Favorite Hikes
Nuwati Trail - Three Little Bears Retreat
The Nuwati Trail at the Retreat offers nearly everything you want from a Smoky Mountain trail following a mountain stream from bottom to top. It has little waterfalls, a streamfed pond, places to relax in a hammock, reflection benches by the falls, and a playground hidden in the woods! It's a great morning or afternoon to either relax or explore and look for gems and salamanders in the streams.
Wildlife Viewing
25 Minute Drive. Want to see Elk?! This is the spot! Get there in the early morning or late afternoon for the best shot at seeing them. There is also a settlers village where you can see how the Appalachian people lived prior to the Park's creation.
The Road to Nowhere - Great Smoky Mountain National Park - Entrance 1min from Retreat
1 Minute Drive: The entrance to "The Road to Nowhere" is literally around the corner from the Retreat, and is one of the quietest and most beautiful-serene entrances into the National Park. It has many trails leading off its two parking areas 1) Nolands Creek, and 2 ) the Tunnel. You can even hike all the way to Kuwohi (formerly Clingman's Dome) from here... although the opposite direction is much easier!
Deep Creek Waterfall Loop - Great Smoky Mountains National Park
10 Minute Drive. Tubing, Big Waterfalls and a myriad of trails make this a hot spot. The waterfall loop trail is an excellent shorter hike, but you can skip the loop and just do the creekside trail to Tom Branch and Indian Creek Falls, which is suitable for pretty much all ages and most all abilities.
Wesser Bald Fire Tower
30 Minute Drive. Located close to Nantahala, this is a fairly easy hike with an epic view awaiting you!
Exciting Adventures
Great Smoky Mountain Railroad
5 Minutes Drive. They have a number of different ride options throughout the year from the famous Polar Express to Brewery Rides and the Bunny Hop. Summer 2025 kids ride free, which makes this a much more approachable experience for families and kids love it! Tip: if you want to do whitewater rafting, arrange to take the train to Nantahala, hop off, go rafting, and get a transfer or ride back. If you go in the am, you might be able to catch the afternoon train back.
White Water Rafting and Kayaking
25 Minute Drive. Go flyfishing in the morning before the water release from the dam, and then go whitewater rafting later! Home to an Olympic Kayaker and a home base for outdoor enthusiasts, the NOC is a must visit. They also have an incredible zip-line experience and other excursions! They also have a great restaurant on the River and a riverside bar and grill to relax and watch the kayak slalom course.
Trail Riding on Horseback
25 Minute Drive. Trail riding is a fun excursion for everyone, and they have long and short rides! The short ride is good for beginners and kids (over 6) and they get to ride the horse through the creek and tunnel, which is always a child's highlight on a trip. Younger kids can ride on the wagon.
Find More Adventures Here
Golf & Boating
Fontana Lake
Almond Boat Ramp or Alarka Boat Ramp: 25 Minute Drive. Rent a pontoon boat on Fontana Lake for the day! Go tubing, fishing, swimming and take in the beauty of the mountains! You can hike to the lake via Nolands Creek Trail near the Retreat and explore with an inflatable paddleboard.
Sequoyah National Golf Club
20 Minute Drive. Incredible, First Rate Golf Experience in the mountains. Loved by all who stay with us and play there!
Find Other Golf & Boating Adventures Here
Relaxation
Summer 2025 - Nuwati Hall & Spa
The Nuwati Hall & Spa Opening Summer 2025! In the Cherokee tradition, Nuwati means "medicine" — not just for the body, but for the spirit, the community, and the journeys we undertake. Inspired by this wisdom, Nuwati Hall & Spa is being crafted as a sacred space for healing, transformation, and life’s most meaningful beginnings. It will offer massages, facials, and body treatments. The Hall and grounds will also be available for weddings and events.
Tree Top Soaks at Lakeview at Fontana
15 Minute Drive. Great, unique treetop soaking cabanas!
Find More Relaxation Ideas Here
Favorite Breweries
Bryson City Brewing
5 Minute Drive. Great family friendly atmospher with large, fenced outdoor spaces. It also has a full bar and is a great place to watch a ball game!
Mountain Layers Brewing Company
5 Minute Drive. Awesome local brewery in downtown with a rooftop deck and Hawaiian inspired food truck out back. Also has great bands rolling through.
Find More Breweries Here
Favorite Wineries and Tasting Rooms
Bryson City Wine Market
10 Minute Drive. Excellent wine, cheese and local goods collection. They also have tastings and classes! Lots of fun. Check their social media or message them about their planned events during your stay.
Deep Creek Winery
15 minute drive. Excellent views! It's a bit off the beaten path, but it is a great place to spend the afternoon trying their selection of blends they created and more.
Find More Winery Suggestions Here
Favorite Restaurants - Food Scene
Everett's Diner
5 Minute Drive. Best Breakfast in town if you like traditional, hearty southern breakfast! This is good and causes a line out the door daily, so skip the line as the Retreat has arranged for Everett to deliver pre-ordered breakfasts up to your cabin! So get the best breakfast of Bryson with the serenity of our peaceful smoky mountain valley!
Boots Steakhouse
20 Minute Drive. Located in Dillsboro, this is an excellent steakhouse with an authentic mountain frontier town setting. It is delightful both as an experience and the food is excellent. It is more pricey, but worth it if you want a good steak dinner.
