Nantahala National Forest
Nantahala National Forest - The Mountain waters Scenic byway, Camping, Hiking and even Whitewater rafting - why wait!
The Nantahala National Forest was born in 1920 in the great state of North Carolina. Do you know how it was named? The Cherokee named if for the 'Land of the Noonday Sun', because the gorges are so deep, that the sun only shines on the bottom in the middle of the day! Nestled in the valleys and beautiful mountains, the Nantahala National Forest is one of four in the state.
Two of the early explorers to the Nantahala National Forest were William Bartram and Spanish Conquistador Hernando De Soto. You should consider exploring this wonderful area too. It is a sightseeing adventure that won't soon be forgotten.
You will find a couple of famous tourist destinations in the Nantahala National Forest. Be sure to stop by the Outdoor Center and of course, the river itself. The river is a great place to enjoy a little white water rafting. One of the places that people seek in the Nantahala National Forest is the Nantahala River itself. Bring along a raft of Kayak, or rent one when you get there. The whitewater fun awaits.
The Nantahala National Forest is a great place for a hike. There are hundreds of trails to be explored. Other activities that you can enjoy here are camping and picnicking. Ride a motorcycle for a truly unique experience.
Rise from only 1200 feet in elevation near the Hiwassee River to almost 6,000 feet at Lone Bald as you take in the many waterfalls and travel along the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway. Ride the Byway along Highway 64, then old 64, North Carolina Highway 1310, and then highway 19 through the Nantahala National Forest. Wind along beside the river seeing the waterfalls such as Bridal Veil falls, which might get you wet!! The Ocoee River is also not far away for even more whitewater adventures.
Any of the four districts of the Nantahala National Forest is sure to please.
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* Jackson, Macon, and Transylvania counties make up the Ranger District. Ride along the Blue Ridge Parkway, or dangle on the edge of Tuckasegee Gorge in this part of the Nantahala National Forest. This is the largest of the four Districts.
* Graham, Cherokee and Clay counties are home to the Tusquitee Ranger District. The name in Cherokee means 'where the water dogs laughed'. Float down the Hiwassee River or climb Jackrabbit Mountain or even fish in one of the lakes you will find in this district of the Nantahala National Forest.
* Graham and Swain counties are where you will find The Cheoah Ranger District. The sheer number of streams and waterways may have been part of the reason the Cherokee called it 'otter'. Hike along the Appalachian Trail on your way toward the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest can also be enjoyed in this district. Is it possible that the hardwoods here are what motivated her to write the poem 'Trees'?
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* Right next to the Cherokee Indian Reservation is the Wayah Ranger District. This one is Cherokee for 'wolf'. You can also hike along a part of the Appalachian Trail in this district. Gaze upon Standing Indian Mountain at almost 5500 feet in elevation, or Wayah Bald, not to mention seeing the Nantahala Gorge itself.
See the beauty of Nantahala National Forest including cascading waterfalls, Mountains that reach over 5000 feet, Whitewater Rivers, and larger than life forests of hardwood trees. See the views from the Whiteside cliffs if you don't mind a 2 mile trail that will lead you there. The view from Wayah bald or Whiteside Mountain is breathtaking. See one of the highest waterfalls in the East - Whitewater Falls in the great Nantahala National Forest.
