Most of the lands surrounding Bryson City are publicly held forest and park land, making the town a staging area of sorts for hikers — the Appalachian Trail runs nearby — cyclists, campers, horseback riders and river rats.

In a cemetery overlooking the town is the gravesite of Horace Kephart, the author of Our Southern Highlanders, generally considered to be the definitive book on early Appalachian life. Kephart — somewhat the John Muir of the Smokies — was an outsider who adopted the Smokies and devoted his life to learning its ecology and culture. He fought hard for the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Today, travelers looking for a home base from which to explore the mountains need look no further as Bryson City is a prime location, with its forested seclusion still providing access to some of the area’s biggest attractions.

The town is close to the Qualla Boundary where visitors will find cultural celebration of native Cherokee heritage juxtaposed against Harrah’s Cherokee Casino. And larger towns like Waynesville, with its historic Main Street shops, and Asheville, where live music and shows abound, are just a leisurely drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway away.

And while the town of Bryson City itself is small, it boasts a surprisingly large amount of activity in the summer months. Look for stage productions by The Smoky Mountain Community Theater troupe, art gallery exhibit openings, special event dinners at the Everett Street Diner and, of course, the distinct whistle of trains on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.

Several excursion trains with the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad embark on trips across WNC each day, carrying passengers over Fontana Lake, into Nantahala Gorge and through dark mountain tunnels. Excursions vary as passengers may choose from open-air cars or enclosed coaches, short rides or daylong journeys, rail and raft packages or gourmet dinner trains. All in all the trains evoke the spirit of early 19th century travel, when the mountains provided cool, respite for vacationers from the hot, sticky South.

Major Festivals and Events

October

• 4, 11, 18, 25 — Music in the Mountains. Bluegrass and old-time music. Held at the train depot in Bryson City. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. 828.488.3681.

• 11 — The Maple Leaf Festival in Whittier featuring area artists and crafters, entertainment, food, and heritage and holiday exhibits, all found on the quaint Whittier Main Street. 828.497.2393.

• 17-18 — Inspirations Fall Color Festival. Gospel music gathering near Bryson City. 828.497.2060.

• 17-19 — Annual Harvest Festival & Antique Tractor Show at the Stecoah Valley Center, a three-day celebration beginning at 6 .m. on Friday evening with and old-fashioned bonfire. Saturday is a full day of food, crafts, and entertainment. The County Fair will offer competition and exhibits of jams, jellies, pies, cakes, quilts, needlework, and much more! Free gospel singing on Sunday afternoon. 828.479.3364.

• 18 — Bryson City Chili Cook Off. Sample chili prepared by competitive teams. Prizes awarded. 828.488.3681.

• 25 — Tour de Nantahala. Featuring the 109-mile Nantahala Nightmare, this road ride is a brutal but beautiful tour of Swain, Macon and Graham Counties. Riders can also opt for the less daunting 45-mile Robbinsville Loop to Stecoah Gap and back. 888.905.7238.

November

• 8 — Mountain Shapes and Colors craft show, a showcase for local artists and artisans includes silent auction and artist’s gala. Original paintings, silver jewelry, hand thrown pottery, hand woven baskets, turned wood and wearable art. Southwestern Community College’s Almond Annex on U.S. 74W. 828.488.6413.

December

• 6 — Bryson City Christmas Parade and Breakfast with Santa at the Bryson City Fire Station. 2 p.m. parade, call for breakfast details. 828.488.3681 or 800.867.9246.

• 6 — Spirit of Christmas celebration includes luminaries on historic Everett Street as the town’s signature hemlock is lit with memorial lights, carolers and musical artists abound, and a living nativity proceeds up the avenue. Photos are available with Santa and Mrs. Claus, children can post letters to Santa, and many shops offer special “event” discounts. 6 p.m. 828.488.3681, 800.867.9246.

Attractions

• Calhoun Country Inn — In the heart of Bryson City, the Calhoun Inn is said to be one of Horace Kephart’s resting places — literally that is. He and friend Granville Calhoun, whom he met upon moving to the mountains in 1904, spent time talking and rocking in chairs on the inn’s front porch. Today, the inn features period antiques, handmade quilts and the original pine floors. 135 Everett St. 828.488.1234.

• Darnell Farms — A true agri-tourism business, Darnell Farms offers pick-your-own seasonal produce, most notably strawberries during the early summer months. In addition to fruits and veggies, the farm offers live music on the weekends and the occasional fiddlin’ or pickin’ competition. Open all day, every day through October. An old-fashioned corn maze opens on the farm in late August. Located just outside of Bryson City on U.S. 19 headed toward Cherokee.

• Fontana Dam — At 480 feet, the dam that created Lake Fontana is the highest dam in eastern America. Several marinas and boat landings provide water access. The dam generates hydroelectric power and tours of the facility are available from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 828.498.2226.

• Freymont Inn — Overlooking the National Park, this rustic inn remains rooted in a bygone era of enormous stone fireplaces and gleaming hardwood floors. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There’s also full service dining and a cozy bar for outside visitors. 828.488.2159.

• The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot — Located off Everett Street, the depot is the railroad’s transportation center. As trains are waiting to leave, take a few minutes to speak to one of the conductors about life on a mountain railroad. Railroad operations constantly are expanding, as plans exist to restore an old railroad hotel and build a train engine turntable and workshop where visitors can watch mechanics maintain the cars. 800.872.4681 or www.gsmr.com.

• Smoky Mountain Trains Scenic Model Railroad Museum — With its 7,000 engines, cars and accessories, this museum boasts the largest collection of Lionel trains in the Carolinas. Train collectors can purchase new gear or souvenirs here without admission to the museum. Located adjacent to the depot. 866.914.5200.

Dining & Nightlife

• Across The Trax — Offering a wide variety of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, wings and from scratch desserts made daily in a casual atmosphere. Live music, pool tables, dartboard, beer, wine and mixed drinks. Depot St. 828.488.9880.

• Anthony’s Italian Restaurant — Hand-tossed pizza, homemade dinners, subs and salads. 103 Depot St. 828.488.8898.

• BBQ Wagon — Hickory smoked pit BBQ made on the premises. 610 Main St. 828.488.9521.

• Everett St. Diner — A traditional style breakfast and lunch as well as a variety of sandwiches, homemade soups, salads, and desserts that will satisfy the taste of any patron and is prepared by our chef and served Monday-Friday 7a.m. to 2 p.m. The diner’s walls display works by local artists. 126 Everett St. 828.488.0123.

• Fryemont Inn — Hearty mountain breakfasts cooked to order. An excellent all inclusive dinner menu offers soup, house salad, choice of entree with three side dishes and homemade dessert. Entrees include fresh mountain trout, savory roast leg of lamb, and blackened prime rib. Full service fireside bar. 245 Fryemont St. 828.488.2159.

• Guayabitos Mexican Restaurant — Traditional Mexican food. 236 Highway 19 S. 828.488.1336.

• Hemlock Inn — Features home cooking from mid-April through October and on weekends in November through mid-December. Reservations are required. Galbraith Creek Rd. 828.488.2885.

• Jimmy Mac’s — Offering both lunch and dinner in a casual and inviting atmosphere on Main Street, Jimmy Mac’s features a full menu including soups, salads, appetizers, burgers, steak, seafood and more. 121 Main St. 828.488.4700.

• Nantahala Village Restaurant — Dine with a Smoky Mountain view in a family friendly atmosphere. Hearty breakfasts, rib-eye steak, mountain trout, salmon, pasta, vegetarian options, and a menu just for kids. Breakfast and dinner served daily (lunch seasonally), totally smoke free, inside and outside dining options. 9400 Hwy. 19 W. 828.488.2826.

• Pasqualino’s Italian Restaurant — Classic Italian cuisine. 25 Everett St. 828.488.9555.

• Relia’s Garden Restaurant — Overlooking a garden of flowers and fresh herbs, Relia’s Garden Restaurant offers an unforgettable mountain dining experience. Enjoy fine dining on the deck with inspiring mountain views and the rushing sounds of the Nantahala River in the background. Live music at the Tote & Tarry, upstairs at Relia’s Garden. 13077 Highway 19 W. 828.488.2175.

• River’s End Restaurant — River’s End is Nantahala Outdoor Center’s original restaurant right on the banks of the Nantahala River. Homemade soups, breads, and famous chili to signature sandwiches, burgers and desserts. Highway 19/74 W. 828.488.2176.

• The Station Restaurant — Located in the renovated Bryson City Coal and Lumber Building, circa 1932. Rotisserie meats, homemade desserts, full bar. 225 D Everett St. 828.488.1532.

Visitors’ Center

• The visitors’ center, operated by the Swain County Chamber of Commerce, is located at 210 Main Street. 828.488.3681 or www.greatsmokies.com.

Resources

• U.S. Post Office — 130 Slope St. 828.488.3481.

• Marianna Black Library — Free Internet access is available on nine public access computers to all library visitors with a current photo ID. Access time is limited on busy days and is on a first come, first served basis. Open Mon. and Wed. 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tues. and Thurs. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 33 Freymont St. 828.488.3030.

• Urgent Care — There is not an urgent care center in Bryson City. The Swain County Hospital is located at 45 Plateau St. 828.488.2155.