Set apart for beauty, rest & adventure

Hideaway Point is secluded, but ideally located in the heart of the Nantahala Gorge - tucked into the Nantahala National Forest, just off the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway, a few minutes from Lake Fontana and ten minutes from shopping and restaurants in downtown Bryson City. Check out our guide book for more detailed information about the things we like to do in Bryson City.

Ariel view of the Holiday House at Hideaway Point with Lake Fontana and the nantahala national forest

Bryson City is a small quintessential North Carolina town - known for being a gateway to Great Smoky Mountain National Park and home to the Great Smoky Mountain Steam train (which can be seen and heard from the porches at Hideaway Point). The railroad is major tourist attraction for Bryson City - especially in the winter months when the Polar Express runs nostalgics nightly trips.

Ashley Hackshaw fish art in downtown Bryson City

Activities (minutes from Hideaway Point) in the Nantahala Gorge include: hiking on the Appalachian Trail, white water rafting, zip lining, mountain biking and fly fishing. There are a few fun restaurants in the Gorge - perfect for a mid-afternoon pit stop.

Collection of photos from The Nantahala Gorge
Activities in the Nantahala Gorge - whitewater rafting, ziplines, waterfalls, fun

Activities on Lake Fontana (minutes from Hideaway Point) include : boating, fishing, paddle boarding and rope swinging.

Activities on Lake Fontana in Bryson City, North Carolina

Activities in Great Smoky Mountain National Park within fifteen minutes of Hideaway Point include: tubing, hiking and biking.

boy relaxing in a hammock by the river in Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Activities in Great Smoky Mountain National Park minutes from 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.

riders and road trip enthusiasts

Hideaway Point is a favorite destination for riders and driving enthusiasts. Located just off the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway and less than an hour from the famed Tail of the Dragon, it’s an ideal base for exploring some of the most iconic routes 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 drive winds through the Appalachian Mountains from Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.

We love adventure, nature and connecting with people. It would be our pleasure to share what we know about the area. Reach out if you have any questions about Hideaway Point or planning a day of fun in Western North Carolina. Don’t miss our Hideaway Point guidebook with lots of good information about our favorite local spots. Our manager Sarah Wilson is an outdoors enthusiast with a passion for education and experiential contexts. She brings a wealth of knowledge from years in the outdoor leadership and camping space. Learn more about her here.