With its gabled wooden buildings and historic attractions, the small town of Dillsboro offers an enchanting base for exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It features various homes from the end of the 19th century and is a stopping point for the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. While visiting Dillsboro, stroll down the principal avenue to admire the views of the mountains and dense forest surrounding this scenic town.
Spot the old-world train chugging along the main street. Enjoy a picnic on the grassy banks of the Tuckasegee River, which becomes Lake Dillsboro near the center of the community. Rent kayaks or rafts from Smoky Mountain River Adventures for whitewater adventures or more gentle river trips. Head into the Great Smoky Mountains for spectacular nature trails and waterfalls.
In the center of town, get a sense of the region’s arts and crafts. Purchase gifts from more than 100 artists and artisans displaying their goods at Dogwood Crafters. Visit the glass studio and kiln of Jackson County Green Energy Park.
For something a little different, head south to the American Museum of the House Cat. It’s filled with antiques and curiosities of a feline nature.
Back in central Dillsboro, marvel at the quaint design of the beautiful Jarrett Memorial Baptist Church made of local marble. See historic buildings such as the Squire Watkins Inn from 1880 and the J.J. Hooker Law Office from 1870. Stay for Christmas, when the community is decorated with lights.
The town is just south of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, near the western border of North Carolina. Travel about an hour west of Asheville to get to Dillsboro by car. While you’re in the area, make sure to visit nearby landmarks such as Pinnacle Park and the Nantahala National Forest.
Dillsboro is a quaint hub of craft stores and historic buildings just outside one of the country’s most popular national parks.
