Deep forest hiking with waterfalls, vistas, abundant streams and ease of access. The AT, a national scenic trail, is a footpath that stretches 2,100 miles from Maine to Georgia. The most famous off road driving area is the Tellico OHV area in the Tusquitee Ranger District, and there is also an OHV area in the Nantahala Ranger District. Panthertown Valley, known as the "Yosemite of the East", is located just outside of Brevard, NC just west of Lake Toxaway in Cashiers, NC. Creekwood Resort RV Park & Cabins (21+ community) 33.5 miles away from Nantahala. Hotels near Nantahala Outdoor Center, Hartford on Tripadvisor: Find 4,710 traveler reviews, 3,523 candid photos, and prices for 572 hotels near Nantahala Outdoor Center in Hartford, TN. With all there is to do in the beautiful Lake Nantahala, Smoky Mountains area, to include water sports, boating, fishing, white water rafting, hiking trails, zip lines, this is your perfect base for a great vacation. At 3000 feet elevation, Nantahala Lake is the second highest lake in the eastern US — a crystal clear lake with boating, fishing and natural beauty. 64. Whiteside Mountain Trail is rated more difficult because of its steepness. The Nantahala Ranger District includes attractions such as Standing Indian Mountain, the Nantahala Gorge and Wayah Bald. Take Alum Cave Trail to the summit of… Find unique places to stay with local hosts in 191 countries. Each year, thousands enjoy the thrill of a rafting or kayaking trip down the Nantahala. At William's Pulpit there are views of Mill Creek Country Club and the valley from a 100-ft.-long rock shelf. There are 77 moderate trails in Nantahala National Forest ranging from 1.3 to 43.1 km and from 445 to 1,752 meters above sea level. The last eight miles of the river is one of the nation's most popular whitewater venues. There is a lot of information out there about the great outdoors but not all of it is useful. #8 - Whitewater Falls to Whitewater River Trail. Enjoy a day at the beach in Nantahala National Forest at the Jackrabbit Mountain trail system. Three Wilderness areas are located within the Nantahala National Forest. Attractions: A two-mile loop trail climbs above the sheer 750-foot high cliffs and offers outstanding views to the east, south, and west. There are spring and summer wildflowers along the trail and a cascading waterfall within 5 min. Off the beaten path trail with views and waterfalls. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! Your email address will not be published. Mountain View Breathtaking and expansive views of the Smokey Mountains from the deck are amazing! Hikers can pick up trails to Dry Falls on the Cullasaja River, as well as trails in and around Cliffside Lake Recreation Area directly from the campground. Devil's Courthouse and Black Balsam are two short moderate to strenuous out and back trails off North Carolina's Blue Ridge Parkway featuring spectacular sweeping views, wild flowers and peregrine falcons. Whitewater Falls, one of Nantahala National Forest's most recognizable places, and a short hike accessible to all. Hikes … Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! Annual pass available for $15; One-day or season permits are also valid at Whiteside Mountain and at Dry Falls. With over 600 miles of trails, opportunities exist for hikers, mountain bikers, horse-back riders and off-highway vehicle riders. Cast a line in the nearby Nantahala Lake, take a memorable rafting trip down the river, or just enjoy your peaceful space and chill out next to the campfire playing instruments and singing old-time tunes. This trail is not considered wheelchair or stroller friendly due to the steep sections with a grade of up to 20%. The trail joins the Appalachian Trail briefly, then descends to Nantahala Lake. Of the many trails in this area, this route provides the most bang for your buck. A landmark along the Eastern Continental Divide, Whiteside Mountain rises to an elevation of 4,930 feet. The name is appropriate as, in some spots, the sun only reaches the floors of the deep gorges of the forest when high overhead at midday. Extend your hike to a 5-mile loop for mountaintop views and another waterfall. Partially-paved trail to an overlook of the Falls then on to Whitewater River. Our entire team is committed to providing a friendly atmosphere, making our guest’s overall experience even that much better. When it comes to getting back to nature, hiking is one of the most popular past-times in the area, as Lake Nantahala’s beautiful surroundings has lent the area to excellent trails, including access to the Appalachian Trail. The lake has many inlets into coves and islands created from former mountain peaks. Located at and elevation of 3,000 feet in the Nantahala National Forest, the lake sits above the Nantahala Gorge and is known for its scenic beauty and crystal clear waters. Ready for some activity? #1 - Whiteside Mountain National Recreation Trail. You can also view some of our most popular Gear Recommendations here! This is a self service fee location. The surrounding towns have fun annual events such as craft shows, car shows, fairs and festivals. Your email address will not be published. Devil's Courthouse is also home to rare and delicate high-altitude plants. The word "Nantahala" is a Cherokee word meaning "Land of the Noonday Sun." Be sure to check out our gear recommendations as well as we earn a small commission on every item sold that helps keep the site up and running. And below our cabins, the Nantahala River offers world-class trout fishing and one of the south’s most popular whitewater sports venues. Black Balsam Knob - The Black Balsam area of the Blue Ridge Parkway includes several trails, including a spectacular mountain bald Black Balsam Knob. Popular camping area. Nantahala National Forest is minutes away. Short of a multi-day hike, Fontana Lake provides the … Cashiers and … Fee: $3 for vehicles with seven passengers or less; $1 per person for more than seven people traveling together in a vehicle. Click here for more National Park Hikes! At Nantahala Lake, there is plenty to do, from whitewater rafting on the river, to kayaking, boating, fishing, hiking and local events. There are a wide number of trails in this valley area of varying difficulty with many waterfalls and high vantage point outlooks to view the valley floor. The fully accessible portion to the Falls Overlook can be viewed here: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/whitewater-falls-overlook-trail Part of Section 4 of the 100-mile N.C. Bartram Trail. According to the sign at the overlook, the bare rock profile named Devil's Courthouse is sinister in appearance and legend. All rooms have kitchens and washers/dryers. The first quarter mile passes through a thick Balsam Grove and next abruptly breaks out onto the wide grassy ridge. Lake. #9 - Wesser Bald Fire Tower via Appalachian Trail. Whiteside Mountain National Recreation Trail, Schoolhouse Falls, Little Green Mountain, Greenland Creek Falls Trails Loop, Bartram Trail: Wallace Branch to William's Pulpit, Whitewater Falls to Whitewater River Trail, Wesser Bald Fire Tower via Appalachian Trail. $3 per vehicle and an additional $1 per person. There are 77 moderate trails in Nantahala National Forest ranging from 0.8 to 26.8 miles and from 1,459 to 5,748 feet above sea level. In Cherokee lore, this cave is the private dancing chamber and dwelling place of the slant-eyed giant, Judaculla. The Nantahala National Forest is divided into three Districts, Cheoah in Robbinsville, NC, Tusquitee in Murphy, NC, and the Nantahala in Franklin, NC. Devils Courthouse Trail – 1.0 mile out and back. #5 - Schoolhouse Falls, Little Green Mountain, Greenland Creek Falls Trails Loop. It passes through open, grassy and rocky mountain meadows. (2.5-mile round-trip hike, moderate) This waterfall in Panthertown Valley in Nantahala National Forest is small, but really big on beauty with a great pool for a splash. Nantahala Lake … Nantahala is the largest of 4 national forests in North Carolina covering over 530,000 acres. Two long-distance trails cross the Nantahala National Forest, the Appalachian Trail (AT) and the Bartram Trail. While it is well known for it's hiking and mountain biking, it also has great trout fishing in the Nantahala River. This magnificent rock is about 390 to 460 million years old. Very short trail to the summit with panoramic views of NC, SC, GA, and TN. Cross Sam's Knob and continue to Black Balsam (about a mile). Hike North Carolina’s Nantahala National forest to stunning waterfalls and towering mountain summits near Highlands, Cashiers, Franklin & Sylva, NC. And near the top, there’s an observation deck overlooking the spectacular Nantahala Cascades. $39 starting/night The Nantahala Outdoor Center (noc.com) is a convenient base of operations for hiking the rugged, remote section of the trail between the Georgia border and North Carolina's Fontana Lake. The Nantahala National Forest, established in 1920, is a national forest located in the American state of North Carolina. Just above Cherokee Mountain Cabins, the beautiful Nantahala Lake is the second highest lake east of the Mississippi. Nantahala National Forest Wake up under the trees, next to glistening Santeetlah Lake. The Nantahala National Forest offers easy access to a wide variety of recreation options. This treeless mountaintop offers sweeping views of the Blue Ridge. The Upper Nantahala is one of the most scenic rivers in the mountains with numerous waterfalls and cascades Between the lake and the gorge, the Nantahala River drops almost a thousand feet creating some of Western North Carolina's most spectacular cascades and waterfalls. It is blazed in white with a chain of shelters spaced from 3 to 14 miles apart along the trail. Fish in the lake include walleye, crappie, sunfish, trout, and bass. #6 - Bartram Trail: Wallace Branch to William's Pulpit. The steep cliffs provide spectacular panoramic vistas and ideal hunting grounds for peregrine falcons. Devil's Courthouse - A moderate to strenuous 1 mile RT climb to a walled lookout above the Blue Ridge. Located in Topton, North Carolina, deep inside Nantahala National Forest, this yurt site is situated near the 30-mile shoreline of Nantahala Lake, surrounded by winding creeks, deep gorges, towering waterfalls, the Great Smoky Mountains, and half a million acres of forest. Most are easily seen from Wayah Road or Old RIver Road. If you enjoy the thrill of whitewater rafting, use your personal craft to raft the lower section of the Nantahala River or use local outfitters’ services. The eastern end is the Tuckasegee River near Bryson City. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. AllTrails has 133 great hiking trails, trail running trails, mountain biking trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers, and nature lovers like you. At Franklin, the trail turns west and ascends the Nantahala Mountains to Wayah Bald, which at 5,385 feet, is the highest point on the trail. Within the jagged mountain is a cave where the devil holds court, according to folklore. Ellicott Rock Wilderness is located near Highlands, North Carolina, the Southern Nantahala Wilderness is in the Tusquitee and Nantahala Ranger District, and there is also the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness. of the parking area. There’s ample swimming, fishing, and boating on the lake, plus you can hike on the nearby Wauchecha Bald Trail, which offers access to the Appalachian Trail. LONGER HIKES. Cheoah Point offers developed tent, RV, and cabin camping in a picturesque setting. These two hikes are highly recommended! The park features many western North Carolina waterfalls and the final stretch of the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway winds it's way through this forest. Nantahala Lake is 10 minutes away. The mostly paved trail starts from the overlook parking area beside the mountain. Check out the Sights. You will get wet. The Bartram Trail starts at the Nantahala River at the put-in, so you can explore it easily while in the Nantahala Gorge. From Appletree Campground, you can sightsee along the 61-mile Mountain Waters Scenic Byway. Belong anywhere with Airbnb. Parking is free, and this cabin also features a restaurant and a BBQ grill. Lake Nantahala Lake is famous for feeding the White Water of Nantahala Rafting river - but swimming, fishing & boating this fresh water lake is an unmistakable experience. The summit at 6214' is accessed via the Art Loeb trail while gaining about 400' in elevation. The Nantahala Hiking Club conducts hikes on most Saturdays, Sundays and occasional weekday hikes. In the Nantahala National Forest, visitors enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities from whitewater rafting to camping. Yet when you venture up the mountain above the Nantahala Gorge, there's an entirely different Nantahala — a scenic mountain river with world-class trout fishing and, at 3000 feet elevation, a crystal clear lake with boating, fishing and all kinds of … Dec 12, 2020 - Rent from people in Nantahala Gorge, NC from $20/night. Required fields are marked *. Through hikers can continue this trail to Wesser. Nantahala is a Cherokee word meaning “land of the noonday sun”. Sit back and relax while gliding over Fontana Lake and through Nantahala National Forest and the Nantahala Gorge. Dry Falls Trail – 0.3 miles out and back. Located 4 miles West of Highlands on US Hwy. Nantahala Cabins can connect you to many relaxing and active adventures. The word "Nantahala" is a Cherokee word that translates to "Land of the Noonday Sun. There are also great opportunities for off road driving. View deals for Lake Nantahala-Smoky Mountain Cabins, including fully refundable rates with free cancellation. This trail goes behind a waterfall. Depending on water levels, the lake is about 17 miles (27 km) long. Take an easy paddle in stable recreational kayaks or Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) whilst exploring stunning Fontana Lake. It is a courtesy to the driver to chip in for gas after the hike. As you hike with the Nantahala Hiking Club certain people agree to drive to the trailhead, taking two to three hikers. Many trails lace the various mountain ranges within Nantahala National Forest's boundaries. Photo by Frances Davis. Van Hook Glade is a scenic, secluded campground in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest, with close proximity to hiking trails, scenic views, waterfalls and Cliffside Lake — … From the shelter of Alum Cave, one can see Mount LeConte. The NHC Board has suggested 10 cents a mile as a fair return. With 531,270 acres in Macon, Graham, Cherokee, Jackson, Clay, and Swain counties, Nantahala National Forest is the largest of North Carolina's four national forests. Walk about 1/2 mile through the forest to reach the open, grassy and rocky mountain meadows. Looking for a great trail in Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina? Nature's Paradise. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window). It's just a mile down the road! Hikes here vary from rugged trails taking you to the top of 700-foot high cliffs on … Fontana Lake divides the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Nantahala National Forest, … I created ‘Trailhead Traveler’ for those wanting to know the can’t miss hikes on their next upcoming trip; the trails that will stay in your memory long after you’ve left. https://www.alltrails.com/.../bartram-trail-winding-stairs-to-nantahala-lake The trail offers a steady climb up the ridges and peaceful forests. It is a beautiful hike with amazing views and worth the visit! The lake has 29 miles of shoreline, much of which is undeveloped and managed by the U.S. Forest Service and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Trailhead Traveler - HIKE CALIFORNIA - Unisex T-Shirt, Trailhead Traveler - HIKE MONTANA - Unisex T-Shirt, 6 Best Day Hikes in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, 9 Best Day Hikes in Sequoia National Park, 6 Best Day Hikes in Crater Lake National Park, 10 Best Day Hikes in Grand Teton National Park, 4 Best Day Hikes in Pinnacles National Park, 8 Best Day Hikes in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, 5 Best Day Hikes in White Sands National Park, 5 Best Day Hikes in Indiana Dunes National Park. The mountain's cliffs look like sheets of ice draped across the mountain. Trailhead Traveler’s Recommended Hikes in Nantahala National Forest. I hope you are able to get some good use out of it! Or go for an adrenaline-pumping mountain bike ride at renowned Tsali Recreation Area or NOC's Flint Ridge Trail. 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