Bryson City is the county seat of Swain County, located in North Carolina, United States. As of the 2020 census, the town had a population of 1,558 residents. Historically situated on land that belonged to the Cherokee, the city was originally founded as Charleston to serve as the county seat after Swain County was formed from parts of surrounding counties.
The town developed into an important local rail hub and currently serves as a prominent tourist destination. It is located just west of the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and provides access to outdoor activities in the Nantahala National Forest, along the Nantahala River, and at Fontana Lake. The city is home to the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, a heritage railroad offering tours of the Nantahala valley, and the Nantahala Outdoor Center, which provides guide services for local outdoor recreation.