Taking kids to the area in April. Looking to hike, horseback ride, ride around, fish, etc. is this a decent area or should I look on the TN side? Don't need total tourist areas like I hear gatlinburg is but some good restaurants and reasonable accommodations would be nice. Prefer a cabin. Thanks

If your kids are 10 or under, I bet they would enjoy the Polar Express Train ride.  They dress up in their pajamas and its kind of like the movie from what I understand.  Cherokee is not far and they do have some nice Native American museums along with demonstrations of Cherokee life.  Head into downtown Sylva which is about 15 minutes from Bryson.  Eat at this little place called the Coffee Shop.  You'll see a large bear statue out front.  The food is awesome and its a great little local diner.  I love that area or NC.  I went to college at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee and it has that nice small town atmosphere.  I remember the mayor of Cullowhee was also the barber and I got quite a few haircuts there.

Kids will enjoy the train ride.

I'm just glad you have plans to enjoy the area. It's the most visited NP in America, but 90% of the people never get out of their cars.

Leaning towards watershed cabin rental near Bryson city if anyone has knowledge of them

I have been there a few times on a motorcycle event. Nice little town. The