Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Bryson City

"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."

"The highest point in the Smoky Mountains provides some of the best views you will ever see…period. Once you travel the 7 miles up Clingman’s Dome Road, the views become amazing. There’s a steep walkway up to the observation tower about half a mile from the parking lot."

"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."

"Grotto Falls is accessible via the Trillium Gap Trail, the trailhead of which can be found on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. On the 3-mile round trip, which is of moderate difficulty, hikers will traverse old hemlock forests in a peaceful atmosphere until they reach the falls. The trail actually leads directly behind the cascading water of Grotto Falls, offering a unique and gorgeous point of view for visitors, and the 25-foot-tall waterfall is a cool and beautiful destination."

"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."

"Access trail: Trillium Gap Trail on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Hiking to Grotto Falls is a unique experience as it’s the only waterfall in the Smokies you can stand behind. Tumbling 25-feet, the falls are an enjoyable place to visit not only for the views but for the exploration available."

"Although Abrams Falls is only 20 feet high, the large volume of water rushing over the sandstone cliff more than makes up for its lack of height. In fact, Abrams Falls is the most voluminous waterfall in the park, easily making this the most scenic waterfall in the Smokies. As a result, the moderate 5.2-mile roundtrip hike to the waterfall is one of the more popular hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains."

"Abrams Falls is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Standing at only 20 feet high, it definitely isn’t one of the tallest waterfalls in the park, but the large volume of water rushing over the falls more than makes up for its lack of height. You will definitely want to bring a camera with you when you complete this hike."

"Abrams Falls was named after a Cherokee chief who lived just a few miles downstream. Although only 20 feet in height, it is the falls’ massive volume of water that makes it an incredible sight. The deep, long pool at the falls’ base is also picturesque."

"This impressive tower was built in 1959 by the National Park Service and it has recently undergone some updates to preserve it for future use. Located on the tallest mountain in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you'll find the Clingmans Dome Observation Tower that sits at an elevation of 6,643 feet!. On a clear day, this 54-ft tall observation tower provides visitors with views that stretch on for 100 miles, however because of hazy skies visibility is typically around 20 miles."

"At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is the highest point in Tennessee, and the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi. Only Mt. Mitchell (6,684 feet) and Mt. Craig (6,647), both located in Mt. Mitchell State Park in western North Carolina, rise higher."

"Visit Mingus Mill near the Mountain Farm Museum, and explore one of the most historic sites in the region, surrounded by some of Cherokee country’s finest hiking trails and numerous historic landmarks. Mingus Mill is the ideal place for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural world of the Cherokee people."

"Kornerstone is serving up homestyle breakfast dishes every morning until 10:30. Try the favorites you know and love—like pancakes, eggs, and grits—or try something new, like their Jalapeño bacon or gravy-smothered biscuits."

"From the breakfast plates to the omelets to the shrimp and grits, there’s full country flavor packed into every bite. The food is spectacular, but the restaurant’s favorite feature, according to most who’ve stopped by?"

"Wize Guyz Grille is another great restaurant that offers a variety of dishes. They serve both Italian and American dishes plus pizza. Also, they have some vegetarian dishes but one of my favorites is their chicken wings."

"Trusted Yelp reviews and tried cheeseburgers, fires, onion rings, hot wings and tea. All was really good. Only take out at this time but plenty of picnic…”more"

"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"