Adventure at
Every Turn

Long Branch sits at the heart of the most spectacular outdoor destination in the eastern United States. World-class adventure is minutes from your front door.

On the Water

World-Class Water
Adventures

5 Minutes Away

Nantahala Gorge Whitewater Rafting

The legendary Nantahala River carves through one of the most dramatic gorges in the Appalachians. Guided rafting trips are available for all skill levels — from families on their first raft to seasoned kayakers chasing class IV rapids. The Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is right down the road and is one of the premier outdoor adventure outfitters in the country.

Minutes Away

World-Class Trout Fishing

World-class trout fishing minutes from Long Branch. The Nantahala is rated among the top 100 trout rivers in America.

10 Minutes Away

Nantahala Lake Boating & Kayaking

A stunning 1,000-acre mountain lake perfect for boating, kayaking, and bass fishing. Crystal-clear water surrounded by national forest.

The Nantahala River — A Fishing Legend

The Nantahala River, just minutes from Long Branch, is legendary among anglers. With pristine cold water flowing from the mountains above, it hosts exceptional populations of wild brown and rainbow trout. Catch and keep is open June 1 through September 30 — any bait and tackle welcome, keep up to 7 fish. Fishing is available year-round — winter fishing (during catch and release) is especially productive.

Top 100 Trout Rivers in America

24 lbs NC Brown Trout Record (10 oz)

Kokanee Salmon in Nantahala Lake

Wild brown trout and rainbow trout in abundance
State record brown trout caught in this very river
Kokanee landlocked salmon in nearby Nantahala Lake
Cold, clear mountain water — ideal habitat year-round
No crowds — the river is rarely busy in this area
Catch & keep open June 1–September 30 — any bait & tackle, keep up to 7 fish
Fly fishing and spin fishing both productive
NC fishing license required — available online or in Franklin

Outdoor Recreation

Land-Based Adventures

Surrounded by 40 private acres and bordered by Nantahala National Forest, Long Branch puts you at the center of some of the best outdoor recreation in the Southeast.

🥾 All Levels Welcome

Hiking & Trail Running

Hundreds of miles of National Forest trails begin minutes from the cabins. From easy nature walks to strenuous ridge climbs with panoramic views, the Nantahala area has trails for every fitness level.

🚵 15 Minutes Away

Tsali Mountain Biking Trails

World-class mountain biking on Fontana Lake. Tsali Recreation Area offers four separate trail loops — Thompson, Mouse Branch, Left Loop, and Right Loop — ranging from beginner-friendly to expert. A magnet for serious mountain bikers.

Horseback Riding

Several local stables offer guided trail rides through the National Forest and along mountain ridges. Ride through old-growth hardwood forests and open mountain meadows with views that will take your breath away.

🧗 Near Deep Creek, NC

Tubing at Deep Creek

Float down the gentle current of Deep Creek in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A beloved summer tradition — rent a tube, let the current carry you, then hike back up and do it again.

Zip Lines & Adventure Parks

Multiple zip line operations in the area offer exhilarating rides over mountain forests and river gorges. From short beginner lines to massive half-mile runs with valley views. Perfect for family adventure days.

📸 Year Round

Wildlife Watching & Photography

White-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey, and over 200 species of birds call this area home. The property's 40 private acres and proximity to the National Forest make it an exceptional wildlife viewing destination.

🚲 Andrews, NC — Minutes Away

Rail Bike — Andrews, NC

Pedal a rail bike along a historic railroad corridor through the stunning mountain scenery around Andrews, NC. A one-of-a-kind experience for all ages — glide through tunnels, over bridges, and through the heart of the southern Appalachians on two wheels and two rails.

Regional Highlights

Day Trips Worth
Every Mile

The location of The Cabins at Long Branch puts you within easy day-trip distance of some of the most iconic destinations in the entire Southeast.

30 Minutes Away

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The most visited national park in America — and one of the most biodiverse places in the world. Over 800 miles of hiking trails, stunning mountain overlooks, historic Appalachian settlements, and incredible wildlife. Clingmans Dome, Alum Cave, and Chimney Tops are all worth visiting.

20 Minutes Away

Cherokee, NC & the Eastern Band

The ancestral homeland of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Visit the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, the outdoor drama Unto These Hills, and the living history of the Oconaluftee Indian Village. Also home to Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort for evening entertainment.

30 Minutes Away

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Departing from charming Bryson City, NC, this beloved mountain railroad winds through the dramatic Nantahala Gorge and the scenic Tuckasegee River valley. Excursions range from 2-hour sunset rides to full-day adventures. A family favorite with open-air cars and live music.

30 Minutes Away

Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest

One of the largest remaining tracts of old-growth temperate rainforest in the eastern US. Ancient tulip poplars tower 100 feet overhead — some over 400 years old with trunks 20 feet in circumference. The hiking loop through this primeval forest is a deeply moving experience.

30 Minutes Away

Cherohala Skyway

A National Scenic Byway stretching 43 miles between Tellico Plains, TN and Robbinsville, NC — cresting at over 5,400 feet. Named one of America's most beautiful drives. Spectacular in fall foliage season, magical in winter snow, and breathtaking any time of year.

45 Minutes Away

Franklin Gem Mines

Franklin, NC is internationally known as the "Gem Capital of the World" — one of only a few places on Earth where rubies, sapphires, and garnets are found naturally in abundance. Sluice for gems at family-friendly mines, then have your finds professionally cut and set as jewelry.

Biltmore Estate, Asheville

America's largest private home — the 8,000-acre Vanderbilt estate features the stunning 250-room Biltmore House, award-winning Antler Hill Winery, formal gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, and world-class dining. A full day's adventure in American Gilded Age grandeur.

30 Minutes Away

Bryson City, NC

Bryson City is the charming gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains — a walkable downtown packed with boutique restaurants, craft breweries, outfitter shops, and authentic mountain character. It's the home base of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, the jumping-off point for Deep Creek tubing in the national park, and the gateway to some of the finest scenery in the southern Appalachians. Worth a half day or a full day out.

15 Minutes Away

A quiet, authentic Appalachian mountain town with genuine local character — no tourist traps, just mountain life at its most real. Andrews sits in the Valley River Valley, surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest, with easy access to the Hiwassee River and the one-of-a-kind Andrews Valley Rail Tours experience.

45 Minutes Away

The cultural and commercial hub of the Nantahala region — a lively downtown with excellent restaurants, unique shops, galleries, and a beloved mountain music tradition. Franklin also sits at the headwaters of the Nantahala River and is the gateway to the famous gem mines that put it on the map worldwide.

Your Adventure Awaits

Book Your Stay &
Start Exploring

All of this — and a mountain cabin with a fireplace waiting for you at the end of the day. Reserve your dates online or give us a call.

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