Geographically, the county is spectacular. Much of it lies within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including its highest peak, Clingmans Dome. Four scenic rivers, the Nantahala, the Tuckasegee, the Oconaluftee and the Little Tennessee flow through the county and form the sprawling Lake Fontana, west of Bryson City, the county seat. The county also encompasses much of the Cherokee Indian Reservation, with its own independent government.
There are cascading trout streams, biking and hiking trails and breathtaking mountain views, along with beautiful mountain roadways, including the southern leg of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the curvy "Dragon" at Deal's Gap. You can ride a historic scenic excursion train or go white water rafting on several nearby rivers.
The Smoky Mountains of North Carolina are only 1 hour west of Asheville, just 3 hours from Atlanta and Charlotte, and 2 hours from Greenville, Knoxville & Chattanooga.
