Fontana Lake / Bryson City, NC

River's End restaurant at the Nantahala Outdoor Center!

We love the NOC and eat at the River's End when we go. They always have a seasonal trout item on their menu, and it's always great. If they have fried green beans, definitely order those.

The outdoor bar across the bridge from the restaurant is fun, too, and they have a great bloody Mary. You can sit on the water and watch the kayakers.

Downtown Bryson City has a brewery that serves food, but we've never eaten there. I've also heard great things about Forager's Canteen.

Have so much fun! Bryson City and the surrounding areas are so great.

I'd go to Mingo Falls. It's not a hike, it's basically a flight of stairs up the mountain, but the waterfall is so, so worth it.

Also, if you're taking the Great Smokey Mountain Railroad (which I assume is the train ride to which you're referring), it's possible your layover will actually be at the NOC, which is a perfect time to have that bloody Mary at the outdoor bar!

The Brewery is right behind where the train boards, so you could easily grab a beer after you disembark. Also, there's a bar car on the train, so it's fun to grab a beer or some wine and watch the mountains go by.

When we were there in November we saw a herd of elk, and when we went in April, we saw a black bear!

I would second River’s End. They won’t be winning a Michelin Star anytime soon, but I have great memories of eating there after hiking on the AT with my dad. Great views of the river, and nothing beats a burger and fries after coming off a 10 day hike eating dehydrated food.