Nantahala National Forest
Mountains surpassing 5000 feet, cascading waterfalls, towering hardwood forests and whitewater foaming over the backs of boulders--these are the sights awaiting you in the Nantahala National Forest. Enjoy the panoramic views from Whiteside Mountain or Wayah Bald. A 2-mile loop trail to the top of the Whiteside cliffs, provides a spectacular view. Wayah Bald is especially beautiful in June when the azaleas and laurel bloom. Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, with it's 400-year old trees, is another breathtaking sight, as is Whitewater Falls - the highest falls east of the Rocky Mountains.
Highlights of the Nantahala National Forest
Nantahala National Forest Map and facilities list
Nantahala facilities information including day-use, camping and picnicking.
The Nantahala River
The feature attraction of the region is a magnificent river gorge. Nantahala
means "land of the noonday sun" because the steep gorge only gets
direct sunlight during the middle of the day. The Nantahala River is a mecca
for whitewater sports enthusiasts. You can bring your own kayak or raft, or
rent one when you get there.
Mountain Waters National Scenic Byway-
Some of the most beautiful and spectacular scenery in the southern Appalachians
includes two river gorges and rural countryside. There is easy access to a wide
variety of adventure on this 61.3 mile drive that winds through southern Appalachian
hardwood forest, two spectacular river gorges, and rural countryside. From Highlands
to Almond, the route follows US 64, old US 64, NC 1310, and US 19 through Nantahala
National Forest. For the first 7.5 miles, the by-way travels through picturesque
Cullasaja Gorge. The winding road parallels the river's most rugged course and
offers scenic views of the river and waterfalls. If you stop at Bridal Veil
Falls along the way, your car can get a natural car wash.
Hiking Trails-
Hundreds of miles of hiking trails wind through Nantahala. It's a great place
to enjoy the peace and wonder of nature, whatever your hiking ability.
Camping -
The Nantahala National Forest offers full-featured campgrounds as well as primitive
and group campgrounds. Visit the National Forest Map and Facilities page for
locations of campgrounds. Get the official NFS info for mountain camping (PDF
format) and info about reserving sites. We do not make reservations for camping,
nor do we have anything else to do with the campgrounds.
Tsali Recreation Area-
Bike and Horse area on Fontana Lake, also offers camping and boat launch facilities.
Joyce Kilmer / Slickrock area
No poetry is likely to convey the magnificence of the southern Appalachian virgin
hardwood forest that you will find in the memorial forest named for the author
of the poem "Trees".
Waterfalls, Lakes & Rivers
The Nantahala National Forest is a great place for water lovers. Along with
the namesake river and gorge, there are impressive waterfalls, including the
highest waterfall in the east - Whitewater Falls.
Ranger Stations More Nantahala National Forest Info
Cheoah Ranger District
Route 1, Box 16-A
Robbinsville, NC 28771
(828) 479-6431
Directions:
On US 129, north of Robbinsville.
Highlands Ranger District
2010 Flat Mountain Rd.
Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 526-3765
Directions:
Just off US 64, east of Highlands.
Tusquitee Ranger District
201 Woodland Dr.
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 837-5152
Directions:
Off US 64, east of Murphy.
Wayah Ranger District
90 Sloan Rd.
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-6441
Directions:
Turn at sign on US 614, west of Franklin.
TUSQUITEE DISTRICT
Fire's Creek Rim Trail-
Complete loop; 25 miles -Open to horses and hikers
Attractions:
As the name implies, this trail follows a high, elongated rim around Fire's
creek. It features scenic views, heath and grassy balds, and a mixed hardwood
forest with rhododendron and wildflowers. The trail is blazed in blue, but signs
and blazes are sparse. Several side trails provide opportunities for exploration
or alternate access points. Most people begin the trail at the Fire's Creek
Picnic Area on the Trail to Leatherwood Falls. For a short walk, the 0.7-mile
loop trail turns left and returns to the parking lot; the Rim Trail bends right
and climbs to the ridge. Water is infrequent along the trail, so be sure to
carry an adequate supply.
Maps:
USGS quads: Andrews, Hayesville, Topton.
Directions:
From Hayesville, on U.S. 64W, take NC 1301 northeast 3 miles to NC 1300. Then
travel west 5.7 miles to FR 1344 (at Fire's Creek sign). Drive north 1.6 miles
to Fire's Creek parking area.
Upper Tellico Off-road Vehicle Area
0.8 mile to 5.8 miles-all users
Attractions:
The Upper Tellico area is a high-elevation basin formed by the Unicoi Mounatins.
It is one of the few areas in the national Forest in North Carolina where off-road
vehicles may be used. the ORV trails are a network of old logging roads and
skid trails that range from"easy" to "most difficult". the
trails are open to all uses--trail bikes, all-terrain vejicles, and four-wheel
drive vehicles--except one trail that is open to ATV use only. Some badly-eroded
routes have been closed to allow the land to heal and to protect water quality.
Maps:
Upper Tellico ORV Map
Directions:
From Murphy, go north on NC 1326 (Joe Brown Highway) for 2.8 miles. Turn right
on NC 1331 for 5.5 miles. Turn right on NC 1337 (Davis Creek Rd.). Go 5 miles
to the top of the mountain and Allen Gap staging area. (NC 1337 becomes a gravel
road--FR 420.)
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CHEOH DISTRICT
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Trail
1 to 2 miles--open to hikers only.
Attractions:
The easy figure-8 loop trails wind through a dark, enchanetd forest, now a part
of the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness, is dedicated as a living monument
to Joyce Kilmer. A memorial plaque, near the center of the grove of huge trees,
remembers the soldier and poet who was killed in action in World War I at the
age of 31. Kilmer's most famous poem is "Trees": "I think that
I shall never see a poem as lovely as a tree..." A small picnic area and
restroom are available near the trailhead parking area. Information is dispensed
from the car of a knowledgeable employee who can answer questions and supply
handouts from April to October.
Maps:
Nantahala National Forest, Joyce Kilmer Brochure.
Directions:
From Robbinsville, take NC 1116 (Massey Branch Rd.), off NC 129, about 2 miles.
At the stop sign, turn right onto NC 1127 about 10 miles to Joyce Kilmer Rd.
Turn left at the signs.
Snowbird Backcountry Area
1.1 miles to 12.7 miles--Open to hikers only.
Attractions:
This area around Snowbird Creek contains a network of over 37 miles of trails
ranging from 1.1 miles to 12.7 miles in length, and from "easy" to
"most difficult" in skill level. Big Snowbird watershed belonged to
a lumber company in the 1920's and '30's, and a narrow guage railroad extended
up Snowbird Creek. Like many places in the national forest, this land was acquired
bu the Federal government only after 100 million board feet of timber was removed.
Today, with time and careful management, the forest has regrown and the creek,
once muddied with silt, runs clear and sparkling again. Big Falls and Middle
Falls, 4 and 5 miles up the trail, make good destinations for day hikes. Big
Snowbird Trail (#64) crosses the stream seven times; during heavy rainstorms
these crossings may become impassable. An alternative trail, 64-A, requires
only one stream crossing to reach Middle Falls.
Maps:
Snowbird Area Trail Map
Directions:
From the district office, turn left on to NC 116 and go 2.4 miles to a stop
sign. Turn right onto NC 1127, go 2 miles, and bear left at the fork-in-the-road
onto SR 115. Go 2.1 miles to where NC 1115 turns sharply left (just past Robinson's
Grocery). Make the turn and go 1 mile to a pair of bridges. At the end of the
second bridge, turn right on NC 1120; it becomes FR 75 (gravel). Follow the
gravel road about 6 miles to the end. The trailheads are at a former logging
camp.
Tsali Trails
Attractions:
The Tsali trail system of four loops winds through mixed hardwood forest on
a peninsula that stretches into Fontana Lake. The loops range from 6.5 miles
to 11.9 miles. These trails rated as "most difficult", are especially
popular to mountain bikers. While hikers may travel the trails on any day, the
bikers and equestrians are kept seperated by alternating use of the trails.
A schedule is posted at the trailheads. Nearby facilities include a bike washing
station, a developed campground with showers and flush toilets, a boat ramp,
and picnic tables. More information can be found on our Tsali page.
Maps:
Tsali Recreation Area brochure, Noland Creek USGS Quad.
Directions:
Fom Bryson City, take US 19 S. 9 miles, turn right on NC 28 for 5.5 miles. Turn
right at the sign for Tsali Recreation Area on FR 521 (gravel) for 1.5 Miles.
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WAYAH DISTRICT
Standing Indian Basin Trails
0.1 mile to 32 miles--some trails open to horses.
Attractions:
The Standing Indian basin is a horseshoe-shaped drainage formed by the Nantahala
and Blue Ridge Mountains with several peaks over 5,000 feet high. A network
of trails leads to waterfalls and mountain peaks. Pickens Nose Trail (0.7 mile
-nice name, huh?) climbs through mature oak forest to a promontory on Brushy
Ridge. Waslik Poplar Trail (0.6 mile) leads to the Nation's second largest yelow-poplar
tree. The Appalachian Trail (AT) crosses the mountain peaks for 32 miles through
this area, and the trail passes in and out of the Southern Nantahala Wilderness.
You can use the AT to complete trail loops. Over 16 miles of orange-blazed trail
are open to horses. The trailhead is signed to show the designated users. Primitive
camping for horses is availabke at Hurricane Creek beyond Standing Indian Campground,
a developed campground with showers, flush toilets and picnicking.
Maps:
Southern Nantahala Wilderness and Standing Indian Basin Map.
Directions:
From Franklin, take US 64W for 9 miles. Turn left on old 64 for 2 miles. Turn
right on FR 67 (gravel) toward Standing Indian Campground. There are several
trailheads.
Appletree Trail
Hikers only. This 2.2-mile most-difficult trail climbs 1,640 feet in elevation
and connects with four other area trails (Junaluska Trail, Valley Trail, London
Bald Trail, Laurel Creek Trail). With two stream crossings, the trail meanders
through an array of wildflowers.
Directions:
From Franklin, take U.S. 64 west for about 3 miles. Turn right at LBJ/Wayah
signs and take first left beside Loafer’s Glory Store onto Wayah Road
(SR 1310), which goes over Wayah Gap and past Nantahala Lake. After passing
Lake’s End Store, take first left onto Junaluska Road (SR 1401), toward
Andrews for about 2.5 miles to Appletree Group Campground. To access, park or
walk across the road from Appletree Branch and follow the blue blazes to the
right of the branch.
London Bald Trail
Hikers only. A length of 9 miles one-way, this trail climbs and contours a side
slope at a high elevation and travels through a fern-covered forest floor. This
most-difficult trail connects with the Appletree Trail and Bartram Trail.
Directions:
From Franklin, take U.S. 64 west for about 3 miles. Turn right at LBJ/Wayah
signs and take first left beside Loafer’s Glory Store onto Wayah Road
(SR 1310), which goes over Wayah Gap and past Nantahala Lake. After passing
Lake’s End Store, take first left onto Junaluska Road (SR 1401), toward
Andrews for about 2.5 miles to Appletree Group Campground. Accessed by the Appletree
campground or by Junaluska Road (SR 1401).
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HIGHLANDS DISTRICT
Whiteside Mtn. Recreational Trail
2-mile loop--open to hikers only.
Attractions:
This national recreation trail is rated "more difficult". From the
trailhead, the old roadbed to the left is a more gradual climb to the summit,
while the right branch goes up a steep set of stairs. Your effort is rewarded
by a magnificent view into South Carolina and over the Chatooga River headwaters
over 2100 feet below. the rock outcrops have an abundance of shrubs and wildflowers,
including three species of both rhododendron and azaleas. the mountain summit
stands at 4,930 feet. Whiteside Mountain, a landmark on the eastern continental
divide, has sheer cliffs rising up to 750 feet in height. these cliffs are home
to the endangered peregrine falcon that was reintroduced back to it's native
range beginning in 1985.
Maps:
USGS Highlands quad, Nantahala National Forest.
Directions:
From Highlands, take US 64E for about 5 miles. Turn right on NC 1680 (Whiteside
Mtn. Rd.) and follow the signs to the trailhead.
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LONGER HIKES
Two long-distance trails cross the Nantahala National Forest, the Appalachian
Trail (AT) and the Bartram Trail.
The AT, a national scenic trail, is a footpath that stretches 2,100 miles from Maine to Georgia. It is blazed in white with a chain of shelters spaced from 3 to 14 miles apart along the trail. Generally, it follows the ridgecrest of the Appalachian Mountains. Over 88 miles of the AT cross Nantahala National Forest from Fontana Dam to the Georgia State line. Detailed guidebooks for the AT are available at district offices or from the Appalachian Trail Conference, P.O. Box 807, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425-0807.
The Bartram Trail is a national recreation trail that travels across the Nantahala National Forest from the Nantahala Gorge east and south into Georgia. The trail takes it's name from William Bartram, a naturalist and explorer who roamed the southern wilderness from Florida to North Carolina 200 years ago.
Bartarm studied plants and animals and recorded many of his findings in a journal
published as The Travels of William Bartram. The trail is blazed in yellow for
over 70 miles as it crosses Nantahala National Forest.
TREES
I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth's sweet' flowing breast.
A tree that looks at God all day
And lifts her leafy arms to pray.
A tree that may in summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair.
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.
-Joyce Kilmer
From - Trees and Other Poems by Joyce Kilmer
Copyright 1914 by Doublday and Company Inc.
The Memorial Forest
This Forest is one of the most impressive remnants of our Nation's virgin wilderness. Here, where the headwaters of great rivers rise, immense trees grow in the natural set- ting that was theirs when this region was the unexplored hunting ground of the Cherokees.
Many of the huge trees are hundreds of years old. Some of them are twenty feet around the base and more than a hundred feet high. They include yellow poplar, hem- lock, sycamore, basswood, dogwood, beech, several species of oak, and many others.
In addition to the trees, there is an out- standing variety of shrubs, vines, ferns, mosses, lichens, liverworts, and herbaceous plants. In the spring wild flowers take ad vantage of sunlight which will not be avail able after the hardwood trees are covered with shade producing leaves.
Rhododendron, mountain laurel and azalea are to be found in bloom in the late spring and early summer.
Though this forest is undisturbed by man, it is ever-changing. Some trees die so others may live. Many species of vegetation would be eliminated without occasional openings in the treetops to admit sunlight. Insects and plant diseases take their tolL At many places on the forest floor you will see remnants of massive American chestnut trees which, prior to 1925, composed a large part of the timber stand. The chestnut blight disease, accident ally introduced from Asia, has now killed all of the mature trees. Occasional sprouts may still be found.
The memorial tract is maintained in its primitive and natural state. No plants living or dead may be cut or removed.
JOYCE KILMER SLICKROCK WILDERNESS
The Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest is part of the 14,000-acre Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock
Wilderness. This area lies in the watersheds of Little Santeetlah and Slickrock
creeks, which are separated by the ridge between Stratton Bald and Haoe. There
are more than 60 miles of hiking trails in this wilderness that follow ridge
tops or cool mountain streams. Hunting and fishing are permitted in accordance
with state laws.
Waterfalls, Lakes and Rivers
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Water in the mountains comes deep and wide, or fast and "on the rocks". The Nantahala National Forest is blessed by numerous lakes, plus hundreds of miles of rivers and streams, including two nationally recognized wild and scenic rivers.
Santeelah, and Fontana are large, popular lakes for boating, water skiing, and fishing. Recreation areas, beside the lakes, provide camping, picnicking, and boat ramps.
In the Tusquitee District, three reservoirs in beautiful mountain settings provide a playground for recreation enthusiasts. Hiwassee Lake, Chatuge Lake, and Appalachia Lake offer boating, water skiing, fishing, and swimming, as well as a quiet place to relax and enjoy nature’s wonders. Chatuge Lake is excellent for sailing and also has a swimming beach at Jackrabbit recreation area. The Hiwassee and Appalachia Lakes are located west of Murphy, along the Hiwassee River. Chatuge Lake spans the Georgia-North Carolina State line, south of Hayesville.
Swimming is also available at Cliffside Lake in the Highlands District. It is a small lake with a picnic area and campground nearby.
A trip down one of the whitewater rivers of western North Carolina is bound to be a wet, wild experience. Whether you're an experienced paddler or a novice, there's an adventure waiting for you. Commercial river outfitters cam help plan a trip to fit your skill level and provide any equipment you might need.
The Nantahala River is one of the most popular whitewater rivers in the country, drawing over 250,000 boaters every year. With the river right beside US 19, south of Bryson City, the Nantahala provides a whitewater experience that's fun to watch, as well as to do. An overlook and walkway gives spectators a thrilling view of boaters running the final series of rapids and a small waterfall before the take-out point.
WATERFALLS
There's something magical about watching the crystal clear water of a mountain stream dancing over the rocks. the sense of awe magnifies as the water tumbles faster and wilder, until it plunges over a cliff. Perhaps you're drawn to waterfalls because you can't see them just anywhere, or maybe there's something about being near the awesome power of falling water that's so enticing.
Whatever it is, there's a real danger in getting too close to waterfalls. Wet rocks are often slick, and a slip above a waterfall can be FATAL. With care and common sense, you can safely experience the sight and sounds of these spectacular waterfalls;
Highlands Area
Whitewater Falls
At 411 feet, the highest falls east of the Rockies. From Cashiers, take NC 107
south 10 miles to the NC/SC line, then travel another mile and take the first
paved road to the left. Fee site.
Silver Run Falls
A 30-foot falls spilling into a pool of water. Off NC 107, 4.1 miles south of
Cashiers. Park in the pull-off on the left and take the short, easy trail to
the base.
Bridal Veil Falls
Falls of 120 feet that you can drive your car under. Off US 64, 3.5 miles west
of Highlands, 16.5 miles east of Franklin in the Cullasaja Gorge.
Lower Cullasaja Falls
A cascading waterfall about 250 feet high. Off US 64, 11 miles east of Franklin,
9 miles west of Highlands in the Cullasaja Gorge. Visible from your car.
Glen Falls
A steep, rough 1-mile trail leads to the falls. three large waterfalls make
up Glen Falls and each drops about 60 feet. From Highlands, travel 3 miles south
on NC 106. Turn left on a gravel forest road at the sign.
Lower Satulah Falls
A high, narrow waterfall visible from the overlook, 2.5 miles south of Highlands
on US 28.
Franklin Area
Big Laurel Falls
This pretty waterfall is located 5 miles past Standing Indian Campground. The
easy, 0.5-mile trail to the base of
Big Laurel Falls follows the path of an old logging railroad.