Graham County might be one of the most peaceful and least populated counties in North Carolina, but that doesn’t mean the rural communities at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains lack nightlife. There are plenty of ways to explore and relax in Graham County after the sun goes down.

Dine alfresco: When it comes to outdoor dining, nothing beats Tapoco Lodge on the banks of the Cheoah River. The Aluminum Company of America built the lodge in 1930 and it remains a top pick for stunning accommodations and riverside dining. After a day of hiking, mountain biking, or kayaking, grab a table on the deck and tuck into comfort foods like nachos, burgers, and hand-tossed pizzas as you listen to the rushing rapids. You can also catch live music most evenings. Check their Facebook page for updates. 

After dark, lights from the Tapoco Lodge’s deck gleam against the Cheoah River.  photograph by Tommy Penick

Enjoy an old-fashioned campfire: Roasting s’mores is a quintessential way to spend a summer evening. Build a bonfire and kick back at area accommodations like River’s Edge Treehouse Resort, Huffman Creek Retreat, or Creekside Paradise Bed and Breakfast, where you can sing campfire songs and transform graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate into the perfect late night snack. Historic Fontana Village Resort and Marina, a town built for workers who constructed the Fontana Dam, is now a resort where evening bonfires take the chill out of the mountain air. 

Frolic with fireflies: Global firefly populations may be declining but there are still plenty of our flickering friends lighting up the forest in Graham County. Check into one of the luxury lodge rooms at the all-inclusive, adults-only Snowbird Mountain Lodge and bundle up for an evening firefly walk. We recommend joining the Partners of Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness on a guided hike through the forest to learn about the beetles’ patterns and bioluminescence. 

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Watch the moon rise: Hooper Bald and Huckleberry knob off the Cherohala Skyway are made for picnicking. Order takeout from one of the local restaurants in Robbinsville — the Dragon Pit is known for barbecue but its brisket burgers are a local favorite, Lynn’s Place serves up seafood, pasta, and chicken to-go, and Willow Tree Catering, Baking and Restaurant packs a picnic basket for a delicious outdoor feast. Set up at one of the picnic tables and watch as the sun sinks into the sea of mountain ranges and the moon rises brightly into the dark, star-studded sky.

Take in the views: You’ll get some Instagram-worthy photos at Fontana Dam. Stop at the visitor’s center to learn the history of the 480-foot dam — the tallest east of the Rockies — and then find a spot to watch the moon rise over Fontana Lake. Prepare a thermos of piping hot tea with honey-infused offerings purchased at Wehrloom Honey to take the chill off. A bottle of Werhloom mead — a fermented alcoholic drink made with local honey — is meant for sipping in front of a roaring fire back at your cabin.

Lights illuminate the Cheoah Dam at night.  photograph by Darryl Canon

Plan a moonlight paddle: Gliding across the waters of Lake Santeetlah, Lake Fontana, Lake Calderwood, or Cheoah Lake at night is a different experience than paddling during the day. Fontana Village Resort and Marina and Snowbird Mountain Lodge provide kayaks and canoes to guests, and if you prefer to go it alone, Santeetlah Marina, Santeetlah Boat Rentals, and Smoky Mountain Kayak Fishing all offer kayak and SUP rentals. Plan a peaceful nighttime paddling excursion to watch the moon and stars reflecting on the pristine waters.

Gaze at the stars: Look up and search for the North Star, the Big Dipper, and Sirius from Maple Springs Overlook just beside the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. This spot is accessible for all with a smooth paved path — perfect for packing along your own telescope for a romantic evening under the stars.

Dance the night away: On Friday evenings starting in mid-May, Courthouse Square in downtown Robbinsville turns into a dance hall. Grab take-out from Papa’s Pizza or a frozen fruity treat from Pineapple Whip, set up a lawn chair, and watch dancers grooving to the live tunes at Dancing on the Square before slipping into your own dancing shoes and taking a spin.

Even if the fish don’t bite, you can still reel in dazzling starry skies at Lake Santeetlah. photograph by Scotch and Waller Photography

Cast a line: The fish don’t stop biting at night. Rent a boat through Santeetlah Marina, Fontana Marina, Santeetlah Boat Rentals, or Smoky Mountain Kayak Fishing and cruise out into the area’s lakes to fish for smallmouth bass, walleye, bream, and lake trout. Many accommodations even have grills where you can turn your fresh catch into dinner.

Go for a night hike: Hike along the two-mile Memorial Loop Trail in the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness Area listening for the sound of nocturnal animals scampering through the forest. And if you’re feeling especially adventurous, bring a tent: The area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who want to spend the night in nature. Check out the Horse Cove and Rattler Ford campgrounds near the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest.

Ride off into the sunset: The Cherohala Skyway is a popular route for road trips. Motorcyclists love the winding roads, and the views at dusk are unparalleled. After a long ride along the scenic roads, check into a room at one of the areas many motorcycle-friendly accommodations, including Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge and Resort, 129 Cabins,  Two Wheel Inn, or San-Ran Motel.

Listen to melodies in the moonlight: Stecoah Valley Center hosts the award-winning concert series, An Appalachian Evening, where musicians playing bluegrass, folk, and mountain music take the stage on 10 Saturday evenings between June and August. Each evening, the Artisan Gallery is open to shoppers until the end of intermission. Schoolhouse Café is also open for dinner beginning at 6 p.m. and the grounds are open for a picnic before the show, so concertgoers can get boxed suppers to enjoy during the performances. Don’t forget to save room for one of their famous cinnamon rolls — the perfect pick-me-up during intermission.