OUTDOOR AND OTHER ACTIVITIES ON NANTAHALA LAKE
What can you do in Nantahala? Explore all the outdoor and other activities for you and your guests near Nantahala Weddings & Events.
Arts, Crafts, and Music
Boat Rentals
- Lakes End Marina– pontoon boats, ski & speed boats, bass boats, sail boats, canoes, kayaks; by the hour, ½ day, full day, multi-day, and weekly
- Nantahala Shores Boat Rentals – pontoon boats; 2-day minimum in-season, weekly rates available
Casino
- Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River – Murphy, NC
Cherokee Indian Reservation
- Museum of the Cherokee
- Oconaluftee Indian Village
- Qualla Arts and Crafts
- Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama
Gem Mines
- Sheffield Mine
- Mason’s Ruby and Sapphire Mine
- Cherokee Ruby and Sapphire
- Rose Creek Mine
- Gold City Gem Mine
- Cowee Mountain Ruby Mine
- Ruby City Gems & Minerals
- Old Cardinal Gem Mine
Fishing
- Fishing Licenses
- Bryant’s Bait and Tackle – Fishing supplies, purchase licenses
Hiking
Favorite Hikes Close to Venue
- Wesser Bald Fire Tower – 2.2 miles round trip, easy, panoramic mountain views
- Siler Bald – 3.6 miles round trip, moderate, 360 view at 5300 feet, panoramic mountain views
Historic House and Museum
- Biltmore Mansion – Asheville, NC
Horseback Riding
Mountain Biking
Restaurants and Breweries
Nantahala:
- Lake’s End Grill (2 miles from Nantahala Weddings & Events)
- Fire Ant Grill in Nantahala (7 miles from Nantahala Weddings & Events)
Andrews (20-minute drive):
- Sage – Upscale dining, “inspired American cuisine”
- Monte Alban – Mexican
- Kobe Grill – Japanese
- The Tattered Tartan Pub
- Hoppy Trout – Pizza and Brewery
- Mariolino’s Italian Restaurant
- Snowbird Mountains Brewery
Brasstown, NC (30-minute drive):
Murphy, NC (30-minute drive):
- Bistro 29
- Chevelle’s 66
- Chop House
- Legends Steakhouse
- Perrone’s Neighborhood Grill
- The Parson’s Pub – Irish Pub with food
Franklin, NC (40-minute drive)
- Caffe REL – French bistro, vegetarian options
- Cleaver’s – specialty hamburgers: bison, elk, etc.
- Currahee Brewery
- Lazy Hiker Brewery
- Motor Company Grill
- Fat Buddies Ribs & BBQ
- Haywood Smokehouse
- 828 Café
- Sakura
Scenic Drives
Skiing
- Cataloochee Ski Area – Maggie Valley
Scenic Railway Tours
- Great Smoky Mountain Railroad – old-time steam engine, scenic ride from Bryson City into Nantahala River Gorge, Christmas Tours, Bryson City
- Andrews Valley Rail Tours – 5-mile trip to the Historic Valley River Tunnel. Take in the views from our beautiful valley that offers you the opportunity to experience beautiful mountains, forests, and abundant wildlife. You’ll see crystal clear mountain rivers and streams as you cross Historic open deck railroad bridges on your trip to the tunnel. Once there you’ll have about 1/2 hour to check out the tunnel (which was hand carved by workers from Southern Railway in 1894) and the surrounding area.
Waterfalls
- Regional Waterfalls
- Nantahala Cascades
- Rufus Morgan Waterfalls
- Deep Creek Waterfalls
- Cherokee Indian Reservation
Wellness
- Kula Wellness Center
- Hot Springs Resort & Spa – natural mineral hot springs
Whitewater Rafting
Wineries
- Ferncrest Winery – Andrews, NC
- Crane Creek – Young Harris, GA
- Nottley River – Murphy, NC
- Paradise Hills – Blairsville, GA
- Mimm’s Distillery – Blairsville, GA
- Cartecay Vineyards – Ellijay, GA
Ziplining
- NOC Zip Line Adventure Park, Nantahala Gorge
- NOC Mountaintop Zip Line Tour, Nantahala Gorge
- Ridge Runner Ziplines, Andrews, NC