Take a tour with Mark Van Osdal, the outdoorsman behind Carolina Bound Adventures, and you’d think he’s been here his entire life, exploring the lush wildlife and terrain of the Great Smoky Mountains and the twists and turns of Fontana Lake. “No, I’m a half-back,” he laughs. “I’m from Michigan. Made it all the way to Florida and halfway back.”
Bundle up and step into nature on a guided hike through Swain County’s backcountry. Photography courtesy of Swain County TDA
Van Osdal stopped in Bryson City because it felt like home. Taken with the peaceful woodland, he bought land and built a log cabin. “This is one of the most idyllic places that you could ever hope to live,” he says. “It’s one of the richest and most diverse ecosystems on the entire planet. We have species of plants and insects that don’t live anywhere else.”
He opened Carolina Bound Adventures, a guided tour outfitter and vacation concierge devoted to sharing the beauty of Swain County with visitors. On half- and full-day tours and sunset hikes, Van Osdal points out natural and historical treasures — literally beneath our feet. “Hundreds of people are in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park every single day, and they walk right past a flat spot with a creek next to it, without realizing it was once a pioneer homesite. Somebody lived right here,” he says.
Plenty of travelers associate the mountains with summer and fall, but Van Osdal knows winter reveals some of the region’s best-kept secrets. To plan a cozy escape that embraces local charm and welcomes the holiday season, add these activities to your next mountain itinerary.
The disappearance of foliage gives way to expansive mountain views, offering a fresh perspective during the winter. Photography courtesy of Swain County TDA
The best thing about winter hikes? “The long-range views,” Van Osdal says. Without their leaves, mountain trees become structural silhouettes against layered landscapes and dazzling sunsets.
Two of Carolina Bound Adventures’ guided hikes are especially striking at this time of year. The first starts with a walk on the Appalachian Trail. Van Osdal times it so that his fellow hikers reach the tour’s mid-point just in time for sunset. “We hike a mile and a half through the Nantahala National Forest. Then we watch the sunset from the top of the Wesser Bald fire tower by Tellico Gap,” he says. For the return, Van Osdal passes out headlamps and hiking sticks. “Most people have never had that experience.”
Different hike lengths offer an experience suited to every level of adventurer. Photography courtesy of Swain County TDA
For a more challenging expedition, Van Osdal guides hikers on a 7.5-mile round-trip trek through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. “We cross Fontana Dam. It’s a challenging couple thousand feet of elevation gain.” This trip highlights the Shuckstack fire tower, another destination with stunning views of the Nantahala, Snowbird, and Unikoi mountains — not to mention the Smokies and Lake Fontana.
Van Osdal tailors his trips to hikers’ skill levels and interests — which has led to some interesting themes, like the Bigfoot and Breweries tour. “We go hunting for Bigfoot in the morning inside the Great Smoky Mountains Park, and then I drive guests around to breweries, which includes an interpretive experience of history and the biodiversity of the mountains,” he says. “We also have a Waterfalls and Breweries tour and, for the heartier soul, guided mountain biking tours.”
Drive through an illuminated wonderland at the Smoky Mountain Christmas Light Spectacular. Photography courtesy of Swain County TDA
Winter doesn’t feel like the holidays until we turn on the sparkle. Double down on the festivities at Bryson City’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Light Spectacular, where you can fill your car with loved ones and slowly drive through tunnels of lights, past a field filled with 200 illuminated orbs, and a joyful array of holiday displays. Behold trees twirling with LEDs and fish leaping from a river of lights. The drive starts at the Great Smoky Mountains Event Park and runs Wednesday through Thursday evenings from November 7 to 30 and every day starting December 2. Tickets are sold by the car and can be purchased online.
Though I’ve grown old, the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe.
It’s hard to forget these words, written by Chris Van Allsburg in his 1985 fantasy children’s book, The Polar Express, as you climb aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad’s magical Polar Express at the Bryson City Depot. After a train ride through the mountains, passengers arrive at the North Pole to find Santa, who boards the train and gives each child their very own silver sleigh bell.
Throughout the year, the Railroad offers events and excursions that give passengers a front-row seat to Swain County’s mountain views. Check their website for packages that depart from the Bryson City Depot.
Stroll the streets of Bryson City and admire the holiday decor. Photography courtesy of Swain County TDA
One of the nation’s holiday keystones is the cozy joy found in Hallmark Christmas movies. Bryson City evokes enough picturesque, festive merrymaking to call itself a Hallmark town. Step downtown and feel like you’ve entered your own holiday love story. Many of its charming shops are open after-hours for the season.
Swing by the visitor’s center to see Santa’s sleigh and write your own letter to the jolly ol’ elf while you’re there. Like in any Hallmark town, you’re guaranteed to fall in love … with Bryson City, that is!
A downtown spot to unwind and play, The Yard has an ice-skating rink during the winter for seasonal fun. Photography courtesy of Swain County TDA
The Yard is Bryson City’s gathering space with enough winter cheer for all ages to enjoy. Browse the rotating selection of food trucks offering local fare, gather ‘round the fire to toast marshmallows and warm winter-kissed hands, or lace up your skates and glide across the ice rink. Heated igloos are cozy spots to take in the scene, and depending on the evening, you can also catch movies on the big screen.
Warm up after a day outdoors with one of Mountain Layers Brewing Company’s craft beers. Photography courtesy of Swain County TDA
For Carolina Bound Adventures’ hiking and brewery combo tours, Van Osdal loves to stop at Mountain Layers Brewing Company on Everett Street, which he describes as a “true craft brewery — a small microbrewer, mom-and-pop business.”
Another favorite is Bryson City Brewing, housed in a historic 1924 RC Cola bottling plant. The brewery makes 12 beers in-house and is known in part for the 20 televisions broadcasting every imaginable sports game — plus a grassy lawn where folks and their four-legged family members like to gather. For this year’s winter season, Owner Mark Sutton is upgrading the indoor space. “We’ll have a stage with live music every Friday and Saturday, and during Polar Express season, we’ll have solo artists during the weekdays.”
For a caffeinated pick-me-up any time of day, step into Cardinal Coffee, the 1900s farmhouse turned coffee bar on Needmore Road. While you wait for your latte or hot tea, browse the retail section highlighting products made by women-owned businesses.
Settle into a luxurious stay at Longview Resort. Photography courtesy of Swain County TDA
If you’ve ever dreamed of breaking away for a while and hiding in the beauty of the natural world, Longview Resort can grant your wish. The recently opened hideaway, with a lodge and glamorous-yet-unpretentious Scandinavian cabins, provides a serene getaway to escape and restore among the mountain surroundings.
Each cabin has a hot tub, kitchen, and views of the Great Smoky Mountains, but you can enjoy meals prepared by the chef at the lodge or take an adventure to nearby Bryson City — whatever feels like your dream escape.
What will you do first? Grab your gloves and toboggan and get ready to give the winter season a warm, Bryson City-style welcome. Click here to learn more and start planning your visit.
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