Between Bryson City & Cherokee
Near Whitewater Rafting,
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
and Asheville
Whispering Winds cabins are within walking distance to the Tuckaseigee River where you can fish and kayak. And a few minutes from the Deep Creek area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The crystal clear waters of Deep Creek are well known as excellent trout fishing waters. There are 3 waterfalls within an easy 3 mile walk. And you can't beat tubing down the fast waters of Deep Creek on a hot day.
Just a short 20-minute drive away you can be cruising on a jet boat on Fontana Lake, or slowly navigating the lake on your own pontoon rental.
If whitewater rafting is more your style, we're 20 minutes from the Nantahala River Gorge - one of the nation's premier whitewater rafting and kayaking venues. And how about a back country jeep tour?
If you're a train buff, or just a kid at heart, take a ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (day trips, raft and rail, dinner train, Polar Express). And see large model layouts at the Smoky Mountain Train Museum.
Visit Cherokee, NC to see the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama, and the Oconaluftee Indian Village. There's also the Mountain Farm Museum at the entrance to the National Park. Santa's Land Amusement Park. Cherokee Bear Zoo. And, of course, the excitement of Harrah's Cherokee Casino.
We offer our guests free passes to the Cherokee Bear Zoo. See native animals like the black bear, raccoons, ground hogs and deer. You'll also see exotic animals like grizzlies, tigers and monkeys. And a kids of all ages will enjoy the petting zoo. Cherokee Bear Zoo, just 15 minutes away in Cherokee NC.FISHING
To fish in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you must have either a valid North Carolina or Tennessee fishing license.
For North Carolina residents, a 10-day fishing license costs $5 (one year - $15); for a non-resident it's $10 for 10 days, or one year - $30. If you plan to fish for trout outside the National Park, an additional "trout stamp" is required at a cost of $10.
For more information about North Carolina fishing, go to Online Fishing Regulations.
No license is required to fish in Cherokee Reservation waters, however a tribal permit is required. The cost is $7 per day with a creel limit of ten. Cherokee waters permits are available at a variety of locations on the reservation.
Need a Fishing License?
In Bryson City, there's Clampitt Hardware and Simonds Bait & Tackle. You may also purchase a North Carolina fishing license online, ahead of your visit.
Asheville, NC is just one hour away. Why not visit the Biltmore Estate, take in an Asheville Tourists game and enjoy some of the fine cuisine and eclectic atmosphere that Asheville is known for.
Gatlinburg, TN is an hour's drive through the National Park. See the sights in town and then venture out to Cade's Cove for a step back in time. You can also stop at the highest point in the Park - Clingman's Dome - on the way over or back. What a view!
Cataloochee, NC is a great spot for viewing the majestic Elk that have been re-introduced into the National Park. They graze in the open fields that were once home to a small community. You are welcome to picnic, hike and visit the old buildings as well.
Maggie Valley, NC has a fun museum - Wheels Through Time.
The Blue Ridge Parkway has great scenic overlooks and stops along the way like the Cradle of Forestry and Sliding Rock.
Franklin, NC has gem mining, Fun Factory for the Kids (great for a rainy day), and the Scottish Tartans Museum. And for great entertainment, check the upcoming events at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts.
Stecoah, NC - arts and crafts and great summer music - and gateway to Fontana Dam and Deal's Gap - world famous roads for sports car drivers and motorcyclists. Also the Cherohala Skyway scenic drive.