A family getaway to Bryson City, NC filled with fishing on the Nantahala River, hiking through Cataloochee Valley, spotting elk in the Smokies, and relaxing at the Dogwood Branch cabin near Fontana Lake.

Climbing Frying Pan Tower isn’t just about the views—it’s about the little moments along the way. The hike itself is a steady mile up an old service road, easy enough for kids but just challenging enough to feel rewarding. At the top, a weathered fire tower rises above the trees, swaying slightly in the wind and daring you to climb. For us, it turned into more than a hike—it became an afternoon of adventure with Waylon on the tower and a simple truckbed picnic that made the day unforgettable.