THINGS TO DO
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Just under an hour away is one our Americas great and most visited national parks. At over 500,000 acres, you may not be able to see it all. There is a good chance you’ll see incredible wildlife such as black bears, elk, turkeys, or even the infamous hellbender. Be aware, this is a popular time of year to frequent the park, and the main roads may have some traffic.
PANTHERTOWN VALLEY
Panthertown Valley is one the most beauty and remote pieces of wilderness in Western North Carolina. A high elevation valley filled with unique and diverse ecosystems such as mountain bogs and mountain faces of stone several hundred feet high. Dozens of hiking trails dot the valley, just make sure to bring a map and be bear aware! Panthertown valley is roughly 30 minutes away.
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY
Several entrances to the famous Blue Ridge Parkway are within an hour of the reserve, so if you’d love to see miles and miles of incredible vistas while driving, give it a go! Higher elevations such as Waterrock Knob on the blue ridge parkway may even be in bright fall foliage colors during the wedding.
CHEROKEE RESERVATION AND CASINO
Just 45 minutes from the Bear Lake Reserve, Cherokee, North Carolina has a large state of the art casino, ample shopping, and cultural education opportunities such as the Museum of the Cherokee People. When you’re driving in Cherokee, watch for the elk!
BRYSON CITY
Bryson City is about 45 minutes away, and is a beautiful walkable mountain town that sits on the Tuckaseegee River. There you will find The Smoky Mountain Trains Museum and North Carolina Fly Fishing Museum!
HIGHLANDS-CASHIERS
The beautiful towns of Highlands and Cashiers are just a 30 drive from the resort with ample shopping and local art. These towns are some of the highest elevation towns in the eastern United States and are notable for their beautiful scenery and upscale atmosphere.
CULLOWHEE
Cullowhee North Carolina is a small town about 25 minutes from the Reserve. It is the home of Western North Carolina University, and has a few restaurants. If you’re looking for a beautiful view of the valley, try driving up to the small Cullowhee Regional airport. If you sit there all day you may get a chance to see a small personal plane or two!
SYLVA
Sylva, North Carolina is just 10 minutes past Cullowhee, and the place to be if you’re looking to grab some craft brews or have multiple great options to eat. Innovation Brewery and Balsam Falls Brewery are both excellent!
DILLSBORO
Dillsboro, North Carolina is just a few minutes past Sylva, and is a beautiful small town with charming artesian shops. If you’re looking for some incredible barbecue, try Haywood’s Barbecue in Dillsboro, and stop at the Dillsboro Chocolate Factory on the way out for some one of a kind chocolate and coffee.
THE GREAT WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA OUTDOORS
If you’re the sporty type and are looking for a great hike or some fly fishing in the area, James spent several years living here and would be glad to point you in the right direction, whether that be tail-waters fly fishing or beautiful vistas on the trail, don’t be afraid to ask!