About Swain County, North Carolina
Alarka - A small community within the Nantahala National forest, is very close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. White water enthusiasts love its closeness to the Nantahala River and so do trout fishermen and women and outdoors sports seekers of all kinds. It's not that far from Cherokee and Harrah's Casino, The Great Smoky Mountain Railway, Asheville, Gatlinburg and Piegon Forge. The scenery calls out, all four seasons, to photographers, so don't forget your camera! And there are plenty of vacation rentals around the area, just right for romantic getaways, families or reunions. Check them out! It's lovely around Alarka.
Bryson City - The county seat for Swain County deep in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. It's a gateway town for the GSMNP and Cherokee. On the small side, but with lots and lots of outdoor sports and activities easily available in the area, it's "large" in the minds of white water kayakers, canoists, fly fishermen, horseback riders, hikers, bikers (motor and pedal), backpackers and both water and snow skiers. If you're looking for a movie theater for a rainy night, you'll have to drive to Sylva; otherwise, rent some DVD's and settle in with some home-made (and healthier!) popcorn. Bryson City has some cool shops and stores as well as it's a beginning/destination site for the Great Smoky Railroad, which is so much fun, all year round. And you'll have plenty of vacation rentals to choose from--from a cozy one bedroom ideal for that romantic getaway weekend to a three or four bedroom deluxe cabin in the woods, great for a family or reunion. Check out our advertisers! They won't disappoint you.
Cherokee - The home of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indian tribe, Cherokee, NC has a long history--that's putting it mildly!--of being a small town surrounded by the beautiful Smoky Mountains. The Eastern Band began a new chapter a few years ago when they decided to build a casino near downtown Cherokee. Harrah's Cherokee Casino provides gaming fun for people throughout the southeastern US. And when they come to "play", they find lots more to do. There's the outdoor drama Unto These Hills, during the summer months, and Oconaluftee Indian Village, which is a live recreation of Cherokee Indian life in the 1700's. If you're a trout fisherman or fisherwoman, you'll enjoy the many streams that will test your skills; they are stocked regularly and the trout love the cold, mountain creeks. There are lots of places to stay; cabin rentals, cottages, motels and hotels, whatever suits your fancy. And don't forget the children. They'll love Santa's Land, in Cherokee, and only 20 minutes away is Ghost Town in the Sky, a frontier village on top of a mountain with live gun fights and can-can girls, just over Soco Gap in Maggie Valley. And Cherokee is pretty close to Pigeon Forge. Enjoy your stay!
Fontana - With over 240 miles of shoreline, mostly undeveloped because it is owned by the National Forest or the National Park Service, this deep, TVA lake, with its cold, clear water, has some of the best bass fishing in the Southeast. You can also ride bikes around the perimeter and the views are stunning from a boat in the lake. Almond and Cherokee have a public boat dock and you can also rent paddle boats for a fun, energetic adventure there. Nearby, the structure that created Fontana Lake, is Fontana Dam, built to provide energy during WW II...and for sure worth a visit. You'll find a neat book for sale at the gift shop there, Murder At Fontana Dam, by Dennis Ackison. Don't miss it! And have a great time finding a vacation cabin rental in the area to make as your home base. Take a peak at our advertisers below. Friendly folks with a passion to serve you.
Thank You for Visiting Swain County, NC
Swain County, North Carolina
Alarka - Bryson City - Cherokee - Fontana - Robbinsville - ALL. |