Any trip to or near Bryson City in the mountains of North Carolina deserves a stop at Darnell Farms, located only steps from one of the most beautiful spots along the Tuckasegee River. Here, you’ll find a fresh produce stand, picnic tables along the river, fishing, playgrounds, campsites (along the river!), and so much more – including some of the biggest and best Dream Whips ever.
Welcome to Darnell Farms, where the wide bend in the river may be pretty, but there is so much more to love, too, about this Bryson City destination.
Facebook/Darnell Farms
Let’s start with the river, though. The Tuckasegee is 60 miles long and fully contained within the borders of North Carolina.
Google/Ryan Coe It is, quite possibly, one of the most historic and scenic rivers in the whole state. Along its shores are found Native American mounds for burial and ceremonial purposes, the site of a 1700s Cherokee Indian town, and many many weirs. Weirs were built by the Native Americans to slow the flow of the waters and to provide fishing spots. There’s no weir at Darnell Farms, but the river here is astoundingly beautiful. Bring a picnic. Bring your pole. Stay a while. It’s free entertainment!
Pop into the giant produce stand and pick up some fresh mountain produce.
Facebook/Darnell Farms
It’s open seven days a week year-round.
Facebook/Darnell Farms See the full list of hours here and note they do change slightly with the seasons. Also note the four holiday days per year Darnell Farms is not open.
Be sure to come prepared to devour one of their fabulous Dream Whips.
Facebook/Darnell Farms Grab one for everyone in the family and then go walk around the property. There’s a playground, or just pop out by the water and enjoy the scenic views.
It is almost certain that you’ll have an issue deciding which Dream Whip to order.
Facebook/Darnell Farms The banana pudding is a stellar choice, with real bananas, soft serve, whipped topping, and Vanilla Wafers, too! (Yes, please!)
Then again, toasted s’mores is bound to satisfy any craving for chocolate.
Facebook/Darnell Farms The flavors for Dream Whips are always delicious - and always changing. So with more than one visit, you can work your way down the entire delicious list.
Darnell Farms is family-run and gets rave reviews for the assortment of produce, all of the activities here, the Dream Whips, the river… and the super friendly staff.
Darnell Farms
The next time you head to Bryson City in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, be sure to include a stop at Darnell Farms! Learn more about this river side destination in the Smokies with a visit to the farms’ official website, here.
Facebook/Darnell Farms
Google/Ryan Coe
It is, quite possibly, one of the most historic and scenic rivers in the whole state. Along its shores are found Native American mounds for burial and ceremonial purposes, the site of a 1700s Cherokee Indian town, and many many weirs. Weirs were built by the Native Americans to slow the flow of the waters and to provide fishing spots. There’s no weir at Darnell Farms, but the river here is astoundingly beautiful. Bring a picnic. Bring your pole. Stay a while. It’s free entertainment!
See the full list of hours here and note they do change slightly with the seasons. Also note the four holiday days per year Darnell Farms is not open.
Grab one for everyone in the family and then go walk around the property. There’s a playground, or just pop out by the water and enjoy the scenic views.
The banana pudding is a stellar choice, with real bananas, soft serve, whipped topping, and Vanilla Wafers, too! (Yes, please!)
The flavors for Dream Whips are always delicious - and always changing. So with more than one visit, you can work your way down the entire delicious list.
Darnell Farms
While you’re in town, add a short hike to a waterfall that sits right behind a fairy tale footbridge: Juney Whank Falls. It’s so magical!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Darnell Farms, 2300 Governors Island Rd, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA
