Whitewater Rafting:
The Nantahala is one of the most popular whitewater rafting rivers in the nation. The Nantahala River hosted the 2013 World Freestyle Kayaking Championships, with the opening ceremony in Bryson City.
wildwaterrafting.com/adventures/nantahala-river-rafting/
rollingthunderriverco.com/prod/Nantahala-River-Rafting.html
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad:
With 53 miles of track, two tunnels and 25 bridges, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will take you on a memorable journey through a remote and beautiful corner of North Carolina. Ride with us into river gorges, across valleys and through tunnels carved out of majestic mountains.
The Railroad offers a variety of scenic, round-trip excursions departing from Bryson City. Trips range from 3 ½ hours to a full day of fun and adventure.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Winding roads and scenic drives:
Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap with 318 curves in 11 miles: America’s number one motorcycle and sports car road.
Designated US 129, the road is bordered by the Great Smoky Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest with no intersecting roads or driveways to hamper your travel. It is considered “the destination” for thousands of motorcycle and sports car fans throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Can you brave it? It’s best to be cautious as the turns are tight, but the Tail of the Dragon is guaranteed to be the ride of your life.
The nearby Cherohala Skyway is quickly becoming a destination too, with its remote 60 miles of breathtaking scenic mountain highway. The area also has other incredible roads like the Moonshiner 28, Foothills Parkway, Smoky Mountain Loop, Devils Triangle, Blue Ridge Parkway, The Gambler NC209, Diamondback 226, Devil’s Staircase, Six Gap North Georgia, The Snake US421 and many Great Forest Service Dual Sport and Jeep Roads.
rentslingshots.com/north-carolina-slingshot-rentals/
Hiking:
More than 900 miles of hiking trails connect you with adventures in the North Carolina mountains. Whether it’s climbing mountain peaks, strolling trails through the valley along the river or to view rhododendron explode in color, or something in between, you’ll find a reason to lace up your boots to admire spectacular views.
outdoorproject.com/adventures/tennessee/hikes/clingmans-dome
Mountain biking:
The great smoky mountains are obviously a fantastic area for mountain biking. With elevations up to more than 6000 ft and breathtaking sceneries you just have be spoilt for choice.
singletracks.com/North-Carolina-bike-trails_26.html
Fishing and hunting:
North Carolina welcomes casual anglers and serious sportsmen alike. Go fly fishing in 3,000 miles of trout streams. North Carolina also offers year-round opportunities to hunt duck, deer, turkey and other small and big game.
Other useful stuff:
The below link is taking you to a very interesting page with a collection of some very inspiring outdoor adventures.
outdoorproject.com/adventures/southern-blue-ridge-mountains/all?display=tile