The Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains
Your guide from the Hemlock Inn, Bryson City

Great Smokies: Intro | Deep Creek (Waterfalls) | Catalochee | Great Hikes | Oconaluftee | Newfound Gap/Clingmans Dome | Gatlinburg | Great Drives Blue Ridge: Bryson City | Dillsboro | Cherokee | Franklin | Maggie Valley | Asheville Waynesville | Joyce Kilmer Forest | Blue Ridge Parkway | Fontana Lake/Dam | Fishing Whitewater Rafting | Biking | Great Smoky Railroad | Biltmore Estate

Great Drives
Also see the Blue Ridge Parkway

Winding Stairs Road
In Nantahala Gorge, an interesting side trip about 3 miles long with panoramic views of the gorge and the Cheoah Mountains, is Winding Stairs Road. The road winds along a spur of the Nantahala Mountains. At the head of the road is Queen’s Creek Lake. Directions: Take Hwys. 74/19 West from Bryson City to the US 19-NC 28 divide. Bear left on US 19 and proceed to the Iron Bridge near the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Turn left 7 miles from the Iron Bridge (crossing the river on another iron bridge).

The Road to Nowhere
The Road to Nowhere runs north out of Bryson City to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park , along a scenic roadway above the north shore of Lake Fontana that enters a 1,200 foot tunnel and abruptly ends, as if it were in the middle of nowhere. Officially designated as Lakeview Drive, area residents know it as “The Road to Nowhere.” Directions: In Bryson City, drive north on Everett Street from the courthouse square to the gated entrance of the Park.

Cherohala Skyway
The Cherohala Skyway crosses through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests, connecting Tellico Plains, TN, to Robbinsville, NC. The scenery is spectacular, with views of the mountains, valleys, river, and falls. There is an abundance of wildlife and plant life, as well as many hiking trails. Directions: Take Hwy. 19 South from Bryson City to Topton, then Take Hwy. 129 North to Robbinsville. From Robbinsville, take 129 North for 1 mile, then turn left onto Hwy. 143 West and follow the signs for 10 miles.

Balsam Mountain
Take a thrilling ride on a one-way gravel road with overlooks with sweeping mountain vistas (don't attempt in the winter months). The Balsam Mountain /Heintooga Ridge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is accessed from the Blue Ridge Parkway near Milepost 458 (watch for Balsam Mountain Campground sign). Follow Heintooga Ridge Road for nine miles to a picturesque picnic area, one mile beyond the campground. Continue on the winding one-way gravel road for about an hour to arrive in Cherokee.

 

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Hemlock Inn
Adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
P.O. Box 2350, Galbraith Creek Rd, Bryson City, NC 28713
phone: 828-488-2885 / fax: 828-488-8985
Reservations taken from 7:30 AM until 11:00 PM EST
e-mail: hemlock@dnet.net

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