Set apart for beauty, rest & adventure

Hideaway Point is secluded, but ideally located in the heart of the Nantahala Gorge. Located on the ancestral homelands of the Cherokee people, who lived and traveled through the Nantahala Gorge for generations. We honor their enduring connection to this land and invite guests to enjoy it with gratitude and respect.

The Nantahala Gorge

The Nantahala Gorge is a scenic and adventure-filled corner of Western North Carolina just ten minutes from downtown Bryson City. This area is known for whitewater rafting, hiking, zip lining, mountain biking, and fly fishing—all just minutes from the property.

In the Nantahala Gorge, you’ll find expert rafting and fishing trips, along with gear rentals and kayaking opportunities. Nearby, zip line canopy tour offers a fun and educational way to experience the Nantahala National Forest. There are also popular riverside spots for food, drinks, and recreation, as well as cozy local cafés that are perfect for a quiet start to the day. With great outfitters, trails, and local dining close by, Hideaway Point is perfectly positioned for exploring the Gorge.

Bryson City

Just ten minutes from Hideaway Point, Bryson City is a small, quintessential North Carolina town and a gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s home to a historic railroad that offers scenic rides through the Nantahala Gorge year-round, including a popular themed train experience in winter. You can often hear the train whistle from our porches.

Bryson City has everything you need for a day in town or a break between outdoor adventures—locally owned shops for outdoor gear and gifts, thoughtfully curated art and home goods, and cozy bakeries and cafés for coffee and fresh pastries. Families may enjoy a stop at small, informative local museums focused on river ecosystems and regional fly fishing—both easy to explore and well-suited for a relaxed visit.

Rivers and roads

Hideaway Point is a favorite base for riders and road trip enthusiasts. Located just off the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway and less than an hour from the famed Tail of the Dragon, it’s a great starting point for exploring some of the most iconic drives in the Smoky Mountains. The southern entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway is just 30 minutes away at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. This 469-mile scenic route winds through the Appalachian Mountains from Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.

There are also plenty of rivers and creeks nearby to cool off and play. Deep Creek in Bryson City is one of our favorite spots for tubing, hiking, and picnicking. We love renting the picnic pavilion for large group events. Grab tubes from one of the local outposts or bring your own from home. Walk up the trail and jump in the water wherever you please. Thirty minutes up the road in Cherokee you will find access to a fun section of the Oconaluftee River which is great for floating - this is a longer section of the river and requires a shuttle - which you can hire or do on your own. For younger kids, Oconaluftee Islands Park in Cherokee is a peaceful place to splash, float, and explore the riverbanks. It’s a great picnic spot—bring swimsuits, towels, fishing poles, and tubes for a low-key afternoon.

Just up the road from Hideaway Point, you will find guided whitewater trips available on the Nantahala River as well as fly fishing on the upper Nantahala River. There is no shortage of rivers and roads to explore nearby Hideaway Point.

The Appalachian Trail

Hideaway Point is just three minutes from mile marker 133.9 on the Appalachian Trail, near the Nantahala Outdoor Center—a well-known stop for thru-hikers to rest, recharge, and resupply. The Appalachian Trail is one of the most iconic long-distance hiking trails in the world, stretching over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine. Passing through 14 states along the Appalachian Mountains, the trail offers a mix of rugged wilderness, scenic overlooks, and peaceful forest paths. Maintained by the National Park Service and thousands of volunteers, it’s a bucket-list experience for hikers, backpackers, and nature lovers.

We love adventure, nature, and connecting with people, and we’re always happy to share what we’ve learned about the area. If you have any questions about Hideaway Point or planning your time in Western North Carolina, feel free to reach out. You’ll also find helpful tips and local recommendations in our Hideaway Point guidebook. Our on-site manager, Sarah Wilson, is an experienced outdoor leader with a background in education, camping, and experiential learning. She’s a great resource if you’re looking for local insight or ideas for exploring the area. Learn more about Sarah here.