Save the Dates! Hiking, Rafting, & Riding weekend in Bryson City

Let's spend a long weekend in one of our state's most scenic and charming mountain villages. Bryson City sits astride the Tuckaseegee River, not far from beautiful Lake Fontana and adjacent to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. It's perfectly situated for a weekend of hiking or rafting, and offers plenty of dining and shopping options as well. It's also the depot of an actual, old-timey train that takes passengers on a scenic ride through the hills. And if the good folk at the Fontana Marina have their party boat ready in time, we can also book a tour of the lake one afternoon.

I'm arranging for group discounts at two hotels in Bryson City--the Microtel Inn by the highway and a "fancy" hotel downtown. I'm thinking we gather somewhere Friday evening for dinner, and spend Saturday and Sunday doing any of the following:

* Rafting on the Nantahala River and/or the Tuckaseegee--an easier, gentler river

* Hiking the Gold Mine Trail on the Road to Nowhere (five miles, moderate, with some climbing) or other Smokey Mountain Park trails

* Ride the Great Smokey Mountain Railroad's Nantahala Gorge steam engine excursion (departs 10:30am, Bryson City depot, goes along lake shore, river, has one-hour layover at Nantahala Outdoor Center, returns to depot at 2:30, various levels of tickets available)

* Afternoon lake tour from Fontana Marina (if boat is in service)

I'll be working on itinerary, costs, and discounts and posting more info as it becomes available.