Dillsboro, NC

Travel Guide

Dillsboro
Dillsboro
Dillsboro
Dillsboro
Dillsboro
The charming Great Smoky Mountains Railroad runs through the heart of this hub of artists, with a backdrop of snowy mountains.

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.

Riverfront Cabin, Mountain Views, Fishing, and Hiking!

Riverfront Cabin, Mountain Views, Fishing, and Hiking!

Sylva
$166 nightly
The price is $188 total per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
$188 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this cabin in Dillsboro. Enjoy a garden, balconies, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Oaks Gallery and Jackson County Historic Courthouse ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (124 reviews)
Enjoyable stay. Found Sylva and Dillsboro to be fun.
"Adequate facility, The Tuckasgee River is a little threatening."

Reviewed on May 26, 2025

Riverfront Cabin, Mountain Views, Fishing, and Hiking!
Best Western Plus River Escape Inn & Suites

Best Western Plus River Escape Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
248 WBI Drive, Dillsboro, NC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$97 nightly
The price is $110 total per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
$110 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Dillsboro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"Love this place, mainly because of the river. Clean and nice."

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

Best Western Plus River Escape Inn & Suites
Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort

Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort

4 out of 5
777 Casino Drive, Cherokee, NC
$103 nightly
The price is $115 total per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
$115 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Cherokee. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,987 reviews)
"The room was clean and comfortable. The elevators needed deep cleaning."

Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025

Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Riverfront Cabin, Mountain Views, Fishing, and Hiking!

Riverfront Cabin, Mountain Views, Fishing, and Hiking!

Sylva
Stay at this cabin in Dillsboro. Enjoy a garden, balconies, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Oaks Gallery and Jackson County Historic Courthouse ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (124 reviews)
Enjoyable stay. Found Sylva and Dillsboro to be fun.
"Adequate facility, The Tuckasgee River is a little threatening."

Reviewed on May 26, 2025

Riverfront Cabin, Mountain Views, Fishing, and Hiking!
Nantahala Cabins

Nantahala Cabins

3 out of 5
580 Nantahala Cabins Ln, Bryson City, NC
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly cabin in Bryson City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Bryson City Gem Mine and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (103 reviews)
"Quiet, peaceful, a relaxful weekend."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Nantahala Cabins
Maggie Valley Cabin Rentals

Maggie Valley Cabin Rentals

3 out of 5
5 Tobacco Barn Rd, Maggie Valley, NC
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Maggie Valley. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Cataloochee Ski Area and Tube World are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (200 reviews)
"Cute little getaway space"

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Maggie Valley Cabin Rentals
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Cities near Dillsboro