Unique top-of-the-mountain opportunity in the heart of the Nantahala Gorge recreation area. This 6.45+/- acre property consists of two adjoining lots with three established pad sites, incredible long-range views of the Great Smoky Mountains, and direct adjacency to National Forest. Located at the end of the road below Wesser Bald, the setting offers exceptional privacy, high elevation, rock outcroppings, and unobstructed mountain views, with the property owning the land in front of the view corridor. The upper pad site features a gazebo positioned to enjoy the mountain scenery. The middle pad site was planned for the main residence and includes a well and septic system in place for a 2 bedroom, 2 bath home. The lower lot is improved with a large shop-style structure featuring oversized RV-type garage doors, abundant windows, and the potential to be finished into a 1 bedroom, 1 bath retreat with septic still needed. Stacked stone entry columns create a striking entrance to the property. The original vision was to use the lower structure as a garage/workshop for RVs and vehicles, build the main home on the middle pad, and enjoy the upper gazebo site as a scenic overlook. With multiple usable sites already in place, this property offers outstanding flexibility for a private mountain retreat, recreational basecamp, workshop, or future residence. Enjoy absolute peace and privacy at the top of the mountain while remaining just minutes from the Nantahala Outdoor Center, whitewater rafting, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, the Appalachian Trail area, and endless outdoor recreation. A truly distinctive property with views, privacy, USFS frontage, and remarkable potential in one of Western North Carolina's most sought-after mountain recreation destinations.
Single-familyProperty Type
2008Year Built
6.45 acresLot Size
$267Price/Sq.Ft.
$50/moHOA Dues
2 car garageParking
Listed by Karyn Woody• Mountain Sotheby's International Realty
Unique top-of-the-mountain opportunity in the heart of the Nantahala Gorge recreation area. This 6.45+/- acre property consists of two adjoining lots with three established pad sites, incredible long-range views of the Great Smoky Mountains, and direct adjacency to National Forest. Located at the end of the road below Wesser Bald, the setting offers exceptional privacy, high elevation, rock outcroppings, and unobstructed mountain views, with the property owning the land in front of the view corridor. The upper pad site features a gazebo positioned to enjoy the mountain scenery. The middle pad site was planned for the main residence and includes a well and septic system in place for a 2 bedroom, 2 bath home. The lower lot is improved with a large shop-style structure featuring oversized RV-type garage doors, abundant windows, and the potential to be finished into a 1 bedroom, 1 bath retreat with septic still needed. Stacked stone entry columns create a striking entrance to the property. The original vision was to use the lower structure as a garage/workshop for RVs and vehicles, build the main home on the middle pad, and enjoy the upper gazebo site as a scenic overlook. With multiple usable sites already in place, this property offers outstanding flexibility for a private mountain retreat, recreational basecamp, workshop, or future residence. Enjoy absolute peace and privacy at the top of the mountain while remaining just minutes from the Nantahala Outdoor Center, whitewater rafting, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, the Appalachian Trail area, and endless outdoor recreation. A truly distinctive property with views, privacy, USFS frontage, and remarkable potential in one of Western North Carolina's most sought-after mountain recreation destinations.
GAMLS #10802483
Jul 9, 2026
Listed
$599,000
$267/sq ft
+24
Unique top-of-the-mountain opportunity in the heart of the Nantahala Gorge recreation area. This 6.45+/- acre property consists of two adjoining lots with three established pad sites, incredible long-range views of the Great Smoky Mountains, and direct adjacency to National Forest. Located at the end of the road below Wesser Bald, the setting offers exceptional privacy, high elevation, rock outcroppings, and unobstructed mountain views, with the property owning the land in front of the view corridor. The upper pad site features a gazebo positioned to enjoy the mountain scenery. The middle pad site was planned for the main residence and includes a well and septic system in place for a 2 bedroom, 2 bath home. The lower lot is improved with a large shop-style structure featuring oversized RV-type garage doors, abundant windows, and the potential to be finished into a 1 bedroom, 1 bath retreat with septic still needed. Stacked stone entry columns create a striking entrance to the property. The original vision was to use the lower structure as a garage/workshop for RVs and vehicles, build the main home on the middle pad, and enjoy the upper gazebo site as a scenic overlook. With multiple usable sites already in place, this property offers outstanding flexibility for a private mountain retreat, recreational basecamp, workshop, or future residence. Enjoy absolute peace and privacy at the top of the mountain while remaining just minutes from the Nantahala Outdoor Center, whitewater rafting, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, the Appalachian Trail area, and endless outdoor recreation. A truly distinctive property with views, privacy, USFS frontage, and remarkable potential in one of Western North Carolina's most sought-after mountain recreation destinations.
Hive MLS #100587749
Jul 9, 2026
Listed
$599,000
$267/sq ft
Hive MLS #98512203
Dec 31, 2024
Listing Removed
—
Mar 11, 2024
Listed
$399,000
$178/sq ft
NEGBOR #325460
Sep 3, 2024
Relisted
—
May 7, 2024
Relisted
—
Mar 1, 2024
Relisted
—
Dec 1, 2023
Delisted
—
Nov 15, 2023
Price Changed
$399,000
$178/sq ft
May 30, 2023
Listed
$475,000
$212/sq ft
NEGBOR #330204
Feb 2, 2024
Relisted
—
Nov 30, 2023
Listed
$399,000
$178/sq ft
Hive MLS #98511547
Jan 1, 2024
Listing Removed
—
Dec 4, 2023
Listed
$399,000
$178/sq ft
CSAOR #26016627
Aug 12, 2020
Listed
$699,000
$312/sq ft
As the MLS and public records start to fill up, we'll list the details here.
Public record
Beds
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Lot size
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Year renovated
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Finished Sq. Ft.
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Unfinished Sq. Ft.
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Total Sq. Ft.
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Year built
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Style
Single Family Residential
County
Swain County
APN
652900475054
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Basement
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Accessible
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HOA Dues
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Garage
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Last updated by owner on Sep 19, 2026.
Climate risks
1/10 Flood Factor
Minimal risk of a flood reaching the building in the next 30 years
2/10 Fire Factor
0.00% chance of being in a wildfire in next 30 years
2/10 Heat Factor
5 days above 91° expected this year, 15 days in 30 years
2/10 Wind Factor
Minor risk of severe winds over next 30 years
5/10 Air Factor
6 unhealthy days expected this year, 8 days in 30 years
Provided by First Street
Historical weather
Bryson City, NC • 28713
Average low and high temperatures (°F)
45
23
55
31
67
39
74
47
74
54
83
61
86
67
81
63
77
59
70
46
62
39
52
30
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sun exposure
73/ 100
Good sunlight
Sunscore
There appears to be minimal shading by surrounding buildings, terrain, and vegetation.
8.5 hrs
4.6 hrs
JuneDecember
Provided by Shadowmap
Redfin Estimate for 235 Rios Dr
$585,099
$14K under list price of $599K
Nearby comparable homes
The Redfin Estimate uses 6 recent nearby sales, priced between $375K to $765K.