Top Best American Restaurants in Nantahala River

"Burgermaster Townsend – great burgers, hot dogs, and soft serve. Located right next to the Smoky Mountain River Rat, so it’s awesome for when you finish tubing!"

"Joey’s Pancake House has a massive fanbase, with hungry travelers driving into Maggie Valley from states away just to get a taste of their signature country ham or melt-in-your-mouth pancakes and waffles."

"Sitting in the Hazelwood district of Waynesville is Bourbon Barrel Beef & Ale, where they’re serving up hand-cut steaks, perfectly cooked burgers and rich flavors stuffed into every plate of American comfort food. The secret to their success is definitely in their ingredients: everything here is locally sourced and sustainable. The friendly, casual atmosphere makes this the place to head if you’re looking for a relaxing date with hearty portions sizes bursting with flavor."

"You’ll find this excellent date night spot located right next door to Chef’s Table. Frogs Leap takes local, sustainable, organic ingredients to create special dishes that are as vibrant as they are tasty. If you’re looking to spend your evening ordering round after round of shareables and cocktails, this is the place for you!"

"Hikers will reach Indian Creek Falls via the Deep Creek Trail, which was one of the first trails constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930s. In addition to visiting the 45-foot waterfall, hikers will also pass by the 80-foot Toms Branch Falls along the way. This is another great hike for early spring wildflowers."

"The first item on this list is probably the most difficult to find. Rainbow Falls Cave is a little-known cave in the wilderness of the Smokies that has a waterfall falling into it. The only way to reach the cave is to go off official trails on a footpath to an area that used to serve as homesteads for the former residents of the National Park."

"This was the only fast food place open in town and was extremely busy. With the wait and the staff was very... (828) 497-6120Order online"

"Located in the less-visited Tremont section of the park, Spruce Flats Falls is not on the radar of most park visitors. Because of this fact, you might have this special place all to yourself when you come to visit. These falls aren’t just great for escaping the crowds — they’re also perfect if you’re short on time, as the trail leading to the waterfall is just a two-mile round trip."

"The trail to get to Spruce Flats Falls is considered moderate and has a roundtrip length of 1.8 miles. This trail isn’t on the official Great Smoky Mountain National Park map, but the waterfall is visited often because of its scenic beauty. Before you reach the falls, you’ll cross streams and continue uphill then go downtown."

"Technically, this is not an official park trail and often the falls are not found on any park maps. Thus making it one of the Smokies' true hidden gems. Though, don’t be surprised if you encounter other hikers due to its close proximity to the Tremont Visitors Center."

"This impressive tower was built in 1959 by the National Park Service and it has recently undergone some updates to preserve it for future use. Located on the tallest mountain in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you'll find the Clingmans Dome Observation Tower that sits at an elevation of 6,643 feet!. On a clear day, this 54-ft tall observation tower provides visitors with views that stretch on for 100 miles, however because of hazy skies visibility is typically around 20 miles."

"At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is the highest point in Tennessee, and the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi. Only Mt. Mitchell (6,684 feet) and Mt. Craig (6,647), both located in Mt. Mitchell State Park in western North Carolina, rise higher."