Directions:
From the ranger station near Robbinsville, turn left (west)
onto NC 143. After 2.3 miles turn right onto SR 1127. Travel
slightly more than 2 miles and bear left at a fork onto SR 1115.
After 2 miles the road turns sharply to the left. After another
mile, cross a bridge and turn right (and cross another bridge)
onto SR 1120. The road dead-ends after 6 miles (4 miles of which
is gravel) at the trailheads.
Activities:
Camping, bathrooms, fishing.
Facilities:
None.
Fees:
None.
Closest town:
Robbinsville, 13 miles.
For more information:
Snowbird
The Snowbird backcountry area lies in the Snowbird Creek basin
near the convergence of the Snowbird and Unicoi mountain ranges.
For centuries the area was hunted by the Cherokee, and due to its
steep and rugged terrain, it was one of the last areas in Western
North Carolina to be settled by European pioneers.
In the nearby town of Robbinsville lies the grave of Chief Junaluska,
the Cherokee chief who saved Andrew Jackson's life in the 1814
Battle of Horseshoe against the Creek Indians. Years later, Jackson
betrayed his rescuer when he signed the Indian Removal Act, and
in turn the great Cherokee leader earned the name we know him by—Junaluska,
meaning "he tried repeatedly but failed." A short walk
from NC 143 just west of town leads up a flight of steps to the
well-maintained grave and memorial plaque to the chief; his wife,
Nicie, is buried next to him. During the Trail of Tears when the
Cherokee were moved to Oklahoma, a number of Cherokee, led by Tsali
, escaped exile by hiding in the remote wilderness of the Snowbirds.
Today, approximately 300 direct descendants of these families live
in the Little Snowbird community.
In 1943, the federal government acquired the Snowbird area as
part of the Nantahala National Forest. Seven hiking trails covering
37 miles ascend the surrounding ranges and follow the Snowbird
and Sassafras creeks. Like the nearby wilderness trails, these
are purposely kept primitive and rugged; they are rated "easiest," "more
difficult," and "most difficult" on the forest service
map of the area. Big Snowbird Trail , for example, crosses the
stream numerous times without the aid of bridges or footlogs. After
heavy rains, trails may be impassable. Other trails in the area
include Burntrock Ridge, King Meadows, Middle Falls, Mitchell Lick,
Sassafras Creek, and Snowbird Mountain. Snowbird Creek offers excellent
fishing opportunities for brook trout, rainbow trout , and brown
trout, although some fishing sites are accessible only by hiking
along Big Snowbird Trail or wading upstream.
Sassafras Falls, Big Falls, Middle Falls, and Upper Falls are
four waterfalls within
the Snowbird Creek basin. These falls are all accessed off Big
Snowbird Creek Trail, and some strenuous hiking is required to
reach them.
For those wishing for a break from the wilderness experience,
fine lodging and dining are available near Santeetlah Gap at the
historic Snowbird Mountain Lodge. Listed on the National Register
of Historic Places, the 22-room lodge features breathtaking views
from a number of decks and overlooks, comfortable accommodations,
and gourmet dinner and breakfast to rival any found in more likely
locations such as Asheville or Highlands.
Elevation: Snowbird Creek, 2,200 feet, to Hooper Bald, 5,429
feet.
