Created in 1920, the wild and scenic Nantahala National Forest is the largest of the four national forests in North Carolina, covering just over half-a-million acres. The NHC maintains 58.6 miles of the AT from Bly Gap at the Georgia/North Carolina border to the Nantahala Outdoor Center on the Nantahala River at Wesser, NC. Jennifer Kelley. Open only April through October, the Recreation Area is also the trailhead for six hiking trails, three of which form interesting dayhikes. Contact Information for Ranger District Offices The AT, a national scenic trail, is a footpath that stretches 2,100 miles from Maine to Georgia. Trek to mile-high summits, dive deep into sheer-walled gorges, and explore waterfall-filled valleys on these top trails. Enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains with one of NOC's Outdoor Adventures. The Nantahala National Forest is the largest in land mass, and the westernmost of North Carolina’s four national forests. Here is a list of the best hikes in Western North Carolina from the staff at Nantahala Outdoor Center. In some spots, the sun reaches the floors of the deep gorges of the forest only when it is high overhead at midday. True to Nantahala National Forest ’s character, day-use Cliffside Lake Recreation Area offers only its small namesake lake and two picnic shelters for amenities, though adjacent Vanhook Glade Campground offers 21 campsites. School House Falls is in Nantahala National Forest near Lake Toxaway NC. Target late May to early June for flowers and mid … Nice easy trail that almost anyone could take. Panthertown Valley Trail is a 3.4 mile trail through Nantahala National Forest (Nantahala Ranger District). The Nantahala Hiking Club (NHC) is one of 31 volunteer Appalachian Trail (AT) maintaining clubs of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC). Nantahala National Forest: Upper Sols Creek Falls, Cullowhee, North Carolina. The Pisgah, Grandfather and Appalachian Ranger Districts are scattered along the eastern edge of the mountains of western North Carolina and offer visitors a variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation and enjoying the natural beauty of the mountains. The largest of North Carolina's four National Forests, the Nantahala encompasses 531,148 acres with elevations ranging from 5,800 feet at Lone Bald in Jackson County to 1,200 feet in Cherokee County along Hiwassee River. CONTACT Nantahala National Forest, Nantahala Ranger District (828) 524-6441; fs.fed.us/r8/ CONDITIONS Water sources at shelters are reliable. Explore western North Carolina’s beautiful Pisgah National Forest on our favorite hiking and running trails. Nantahala National Forest , I've been through it a couple of times, I took my mother up through there Monday, much of the forest and it's beautiful scenery can be enjoyed from the highway. The office is now located in Franklin, NC. As you travel through here you will notice lots and lots of rafting, canoeing. While all trails are open to hiking, some trails are also designed for horses, mountain bikes, and off-road vehicles. Known as the land of Granite Walls and Waterfalls, this district is located around the towns of Franklin and Highlands in North Carolina's southern mountains. Nantahala National Forest: Great hikes and views! Write what you know about Nantahala National Forest With over 1,700 miles of trails, a variety of opportunities await you, from short, easy walks to long distance backpacking adventures. The forest floor rarely sees sunlight in many areas, which is great news for those looking to find a shady place to set up camp. Nantahala is Cherokee for Land of the Noon Day Sun — and yes, this picturesque National Forest is just as enchanting as it sounds.. Take a walk under the thick forest canopy and you’ll quickly see how Nantahala National Forest earned its name. During 2012 and 2013, I began to expand my trips into adjacent states, as well as into the wilder National Forest areas rather than just State Parks. There are more than 27,000 acres of designated wilderness found in its hills, including Ellicott Rock, Joyce Kilmer/Slickrock and the Southern Nantahala … The Nantahala National Forest covers over 530,000 acres in the far western section of North Carolina. Jennifer Kelley. The Hangover has the best views in Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness, and arguably the finest views in the rugged Unicoi Mountains of southwestern North Carolina and Tennessee. The NHC Board has suggested 10 cents a mile as a fair return. As you hike with the Nantahala Hiking Club certain people agree to drive to the trailhead, taking two to three hikers. November 30, 2015. The Nantahala National Forest lies in the mountain and valleys of southwestern North Carolina. Nantahala National Forest hiking groups, upcoming hikes, trailheads, trails and routes. At least part of Hwy 215 is a border between the 2 forests. Two long-distance trails cross the Nantahala National Forest, the Appalachian Trail (AT) and the Bartram Trail. Though I live a mere 15 miles from its eastern border I hadn't paid it all that much attention until late. For maps and further information, contact the Supervisor’s Office or one of the four district offices directly: US Forest Service Supervisor’s Office Asheville, NC (828) 257-4200 National Forests in North Carolina website. It is a courtesy to the driver to chip in for gas after the hike. The Nantahala Hiking Club conducts hikes on most Saturdays, Sundays and occasional weekday hikes. The Nantahala Ranger District was formed in 2008 by combining the Highlands and Wayah districts of the Nantahala National Forest. It is blazed in white with a chain of shelters spaced from 3 to 14 miles apart along the trail. What an idyllic swimming hole on a hot summer's day! It can be accessed by foot, bicycle, and horse. 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. Its around 2.5 mile round trip from the parking lot. While many of the Nantahala trails leading to the Appalachian Trail have been temporarily closed, other trails beckon. At 4,000 feet, temperatures are pleasant from May to September. The largest of the three National Forests in North Carolina, Nantahala has 531,148 acres to explore. T his is an extension of the trail report about the Panthertown Trail System in Nantahala National Forest from a previous post. Secret Falls (also known as Big Shoals Falls) is a gorgeous 50-ft. waterfall on Big Creek that cascades into a serene pool, deep in the Nantahala National Forest near the Georgia state line. The U.S. Forest Service acquires a 49-acre inholding at the headwaters of Laurel Creek, in a popular recreation area in Nantahala National Forest. Contact Information. Nantahala Area Hikes: Siler Bald ... by the curvy shores of Lake Nantahala and deep into the Nantahala National Forest. Nantahala National Forest: Panthertown Valley Waterfalls Loop, Cashiers ... Georgia State Parks. LONGER HIKES. - See 36 traveler reviews, 81 candid photos, and great deals for North Carolina Mountains, NC, at Tripadvisor. And because Nantahala National Forest is so large, there are plenty of winding roads to welcome you to the forest . Waterfall Hero Hikes Nantahala National Forest Nantahala National Forest is the largest of the four national forests in North Carolina at more than 530,000 acres in the far western part of the state. Posted by Jeff on Jun 25, 2011 @ 7:20 pm in Forest Hikes, Hiking, Hiking Blog, Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina, Rated Moderate Hikes | 2 comments | Last modified: January 8, 2015 . Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness covers 17,410 acres of wild territory along the state border. Hikes in Alabama Hikes in Florida Hikes in Georgia Hikes in North Carolina Hiking trip report, map, and photos for Siler Bald and Wine Spring Bald, located in Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina. Pisgah National Forest, forming a triangle around Asheville, NC, was one of the first national forests in the eastern US. Sit back and relax while gliding over Fontana Lake and through Nantahala National Forest and the Nantahala Gorge. Nantahala National Forest Snowbird Creek Waterfalls (6-3-17) The waterfalls located in the Snowbird Creek area of Nantahala National Forest are some of the most wild and remote cascades you can visit in the State of North Carolina. Hiking through the Smokies is our staff's favorite pasttime and we hope you consider some of these for your next outdoor adventure. NANTAHALA NATIONAL FOREST JOYCE KILMER-SLICKROCK CREEK WILDERNESS Hangover, Slickrock Creek With a variety of options you can decide your exertion level. Parts if it border the Pisgah National Forest on the east side. National Forests in North Carolina. Misc "I'm a Wilderness First Responder - can I help you?" Since it is a short hike, I also did a few hikes in the immediate area. Nantahala National Forest Hikes Nantahala National Forest and its 530,000-acres in the extreme southwestern portion of the state is taking up more and more of my attention. The Cherohala Skyway is a national forest scenic byway, running 43 miles east-west from Robbinsville, NC to Tellico Plains, TN. PLEASE NOTE: This is an information and administrative office located in Asheville, NC and is not actually in the forest. While most visitors turn north toward the historic stone fire tower that sits atop Wayah Bald, this hike requires a turn south, to a Forest Service picnic area. Completed Hikes What I'm Doing Gear I Carry Blog Partners Contact Nantahala National Forest. Big Green Trail, Panthertown, Nantahala National Forest. NANTAHALA NATIONAL FOREST APPALACHIAN TRAIL Albert Mountain, Bly Gap, Cable Gap, Cheoah Bald, Chestnut Ridge, Long Branch, Rock Gap, Rufus Morgan Shelter, Snowbird Gap (via US 64), Snowbird Gap (NC 1310 to US 64), Snowbird Gap (via NC 1310), Wesser Bald. The word "Nantahala" is a Cherokee word meaning "Land of the Noonday Sun." In contrast, Upper Sols Creek Falls is on National Forest land and is nearly as impressive as its taller brother. Overview. The Nantahala National Forest, established in 1920, is a national forest located in the American state of North Carolina. Nantahala National Forest . The club also maintains several trails that connect to the AT. This is a 10.3 mile out-and-back hike with 2300 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 4-6 hours to complete. Just 6.5 miles from busy downtown Highlands is this hidden oasis that is definitely a secret to many. November 30, 2015. Welcome to the Nantahala National Forest! 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