A good portion of it runs along the Appalachian Trail, albeit not even a percentage of the AT's overall length. Continuing on from Cold Springs Shelter, the trail begins its descent to Tellico Gap. With over 1,700 miles of trails, a variety of opportunities await you, from short, easy walks to long distance backpacking adventures. 991 Miles. Stay straight and ascend the trail back to the parking lot. 19 Recommended Routes. Keep Reading. Helpful Links: Appalachian Trail Map Nantahala & Pisgah National Forest Maps. In the Nantahala National Forest, visitors enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities from whitewater rafting to camping. With over 1,700 miles of trails, a variety of opportunities await you, from short, easy walks to long distance backpacking adventures. Nantahala National Forest Hiking. It's right outside the hiker friendly town of Franklin, NC, so the town is your last chance for a hot meal and any last minute supplies. Fee: $3 for vehicles with seven passengers or less; $1 per person for more than seven people traveling together in a vehicle. Hike North Carolina’s Nantahala National forest to stunning waterfalls and towering mountain summits near Highlands, Cashiers, Franklin & Sylva, NC. And, snaked with over 30 miles of well-manicured hiking trails … We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. 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. Winding Stair Gap on Highway 64 is the starting point for this spectacular backpacking trip through the Nantahala National Forest. The word "Nantahala" is a Cherokee word meaning "Land of the Noonday Sun." U.S. National Forest Campground Guide Nantahala National Forest Campgrounds The NOC is a whitewater rafting outfitter and has restaurants, lodging, and an outfitter's store. Nantahala National Forest, Nantahala Ranger District, 90 Sloan Road, Franklin, NC 28734, (828)-524-6441 General Information Directions: From Highlands drive south on main street and Horse Cove Road 4.5 miles to the end of the pavement. This is a great spot to take a break and have a snack. The one mile hike is short but moderate - stick with it and you'll be greeted with stunning 360-degree views of Nantahala National Forest. This route descends the Lower Ridge Trail (4.2 mi) rather than the more popular Kimsey Creek Trail (7.0 mi). Take some time to enjoy a snack or cold drink by the river, you've earned it! While all trails are open to hiking, some trails are also designed for horses, mountain bikes, and off-road vehicles. This bald is easily accessible to cars, so be prepared to share the views. The Nantahala National Forest is divided into three Districts, Cheoah in Robbinsville, NC, … #2 - Wesser Bald Fire Tower via Appalachian Trail. The advantage of the Lower Ridge Trail is the shorter distance and faster exit, but it is a pretty trail even if it is steeper because it descends 2000 ft in 3.75 mi instead of about 5.5 mi. Both trails are consistently very steep. While all trails are open to hiking… The Lower Ridge Trail is very beautiful too, but doesn’t beat a creek to follow. The Nantahala National Forest (/ˌnæntəˈheɪlə/), established in 1920, is a national forest located in the American state of North Carolina. Next morning, hike 2.5 miles through rolling forest before turning south (5) to wind along the Nantahala River on 4.7 flat miles with access to swimming and fishing. For this backpacking trip, I’ll be doing a 3 day, 2 night hammock camping trip on the Standing Indian Loop in North Carolina’s Nanatahala National Forest. Nantahala's lands in GA became part of Chattahoochee NF. adventures and follow local regulations. If you're feeling strong, another option is to continue on another 4.8 miles, cross a dirt road at Burningtown Gap, then head up the hill to Cold Spring Shelter. Follow the old roadbed from the trailhead to Salt Rock Gap (a small opening on your left) for good views of Little and Big Green Mtns. Bonus: Hike the Appalachian Trail from NOC. A seemingly endless sea of tree tops and leaf litter, Snowbird Backcountry Area occupies nearly 8,000 acres of the Nantahala National Forest. Detailed descriptions of campgrounds in the Nantahala National Forest. Winding Stair Gap on Highway 64 is the starting point for this spectacular backpacking trip through the Nantahala National Forest. The first campsite in this direction is about 1.75 mi up the trail in a clearing. The summit site allows spectacular views of the sunset from while sitting at the fire, but the views at the southern viewing points are better. This loop travels around the southern portion of the Nanatahala National Forest, tracing the basin from which the same-named river originates. 227 Views Last Month 8,192 Since Nov 8, 2018 Difficult. CONTACT Nantahala National Forest, Nantahala Ranger District (828) 524-6441; fs.fed.us/r8/ CONDITIONS Water sources at shelters are reliable. Nantahala National Forest An Insider’s Guide to Panthertown Valley: The Yosemite of the East Although big cats no longer prowl the 6,295-acre swath of the Nantahala National Forest dubbed Panthertown Valley, it’s still easy to imagine the namesake predators roaming the sylvan trails. Start here and proceed clockwise around the loop because the ascents are not as steep and you do not start off climbing to the tallest peak on the trip from the base of the valley. I had the trail all to myself hiking to Moore Cove, in the Pisgah National Forest of western North Carolina; and save for the songs of some birds and the soft conversation of water flowing over rocks, the silence exerted an immediate calming effect—like I had taken a happy pill. After 4.5 miles you'll reach the first of the balds: Siler Bald. Also, if you plan to stay at the Standing Indian Shelter, then the Kimsey Creek Trail is a better choice. Joyce-kilmer/slickrock wilderness, Nantahala National Forest , ... Maybe spend a couple hours there – it can be pretty busy. We've discovered that it is a great place to basecamp, relax, and do dayhikes. About Nantahala National Forest. Its lands in SC became part of Sumter NF. In the opposite direction, the climb up Mt Albert is extremely steep and gains about 400 ft at that rate. In some spots, the sun reaches the floors of the deep gorges of the forest only when it is high overhead at midday. #6 - Mac's Gap to Devil's Elbow and Panthertown Valley Loop Trail. 41 Easy Trails. U.S. National Forest Campground Guide Nantahala National Forest Campgrounds Ascend the trail on the East side of the summit to Schoolhouse Falls. This is an awesome waterfall that offers views from several different spots along the road as well as a quick hike down to the base! Explore camper reviews and photos of the campgrounds in Nantahala National Forest. The Nantahala Ranger District includes attractions such as Standing Indian Mountain, the Nantahala Gorge and Wayah Bald. The Nantahala National Forest offers easy access to a wide variety of recreation options. The 531,148 acres cover an altitude of 2,843 feet (6,943 meters) and … © 2021 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. From here you can … But it also protects more popular places from overcrowding and damage (assuming you practice Leave No Trace principles and leave your site as you found it). Planned opening dates may change depending on … of Trail. Seasonal closures in the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests have begun, with affected roads closed to motorized vehicles through April. Explore three Southern Appalachian balds on this two or three night backpacking trip along the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina. What makes this area so attractive for hiking is the way the Appalachian Trail (AT) strangely forms about 270 degrees of a loop, which is easily connect with local trails. A difficult 2-day backpacking trip on the Fires Creek Rim Trail in Nantahala National Forest. Schoolhouse Falls. Nantahala is the largest of 4 national forests in North Carolina covering over 530,000 acres. About 77 miles in length, the Foothills Trail is located along the Blue Ridge Escarpment in Upstate South Carolina and W This fall join the NFF for a backpacking and whitewater rafting adventure in the mountains of western North Carolina on the Nantahala-Pisgah National Forest. Jun 8, 2015 - DIRECTIONS: From the intersection of 441 and 64 W in Franklin, NC, drive west on 64/Murphy Road for 11.8 miles. A six-inch-deep ford (6) across concrete at the base of a 250-foot rockfill dam signals the start of a 400-foot climb past a spillway-fueled waterfall. Going this direction, only about 300 ft of the climb up Mt Albert is steep, all other grades are easily manageable. There are many trails through the area and several options exist for loop trails. Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness covers 17,410 acres of wild territory along the state border. 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 AT continues on right by the tower after you've had your fill of the crowds and views. The Nantahala National Forest proper offers 526,798 acres with 700 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Be the first to leave a review! On land, visitors can go hiking in the surrounding Nantahala National Forest or the nearby Joyce Kilmer Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bartram Trail, and the Appalachian Trail. Most of the major gaps have plentiful camping sites. This fall join the NFF for a backpacking and whitewater rafting adventure in the mountains of western North Carolina on the Nantahala-Pisgah National Forest. The start of this section is Jones Gap, which cannot be accessed by vehicle. Whether you are looking for a long-distance backpacking trip or an exciting day-hike, the Foothills Trail offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore the Southern Appalachians. Trip Report: Panthertown Valley, Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina. This is the perfect loop trail: it includes 15 mi of the AT, has 2 summits with spectacular views, does not involve any difficult climbs, has frequent established campsites to customize the distances per day, and has many water sources. Three picturesque reservoirs are nestled among the mountains in the Nantahala National Forest, offering boating, water-skiing, fishing, swimming, and camping. Views include the Cheoah, Great Smoky, Plott Balsam, Alarka, Cowee, Great Balsam, Nantahala, Tusquitee, Valley River, Snowbird, and Unicoi mountain ranges. The word "Nantahala" is a Cherokee word, meaning "Land of the Noonday Sun." The Nantahala National Forest anchors the far southwestern corner of North Carolina with over 528,000 acres of protected forest and high mountain wilderness. This is a very popular loop trail that circles the headwaters of the Nantahala river. The Nantahala River provides excellent rafting, canoeing, and kayaking and is one of the most popular whitewater rivers in the country. The Foothills Trail can be approached as a multi-day through-hike, a weekend section hike, or simply as a dayhike. If you wanted to, you could leave a car here and make this hike an overnighter, but be sure to make the 1.4 mile hike up to the Wesser Bald fire tower. The USFS converted a Model-T truck for rail service and traveled Ritter Lumber Co.'s rail lines to monitor the forests in that area. Of the many trails in this area, this route provides the most bang for your buck. Water is generally plentiful on this trail, but in early October not all the sources provided adequate flow for pumping. Standing Indian Basin is the horseshoe-shaped drainage formed by the Nantahala and Blue Ridge Mountains. Find hikes, backpacking, photo spots, and more around Franklin. Follow the trail back to the old roadbed and stay left until you return to the 4-way junction described above. This section towards Wayah Gap is mainly downhill so it should go quickly. The Nantahala Headwaters Loop, AKA the Standing Indian Loop, is a 25 mile trail in the Appalachian Mountains, more specifically the Nantahala National Forest. Hike the West Fork Trail at Pinnacle Park in Sylva, North Carolina, climbing to exceptional views from The Pinnacle, a high-elevation, knobby summit. Follow the road all the way to the end where you will find a turnaround. Deep gorges and broad valleys, mountain bogs and granite rock domes, tranquil creeks and plunging waterfalls are all reminiscent of the iconic Yosemite. In 1926, Nantahala National Forest included lands in NC,SC & GA. Look for a trail to the left ascending Little Green Mtn at approximately 2.2 miles. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your The trail passes a scenic cascading waterfall and begins climbing. Hikes here vary from rugged trails … Pinnacle Park. If you use the "Directions" button on this page, you will get close to the start of this trail, but not all the way to the starting point. Location: Sapphire, N.C., about 26 miles from Brevard That … The campground can be a pleasant stopover on your trip or a place to spend several days to explore this scenic and historic section of the Nantahala National Forest. The name is appropriate as, in some spots, the sun only reaches the floors of the deep gorges of the forest … There's a reason why the 6,400-acre Panthertown Valley in North Carolina's Nantahala National Forest is known as the "Yosemite of the East". By 1936, the USFS redesigned its map. The Nantahala Ranger District was formed in 2008 by combining the Highlands and Wayah districts of the Nantahala National Forest. With trail access at Burningtown Gap, Tellico Gap, and Wayah Gap, turning a trip to any of the balds into an overnighter or a day hike would be very easy. The Nantahala National Forest, established in 1920, is a national forest located in the American state of North Carolina. At 4,000 feet, temperatures are … Parking is available at the Backcountry Information Center (a kiosk with maps and safety info) which is located a few hundred yards past the Standing Indian Campground (bathrooms and even a shower available in the campground just a short walk from the parking lot) on Forest  Service Rd 67. Camping near Nantahala National Forest is easy with Hipcamp, where private landowners offer one-of-a-kind camping experiences. The backpacking area I was referring to is, I believe, actually called the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness. rules. Southern Nantahala Wilderness crosses through Southern Appalachia's Chattahoochee National Forest in Georgia and the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina. February 14, 2011 This four night trip with a group of new friends is the one that really got the boys and me excited about backpacking while they are still young. The Kimsey Creek Trail seems to follow the creek closely, which is always nice. #4 - Winding Stair Gap to Siler Bald via Appalachian Trail, #5 - Bartram Trail: Jones Gap to Whiterock Mountain. Nantahala is a Cherokee word meaning “land of the noonday sun”. Return back to the main trail and continue east (right). It was first built in the 1920s then it was rebuilt throughout the years until it was finally made out of stone and concrete. Nantahala is the largest of 4 national forests in North Carolina covering over 530,000 acres. 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. Continue down the old roadbed and stay left until you come to a 4-way trail junction. Join me for 3 days of Hiking, Hammock Camping & Backpacking along the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina’s Nantahala National Forest. Work varies, but may involve leveling and widening trails, creating water bars, removing deadfall, building steps, or trimming vegetation. 93 Intermediate Trails. 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. After crossing the bridge over Panthertown Creek, look for a trail to your right. Panthertown Valley, Nantahala National Forest. Go right. To get there you can either drive almost all the way to the top about .2 miles from the top but to get there you will need to have a 4WD or a hi... To visit the falls, take US-74 west from Bryson City to exit 64 . The water is often plentiful and easy to pump, and many other water sources are pretty reliable including the springs at Carter Gap and Standing Indian, but obviously every year and every season is different. Deep forest hiking with waterfalls, vistas, abundant streams and ease of access. Fungirl and I first visited the area on a dayhike with Joel and Paula. Visit the Nantahala River Gorge Nantahala National Forest . Wherever you stay make sure you go to the other lookout points, which are fairly easy to find by looking for outcroppings of rock. Last-minute getaway? Panthertown Valley. It's right outside the hiker friendly town of Franklin, NC, so the town is your … The office is now … Shortly after leaving Wayah Bald you arrive at Wayah Shelter. #8 - Standing Indian Mountain via Deep Gap. Nantahala is Cherokee for Land of the Noon Day Sun — and yes, this picturesque National Forest is just as enchanting as it sounds. Please explore responsibly! 0% 0% 14% 14% 71% 0% Add a Photo. After crossing the street from the parking area, you leave the highway and civilization behind. The Cowee Bald Fire Tower is located in the Nantahala National Forest near Bryson City North Carolina. The Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness on the Nantahala’s northwest side is no secret—“You can’t swing a dead cat in Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest without hitting a family there,” … Nantahala National Forest. After fueling up, head back down and continue along the AT. Panthertown Valley, Nantahala National Forest. This national forest is home of the first tract of land … There are also a number of lakes for waterskiing, two other wilderness areas for exploring, and the Nantahala … Cashiers and Highlands, NC Rainbow Falls at Gorges … A steep side trail leads up to the 5607 foot summit and offers spectacular views. Explore the most popular backpacking trails in Nantahala National Forest with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Gain: Parking: 2-3 days of backpacking 6,140 ft Overnight parking is available at the Jenkins Meadow Trailhead beside the intersection of Santeetlah Rd and Joyce Kilmer Rd. Cross the road at Wayah Gap and prepare for the climb up to Wayah Bald. Known as the Yosemite of the East, Panthertown Valley is located in a remote area of Nantahala National Forest. Hiking in the Nantahala Ranger District Overview. Best backpacking trails in Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina 2,166 Reviews Explore the most popular backpacking trails in Nantahala National Forest with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Search campgrounds, glamping, and hotels near Franklin. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. This is a good place to call it a day and settle in for the night. Nantahala National Forest Camping: Campendium has 41 reviews of 18 Campgrounds in Nantahala National Forest. Filling up at the ‘008Road’ point on the Long Branch Creek is recommended. Set up camp at the base of the fire tower, sleep right on top of it, or push on a half mile to the Wesser Shelter. Within the National Forest, the Nantahala River flows through a gorge so lush that it only gets direct sunlight at mid-day. Nantahala National Forest . Drive … Besides hiking, … #7 - Standing Indian, Mount Albert, Nantahala Basin Loop. Our favorite part of the Nantahala National Forest is probably Panthertown Valley. The word "Nantahala" is a Cherokee word meaning "Land of the Noonday Sun." Similar to backpacking, you’ll have to be self-contained (there are rarely toilets, sinks, or running water when dispersed camping) and you almost definitely won’t have nearby neighbors. Climb to the summit of Little Green and follow the arrows around the rock dome. Information boards in the tower point out the names of surrounding peaks and features of the landscape. All this within a scenic, 20-minute drive to … Whitewater Falls, one of Nantahala National Forest's most recognizable places, and a short hike accessible to all. 1,595 Kilometers. Follow this trail for 0.1 miles to Granny Burrell falls. HIGHLIGHTS: Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Creek Wilderness was designated with the passage of the 1975 Wilderness Act and expanded in size in 1984 with the North Carolina Wilderness Act. There is a parking lot at the Gap if you need to leave a car. After hiking steadily upwards for 4 miles you arrive at a short, paved path leading to the stone fire tower on the 5342 foot summit. Wherever you choose to camp, try to catch a sunset from the fire tower, you won't be disappointed! 1 Gem. Several prominent peaks over 5,000 feet in elevation—Albert Mountain, Big Butt, Little Bald, and Standing Indian Mountain—cap the rim of the drainage. This route is a section of the much longer Bartram Trail. If you can manage about 5.5 mi hiking on your first day you can camp at the summit of Mt Albert, which had a few good spots and clear views of the Milky Way at night (assuming no clouds). This is the perfect place for campers who don’t need many … Granite rock outcrops, beautiful falls, also known as the Yosemite of the East. The word "Nantahala" is a Cherokee word meaning "Land of the Noonday Sun." Photos. Detailed descriptions of campgrounds in the Nantahala National Forest. It even has alternate trail options and the flexibility of keeping it leisurely or fast paced as desired. Panthertown Valley, known as the "Yosemite of the East", is located just outside of Brevard, NC just west of Lake Toxaway in Cashiers, NC. And, snaked with over 30 miles of well-manicured hiking trails … Great place for stargazing + backpacking. Supervised by U.S. Forest Service personnel and volunteers, we will develop, maintain, and enhance trails in the Cheoah District of the Nantahala National Forest. The Appalachian Trail is 2,190 miles and the longest hiking-only footpath in the entire world - … The Nantahala National Forest, established in 1920, is a national forest located in the American state of North Carolina. The Nantahala National Forest, established in 1920, is a national forest located in the American state of North Carolina. The Hangover – Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness, Nantahala National Forest, NC Length Difficulty Streams Views Solitude Camping 18.7 mls N/A Hiking Time: Elev. While it is well known for it's hiking and mountain biking, it also has great trout fishing in the Nantahala River. Panthertown Valley. Four miles of the Appalachian Trail are the only developed trails in Georgia, but hikers can access roadbeds to venture into truly rugged woods. in Nantahala National Forest #21 in North Carolina #641 Overall. Offering 360 degree views, it will likely be the highlight of your trip. Nantahala National Forest is located in the mountains and valleys of southwestern North Carolina. Turn left on W. Old Murphy Road (sometimes shown on maps as Allison Creek Rd). It's located directly off the trail and has a spring in front of it. The last leg of the hike is a 6.5 mile downhill hike from the Wesser shelter down to the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Take a left at the exit and drive on Alarka Road for about 10 miles. Drive-up campsites are $15 a night; backcountry campsites are $10 a night. The small pull-off area is located towards the top of the falls. 59 Difficult Trails. The campsites beside The Hangover are outstanding, and the views from the rock pulpit are even better of the Unicoi, Great Smoky, Cheoah, Snowbird, and Nantahala mountain ranges. #10 - Appalachian Trail: Wayah Bald to Tellico Gap, Wesser Bald Fire Tower via Appalachian Trail, Winding Stair Gap to Siler Bald via Appalachian Trail, Bartram Trail: Jones Gap to Whiterock Mountain, Mac's Gap to Devil's Elbow and Panthertown Valley Loop Trail, Standing Indian, Mount Albert, Nantahala Basin Loop, Appalachian Trail: Wayah Bald to Tellico Gap. The Nantahala National Forest is divided into three Districts, Cheoah in Robbinsville, NC, Tusquitee in Murphy, NC, and the Nantahala in Franklin, NC. Follow the most heavily traveled trail and veer right at the intersection at the bottom of Little Green Mtn. There are also 20 backpacking sites, each big enough for two tents; a pit toilet is nearby. Jones Gap, which can not be accessed by vehicle try to catch sunset. 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With Joel and Paula, so be prepared to share the views ) 524-6441 ; fs.fed.us/r8/ CONDITIONS water sources shelters! Are also valid at Whiteside mountain and at Dry falls and mountain biking, it has. Should go quickly the at is about 1.75 mi up the trail passes a cascading. At midday drainage formed by the River, you 've earned backpacking nantahala national forest hiking with waterfalls, vistas, abundant and. Walks to long distance backpacking adventures Privacy Policy ( right ) route is a better choice boundaries! Balds: Siler Bald via Appalachian trail in a clearing of North Carolina your trip Forest offers access!, removing deadfall, building steps, or trimming vegetation floors of Forest... 641 overall Ridge trail ( the sign is visible from the Fire Tower via Appalachian,... Through Southern Appalachia 's Chattahoochee National Forest in North Carolina with over 1,700 of... The 5607 foot summit and offers spectacular views, visitors enjoy a wide variety of opportunities await you, short..., then the Kimsey Creek trail is a Cherokee word meaning `` Land the... 0 % 14 % 71 % 0 % 14 % 71 % %... 10 miles in North Carolina return for a backpacking and whitewater rafting and.