantahala River

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
4.9 (40325 ratings)5 (862 ratings)
Millions visit the campgrounds, trails, fishing streams, flora & fauna at this recreation area.
National parkNature & Parks
Clingmans Dome
Clingmans Dome
4.8 (1596 ratings)4.5 (2582 ratings)
Mountain with a seasonal road, paved trail & observation tower, plus an information center & store.
Forneys Creek, NC 28713, USA
Mountain peakNature & ParksMountains
Mentioned by VacationIdea
25 Best Things to Do in the Great Smoky Mountains
"Clingman’s Dome is located inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is the highest point in the state of Tennessee. This tall mountain reaches 6,643 feet at its summit, which is accessible by a paved trail that leads to the observation tower at the top. From there, visitors can see amazing 360-degree panoramic views of the park and the surrounding mountains, which on a clear day can expand for over 100 miles."
Mentioned by Smoky Mountain National Park
5 Unbeatable Views in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
"Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, standing at 6,643 feet. The best spot to take in the sights is from the observation tower, which offers 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains and beyond. The half-mile walk to the top of the tower is well worth it!"
Mentioned by Tripster Travel Guide
5 Best Spots for Great Smoky Mountains National Park Pictures
"You can easily combine the views at Newfound Gap with a visit to Clingman’s Dome as its just 7 miles away. Now, those 7 miles are quite curvy, but still—it’s easy enough. Plus, Clingmans’ Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains at 6,643 feet."
Abrams Falls Trail
Abrams Falls Trail
4.5 (438 ratings)
Townsend, TN 37882, USA
Hiking areaNature & ParksHiking TrailsWaterfalls
Mentioned by under30experiences.com
Top Hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
"This is one of the more popular hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park due to the sheer beauty of the waterfall. Abrams Falls is only 20 feet (6 meters) in height, but it is the most voluminous waterfall in the park. The trail begins by passing over Abrams Creek by bridge and then turning left to head towards the waterfall."
Grotto Falls
Grotto Falls
4.8 (973 ratings)4.5 (791 ratings)
A 3-mile trail runs through forest & behind this 25-foot waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Trillium Gap Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
WaterfallNature & ParksHiking Trails
Mentioned by Knoxville 10 days itinerary
4 Best Places to Visit in Tennessee (and an itinerary for each place)
"We thoroughly enjoyed our hike to Grotto Falls, and excitingly on this hike we had our first bear sighting, at a safe distance off the trail and there was a ranger nearby. The hike is a 1.3 mile round trip and our kids handled it easily. And the cool thing about this waterfall is you can walk right behind the falls."
Mentioned by Cabins USA Gatlinburg in the Great Smoky Mountains
15 Must See Places and Sights in the Smoky Mountains
"Grotto Falls is a terrific hiking trail for seeing wildflowers and a truly unique waterfall. In fact, the Trillium Gap Trail passes underneath the falls – a great way to cool off in the heat of summer. If you have enough time, this hiking trail also continues to the summit of Mt. LeConte."
Mentioned by Hotels in Gatlinburg TN - Black Bear Inn & Suites Gatlinburg Hotel
5 Waterfall Hikes in the Smoky Mountains You Don’t Want to Miss
"Grotto Falls is one of the more unique waterfall hikes in the Smoky Mountains. The trail starts out on Trillium Gap Trail, and with a roundtrip of 2.6 miles, it is considered moderate. To get to the waterfall, you’ll have to cross some small streams."
Newfound Gap
Newfound Gap
4.8 (258 ratings)5 (678 ratings)
Alpine road featuring the Rockefeller Memorial, honoring the Great Smoky Mountains park financer.
Tennessee 37738, USA
Mountain passSights & LandmarksScenic Drives
Spruce Flats Falls
Spruce Flats Falls
4.9 (288 ratings)5 (107 ratings)
Rocky hiking area around a forested mountain creek, including a waterfall with a swimming hole.
Spruce Flats Branch, Tennessee, Townsend, TN 37882, USA
Hiking areaNature & ParksWaterfalls
Mentioned by Wildland Trekking
Smoky Mountains Waterfall Hiking Trails | Wildland Hiking Trails Guide
"Located in the less-visited Tremont section of the park, Spruce Flats Falls is not on the radar of most park visitors. Because of this fact, you might have this special place all to yourself when you come to visit. These falls aren’t just great for escaping the crowds — they’re also perfect if you’re short on time, as the trail leading to the waterfall is just a two-mile round trip."
Mentioned by Hotels in Gatlinburg TN - Black Bear Inn & Suites Gatlinburg Hotel
5 Waterfall Hikes in the Smoky Mountains You Don’t Want to Miss
"The trail to get to Spruce Flats Falls is considered moderate and has a roundtrip length of 1.8 miles. This trail isn’t on the official Great Smoky Mountain National Park map, but the waterfall is visited often because of its scenic beauty. Before you reach the falls, you’ll cross streams and continue uphill then go downtown."
Mentioned by under30experiences.com
Top Hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
"Technically, this is not an official park trail and often the falls are not found on any park maps. Thus making it one of the Smokies' true hidden gems. Though, don’t be surprised if you encounter other hikers due to its close proximity to the Tremont Visitors Center."
Smoky Mountain Gold-Ruby Mine
Smoky Mountain Gold-Ruby Mine
4.2 (442 ratings)3.5 (180 ratings)
Cabin-style jewelry store offering gifts & custom pieces, plus gem mining & gold panning for kids.
971 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA
JewelerSights & LandmarksMines
Tom Branch Falls
Tom Branch Falls
4.8 (378 ratings)4.5 (72 ratings)
Deep Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA
WaterfallNature & ParksHiking Trails
Tuckaleechee Caverns
Tuckaleechee Caverns
4.7 (1912 ratings)4.5 (1870 ratings)
These chilly caverns have stalactites, stalagmites & an underground stream & waterfall.
825 Cavern Rd, Townsend, TN 37882, USA
CaveNature & ParksCaverns & CavesWaterfalls
Meigs Falls
Meigs Falls
4.7 (290 ratings)4 (60 ratings)
Old State Hwy 73 Scenic, Townsend, TN 37882, USA
WaterfallNature & Parks
Mentioned by Wildland Trekking
Smoky Mountains Waterfall Hiking Trails | Wildland Hiking Trails Guide
"If you’d prefer to see a waterfall without even getting out of your car, Meigs Falls is a great choice. You can stay in the comfort of your vehicle and pull off the road to enjoy the falls, which are located roughly 500 feet away and can be seen through the trees. During the late fall and winter, when all the leaves are gone, the falls become even more visible, making the view even more dramatic."

Best French Bakery in Nantahala River

Starbucks
Starbucks
4.5 (23 ratings)
777 Casino Dr, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA
Coffee shop
Qualla Java
Qualla Java
4.7 (276 ratings)
938 Tsalagi Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA
Coffee shop
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Ruth's Chris Steak House
4.3 (574 ratings)
Outpost of upmarket steakhouse chain known for sizzling, butter-topped beef in an elegant setting
777 Casino Dr, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA
Steak houseAmerican restaurantCatererFine dining restaurantRestaurantSeafood restaurant

Best Dinner Places to Eat in Nantahala River

Wendy's
Wendy's
3.8 (1304 ratings)
Fast-food burger chain serving sides such as chili & baked potatoes.
36 Paint Town Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA
Fast food restaurantHamburger restaurantRestaurant
Subway
Subway
4.1 (316 ratings)
Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.
1051 Tsalagi Rd Shop #3, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA
Sandwich shopCatererFast food restaurantTakeout RestaurantRestaurant
Mentioned by restaurantji.com
Best Local Restaurants in Cherokee, NC
"It feels weird giving a Subway five stars but I honestly can't think of anything to complain about. The food was good, service was great and very friendly... (828) 497-1268Order online"
BJ's Diner
BJ's Diner
4.6 (404 ratings)
Low-key stop with outdoor picnic tables serving burgers, fries, onion rings & soft serve ice cream.
840 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA
DinerRestaurant

Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in Nantahala River

Grotto Falls
Grotto Falls
4.8 (973 ratings)4.5 (791 ratings)
A 3-mile trail runs through forest & behind this 25-foot waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Trillium Gap Trail, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
WaterfallNature & ParksHiking Trails
Mentioned by Knoxville 10 days itinerary
4 Best Places to Visit in Tennessee (and an itinerary for each place)
"We thoroughly enjoyed our hike to Grotto Falls, and excitingly on this hike we had our first bear sighting, at a safe distance off the trail and there was a ranger nearby. The hike is a 1.3 mile round trip and our kids handled it easily. And the cool thing about this waterfall is you can walk right behind the falls."
Mentioned by Cabins USA Gatlinburg in the Great Smoky Mountains
15 Must See Places and Sights in the Smoky Mountains
"Grotto Falls is a terrific hiking trail for seeing wildflowers and a truly unique waterfall. In fact, the Trillium Gap Trail passes underneath the falls – a great way to cool off in the heat of summer. If you have enough time, this hiking trail also continues to the summit of Mt. LeConte."
Mentioned by Hotels in Gatlinburg TN - Black Bear Inn & Suites Gatlinburg Hotel
5 Waterfall Hikes in the Smoky Mountains You Don’t Want to Miss
"Grotto Falls is one of the more unique waterfall hikes in the Smoky Mountains. The trail starts out on Trillium Gap Trail, and with a roundtrip of 2.6 miles, it is considered moderate. To get to the waterfall, you’ll have to cross some small streams."
Charlies Bunion
Charlies Bunion
5 (55 ratings)5 (111 ratings)
Bare-rock protrusion named for a bygone climber's food wound, now popular for hiking & views.
Tennessee 37738, USA
Mountain peakNature & ParksHiking Trails
Andrews Bald
Andrews Bald
4.7 (37 ratings)4.5 (19 ratings)
Grassy double peak in the Smoky Mountains, with hiking trails through forest & meadows.
Forneys Creek, NC 28713, USA
Mountain peakNature & ParksHiking Trails

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near Nantahala River

4.9 (12 reviews)
Romantic Couple's Mountain Getaway!
Cabin · 3 Guests · 1 Bedroom
$235 /night*
View deal
4.5 (4 reviews)
NEW! Mountain View Home: Hike, Raft, Golf + More!
Guest Suite · 8 Guests · 3 Bedrooms
$162 /night*
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Woodsy Oasis with Fire Pit, Grill and Game Room!
House
$177 /night
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* The displayed nightly rate may be estimated based on a future travel date. Narrow down your search with checkin and checkout dates to see the exact price.