Local Things To Do In Andrews NC

Nantahala Outdoor Center

The NOC is in the Nantahala Gorge, about 20 minutes from Snowbird. Watch the whitewater rafters, eat at one of the restaurants, shop the outfitter’s store, or take a walk along the Nantahala River.

This weekend (October 23–25) is NOC’s Guest Appreciation Festival. Expect a big crowd at the river and plan a little extra time for parking.

Used Gear Market with 20+ vendors: Fri 2–7 pm, Sat 9 am–7 pm, Sun from 8 am
Used NOC raft sale in front of the Adventure Center: Fri–Sat 9 am–5 pm, Sun from 9 am
End-of-season sale at the Outfitter’s Store, with flash sales in the tent across from the Adventure Deck
Free live music Friday afternoon and Saturday, plus a costume contest, face painting, and trick-or-treating

Festival details at noc.com

Cover Falls

A short hike to a 55-foot waterfall right here in Andrews. The trail opened to the public in June 2026. It’s about a half mile each way, crossing Britton Creek on a footbridge and then climbing a short, steep set of switchbacks to the falls.

Wesser Bald Fire Tower

A short, steep hike on the Appalachian Trail to an old fire tower with a wide-open deck on top. On a clear day you can see the Smokies, the Nantahala Mountains, and Fontana Lake far below. Plan on about 3 miles round trip with roughly 750 feet of climbing.

Directions to the trail are available in the Snowbird office.

Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest

An easy 2-mile loop through one of the last old-growth forests in the East, with tulip poplars over 400 years old. Beautiful in the fall. Restrooms and picnic tables at the trailhead, but no drinking water, so bring your own.

Cherohala Skyway

A scenic mountain drive that starts just outside Robbinsville and climbs over a mile high toward Tennessee, with about 15 overlooks and picnic spots along the way. Drive as far as you like and turn around. There’s no gas or food on the Skyway, so fill up in Robbinsville first.

Andrews Valley Rail Tours

North Carolina’s first railbike tour, leaving from the Andrews train depot. Ride an electric pedal-assist railbike, a passenger cart, or a speeder on a 9-mile, 1½-hour round trip along the old railroad through the valley, over the river, and to the tunnel.

Book ahead online and get to the depot 30 minutes early for the safety talk. Seats are $59.99 plus tax and fees. The season runs through November 15.

Departures
Daily at 11 am, 1:30 pm, and 4 pm
8:30 am and 6:30 pm on select dates

Morning Fog Coffee & Eats

A local coffee cafe right on Main Street in Andrews. Breakfast is served until 11 am, and lunch runs from 11 am until close.

Hours
Mon and Wed–Sat 6:30 am–3 pm
Sun 8 am–3 pm
Tue closed

Rare Bird Emporium

About a 20-minute drive toward Murphy. Coffee, homemade donuts, and a drive-thru, plus antiques, home decor, local art, and jewelry.

Hours
Mon–Sat 7 am–5 pm
Sun closed

Kin Cafe

A coffee shop in downtown Robbinsville with espresso drinks, tea, bagels, and pastries.

Hours
Mon–Wed 7 am–5 pm
Thu–Sat 7 am–9 pm (may close early if it’s quiet)
Sun closed

Cardinal Coffee

Just past the Bryson City end of the Nantahala Gorge, an easy stop on the way to or from the NOC. Great coffee, tasty bagels, and local art.

Hours
Wed–Fri 7 am–3 pm
Sat–Sun 8 am–4 pm
Mon–Tue closed