A Comprehensive Bryson City Brewery Guide
North Carolina’s sprawling, head-turning Great Smoky Mountains play host to a variety of pursuits, such as fly fishing, whitewater rafting, and “waterfall hunting.” Naturally, travelers build up quite a thirst during these memorable adventures. And there’s no better place to commemorate a glorious day spent in the wild than at a Sylva or Bryson City brewery. Craft beer hounds will be delighted to discover an underrated beer scene blossoming in these two small yet undeniably picturesque communities. So, before returning to your pet-friendly cabin rental via Great Smokys, stop at one of these local staples for a quick pint (or two).
The Bryson City Brewery Guide
The region’s growing craft beer scene continues to leave a lasting impression on visiting adventurers, especially those with a penchant for well-balanced IPAs, sessionable ales, and the occasional dark brew.
Nantahala Brewing Company
Everyone’s favorite hangout remains Nantahala Brewing Company, a beautiful, repurposed space within steps of the famous Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. The head-turning wooden interior features hand-carved artworks, a sizable stage for live performances, and views of the trains. Thirsty patrons will discover 32 rotating taps at all times, including the crushable Bryson City Brown, refreshing Hellbender Hefeweizen, and heavy (and Christmas-y) Chocolate Covered Cherry Stout.
Mountain Layers Brewing Company
Meanwhile, the views and overall ambiance at Mountain Layers Brewing Company make it the premier Bryson City brewery. The rooftop deck lends itself to folks in desperate need of a breather after a long day on the trails. And you cannot beat those views of the rolling mountains and the Tuckasegee River, both of which are exceedingly gorgeous around dusk. If you like the beer enough, don’t forget to nab some straightforward yet visually-appealing merch. We appreciate Mountain Layers’ eclectic mix of beers, including The Helles You Say (a German lager worth revisiting), the Dragon Tamer (a New England-style IPA with under 6% ABV), and the U.K.-inspired Elk Watch Stout.