Just up Newfound Road from the visitor center is Mingus Mill, a restored grist mill. Mingus Mill was built by German immigrant John Mingus in 1886. The mill is powered by a 19th century water turbine. Mingus Mill is open daily during the summer and on weekends during the spring and fall. Deep Creek is a heavily used campground just outside Bryson City.
Deep Creek offers tubing, swimming and hiking.
Fontana Village and Fontana Marina are located at the southwestern edge of the park, along N.C. 28. Fontana Village was built to house workers constructing Fontana Dam. When the dam was finished the workers left. Fontana Village sat empty for a year until a private business turned it into a vacation resort. It is now a year-round resort with a pool, recreation hall, square dancing, hiking, biking, boating and more.