Swain County
Swain County has a population of 13,000 people and lies within a large portion of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The County has four scenic rivers, the Nantahala, the Tuckaseigee, the Oconaluftee, and the Little Tennessee. These four rivers flow through Swain County and come together to form Lake Fontana. The Nantahala is one of the most popular whitewater rafting rivers in the nation. This year, it will host the 2013 World Freestyle Kayaking Championships where 300 paddlers from around the world will compete.
Bryson City, the County seat, is home to the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. It features 53 miles of a memorable journey into river gorges, across valleys, and through majestic mountain tunnels. The railroad offers a variety of scenic, round-trip excursions departing from Bryson City.
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Swain Active Living
Natural Amenities
Bryson City Hiking Trails
Hiking Trails include: Deep Creek Loop, Martin’s Gap Look, Deep Creek Trail, Noland Divide Trail, Goldmine Loop Trail, Lakeshore Trail, Appalachian Trail, Smokemont, Oconaluftee River Trail.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Park’s half-million acres are equally divided between Tennessee and North Carolina, with roughly forty percent of the Park in Swain County.
Nantahala National Forest
The largest of North Carolina’s four National Forests, the Nantahala encompasses 531,148 acres.
Park & Recreational Facilities
Riverfront Park Gazebo
The park is open to the public and the gazebo is available for private functions.
Swain County Recreation Center
The Recreation Center provides year ’round programs. Resources include: basketball, soccer, football, tennis, free weights, playground, swimming, skateboarding and baseball.
30 Rec Park Drive
Bryson City, NC 28713
Private Facilities
Bryson City Health & Fitness
Bryson City Health & Fitness is a full service fitness center with workout equipment, fitness classes and personal training.
35 Rector St.
Bryson City, NC 28713
Cherokee Life Fitness Center
The Facility includes: Olympic Size Pool, Racquetball Court, Gymnasium, Cardio Room, Aerobic Room, Women’s Workout Room, Kid’s Workout Room, Weight Room and Walking Track.
Swain Healthy Eating
Farmers Markets
Cherokee Open Air Market
Local farmers and gardeners provide fresh, local produce. Market is open daily during daylight hours.
Hwy 19 and Hwy 441
Cherokee, NC 28719
Sleepy Hollow Farm
This organic farm sells produce and eggs to locals in Bryson City and surrounding areas.
164 Sleepy Hollow Road,
Bryson City, North Carolina 28713
Swain County Farmers Market
The market features local food and crafts. The market is open every Friday from May 3 to October 25 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Darnell Farms
Darnell Farms offers pick-your-own seasonal produce, especially strawberries in the summer months.
2300 Governors Island Road
Bryson City, NC 28789
Community Gardens
Cherokee Youth Garden
The Cherokee Youth Gardeners sell their produce every Thursday from 11am – 1pm in the back parking lot of the Cherokee Indian Hospital.
Local Food Providers
Bryson City Cork & Bean
Founded by local residents, the Cork & Bean offers great food prepared with the finest ingredients, including locally grown, and organic produce, cheeses and baked goods.
16 Everett Street
Bryson City, NC 28713
Pizza Love: a project of Balltown Bee Farm
A mobile wood fired pizza oven operated by farmers with a focus on locally grown, seasonal ingredients.
Swain Tobacco-Free Living
Success Story
Swain County High School
Throughout the 2012-13 school year, MountainWise and HiTop ASSIST worked with the Swain County High School HOSA to spread the word about the negative effects of tobacco. In April of 2013, Swain County Health Department hosted a Health Awareness Symposium at Swain County High School. MountainWise and HiTop ASSIST attended to spread information and gathered thoughts on tobacco free parks. Information was shared with overr 400 students were seen, 150+ surveys were completed, and information was prepared to be shared with the Swain County Parks and Recreation Director and/or the Board of Commissioners at a later date.