Travel & Operational Updates
Our thoughts and prayers are with our Western North Carolina neighbors who have been affected by flooding caused by torrential rains from Hurricane Helene. While much of our neighboring region sustained significant destruction, Swain County, Bryson City, and the GSMR rail line were spared. GSMR and Bryson City are open and local businesses eagerly welcome visitors. We encourage families, tourists, and outdoor enthusiasts to visit Bryson City this winter season to experience our holiday happenings.
November 2024
Operational Update
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride and Tuckaseegee River Excursions to Dillsboro are both operating normally for the season. Nantahala Gorge Excursions have concluded for the year and will resume in the spring. View our complete winter schedule and book tickets now at gsmr.com/train-schedule
Travel Update
I-40 remains closed at the North Carolina/Tennessee state line and will not reopen until 2025. Visitors driving from the Knoxville area and Northeast Tennessee will need to take alternate routing like US 441/Newfound Gap Road through Great Smoky Mountains National Park to reach Bryson City. Access from Chattanooga, Atlanta, and points South is open as normal via US-74. Access from Asheville and points East is open as normal via I-40 to US-74.
Please note that US-441 will sometimes close due to high winds, snow, and other winter weather, so please check road conditions and travel times closely before your trip. Visit nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm to view travel alerts through the national park.
Week of Oct. 14, 2024
Operational Update
GSMR is open and Bryson City is welcoming visitors during this important season for our local economy.
We’re happy to report that in addition to our Nantahala Gorge Excursions that resumed on Sep. 30, we have also resumed Tuckaseegee River Excursions to Dillsboro on Saturdays and Sundays in October. Local businesses in Dillsboro, including Innovation Station and Foragers Canteen are open and greatly appreciate your support. Learn more and book your Tuckaseegee River Excursion HERE.
Our beloved steam locomotive 1702 is back, pulling Nantahala Gorge excursions through the end of October. Steam power will be featured on Tuckaseegee River Excursions in November.
Community Update
Official Update from Swain County Tourism Development Authority on 10/14/24:
Grocery stores are open and stocked with non-perishable items. Perishable grocery supply can vary from day to day, and we recommend that visitors bring perishable groceries with them. Local gas stations are receiving regular deliveries of fuel. Also consider visiting one of our farms or farmer’s markets for fresh produce.
The Nantahala Outdoor Center and Nanthala River is open for rafting, zip lining, restaurants, and retail.
The Nantahala National Forest is open.
Fontana Dam, Fontana Village Resort (Including dining and retail) and Fontana Marina are open and operating. Fontana Lake is open for recreational use.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
- The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open at Deep Creek.and the Road to Nowhere (Lakeview Drive)
- US 441/Newfound Gap Road from Cherokee to Gatlinburg is open.
- Kuwohi Road (formerly Clingmans Dome Road) is open.
- While the park has assessed high-use areas and trails for hazards and downed trees, visitors should exercise extra caution as they hike and explore the park. Check the Park’s website for trail information.
- Blue Ridge Parkway. This is likely closed for the long term, National Park crews are working diligently to reopen when it is safe to do so. A similar “fall color” scenic drive in our area is the Cherohala Skyway.
Scenic Drives:
These scenic drives (including the National Park mentioned above) are also open in our area: Nantahala Gorge Scenic Byway: Cherohala Skyway, US 129, and the Hellbender 28 to Fontana Dam. More scenic drives can be found here.
Check our downtown webcam for a live view of downtown Bryson City, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, and the Nantahala River.
Week of Oct. 7, 2024
Webcam Update
Want to see how things are looking in Bryson City for yourself? Check out Explore Bryson City’s webcam here: explorebrysoncity.com/plan-your-visit/bryson-city-smoky-mountain-webcams
Travel Update
Community Update
Official Update from Swain County Tourism Development Authority on 10/7/24:
Grocery stores are open and stocked. Local gas stations are receiving regular deliveries of fuel. Also consider visiting one of our farms or farmer’s markets for fresh produce.
The Nantahala Outdoor Center is open for restaurants and retail. They sustained no damage and will soon be open for rafting and zip lining.
Fontana Dam, Fontana Village Resort (Including dining and retail) and Fontana Marina are open and operating. Fontana Lake did not experience any flooding and is open for recreational use.
Thursday, Oct. 3
Travel Update
Community Update
Official Update from Swain County Tourism Development Authority on 10/3/24:
Electricity, water, and other utilities are all operational. Restaurants are open and receiving their regular food deliveries from their suppliers. Most shops are open except a small section of Everett Street, which should be open by the weekend of October 4-6
Grocery stores may be at low capacity for perishable foods, and operating on a cash-only basis. Local gas stations are receiving regular deliveries of fuel. Be prepared to pay cash at some businesses for the short term. If you are visiting within a week, plan to arrive with groceries, cash, and a full tank of gas until our local supply returns to normal.
Most carriers have restored WiFi, and full connectivity is anticipated soon. Many downtown businesses have WiFi. Most carriers, including Verizon and AT&T have restored cell phone service. Check with your local carrier to learn about their connectivity status.
Learn more at explorebrysoncity.com/plan-your-visit/travel-advisories
