Winter Adventures in Western North Carolina

School is back in session and there’s a chill in the morning air – sure signs that summer is winding down. As we approach the cooler months, now is the perfect time to plan ahead for winter adventures. Although we put away our rafts in November, the Nantahala Outdoor Center has exciting events planned through the end of the year. Plus, the surrounding mountains are an adventure seeker’s chilly weather paradise! From train rides and breakfast with Santa to snowy hikes and skiing, Western North Carolina is the perfect destination for a winter weekend trip.

Read on to get ideas for your next winter mountain getaway!

Winter Events at NOC 

Hosted on the Nantahala Outdoor Center’s Bryson City campus, these holiday celebrations bring festive cheer to the mountains. From breakfast with Santa to our lively Merry Market, it’s a perfect way for the whole family to kick off the season.

Breakfast with Santa
Date: Saturday, December 6th
Times: 8am – 12pm, 2 seating times
Location: River’s End Restaurant

Enjoy a magical morning at River’s End Restaurant with a special holiday breakfast and a visit from Santa. Little ones can dive into the “create-your-own” pancake station, topping their sand dollar pancakes with plenty of tasty options. A hearty buffet rounds out the meal, featuring scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage links, home fries, and fresh fruit.

Tickets for Breakfast with Santa will go on sale in October. Stay updated by checking our events page!

Merry Christmas Market
Date: Saturday, December 6th
Times: 11am – 5pm
Location: Outfitter’s Store Parking Lot

Following breakfast with Santa, spend the day browsing the Merry Market, where more than a dozen local artisans showcase their creations. From handcrafted gifts to seasonal goodies, you’ll find plenty of one-of-a-kind items. It’s the ideal spot to kick off your holiday shopping, discover something unique, and support talented makers in our community.

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Polar Express Train Ride

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is a Western North Carolina favorite, offering excursion train rides through the Great Smoky Mountains and Nantahala Gorge with beautiful views of rivers, mountains, and forests. Every winter, the railroad transforms into The Polar Express, based on the classic holiday story. Departing from downtown Bryson City, the train winds through the winter wilderness to the North Pole to pick up Santa himself. Hot chocolate and sweet treats are served on the journey, which also features sounds from the motion picture soundtrack. As the train arrives at the North Pole, each child gets the opportunity to meet Santa Claus, who gifts them with their very own silver sleigh bell.

This experience has become a beloved holiday tradition for families visiting the Smokies. Learn more on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad website.

Cataloochee Ski Area and Tube World

Looking to step up the adventure? Located about 45 minutes from the NOC in Maggie Valley, Cataloochee Ski Area offers skiing and snowboarding across 18 trails, including a terrain park. With some of the best snowmaking in the Southeast and terrain ranging from beginner-friendly to advanced, Cataloochee is perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. Their team also offers expert instruction for all ages and experience levels, with lessons designed to build confidence, support progression, and make every snow experience unforgettable.  

The ski area also maintains Tube World, a tubing hill featuring thrilling rides and a conveyor lift to keep the good times rolling. Get tickets and learn more on Cataloochee’s website. 

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is perfect for winter hiking, with snowcapped mountains and stunning icicle formations on trails ranging from easy to moderate. Plus, winter hikes are the best for foliage free long-range views! Before heading into the park, be sure to check the website for information on road closures.  

The Alum Cave trail is a 4.4 mile out-and-back, and a local favorite in all seasons. Featuring significant elevation gain alongside a rushing mountain stream, it leads hikers to a unique cave formation towering 80 ft. above the trail. During summer months, this trail is wildly popular, and parking can be competitive. Winter is a great time to take advantage of smaller crowds – you might even get the cave to yourself! Be prepared for snow and ice since Alum Cave is 4,950 feet.  

If you’re looking for something a little closer to the NOC and Bryson City, we recommend Deep Creek. This area is known for its beautiful waterfalls and lush forests. The 2.4 mile waterfall hiking loop provides views of three trailside falls: Tom Branch, Juney Whank, and Indian Creek Falls. This loop features gentle elevation gain and lower elevations if you’re looking for a snow-free hike.  

Please note that dogs are not allowed on most trails in the national park. Please be respectful and leave no trace! Don’t forget to obtain a parking pass at one of the kiosk locations or visitor centers. 

Cozy Cabin Lodging at NOC

 No winter mountain getaway is complete without a cozy cabin to warm up in! The Nantahala Outdoor Center has multiple on-campus options to suit your trip. Our Hemlocks Mountainside Bungalows are nestled in the trees, featuring spacious decks, gorgeous views, king beds, and in-unit washers and dryers. For larger groups, our Trailside Cabins can accommodate up to 20 people!  

Take advantage of our winter lodging discount and save 20% on NOC Bryson City lodging from cozy cabins to luxurious bungalows and explore the Smokies this November and December. Use the code POLAR20 at checkout or call 866-336-1037 to book. 

Winter is a magical time to explore Western North Carolina, and we can’t wait to welcome you and your family to the Nantahala Outdoor Center for an unforgettable season!