Nantahala National Forest

by Aakash singh October 3, 2023

October 3, 2023

Nantahala National Forest is the largest of the four national forests in North Carolina. The terrain varies from 1,200 feet (36.58 m) in Cherokee County along the Hiwassee River to 5,800 feet (1,7678.8 m) at Lone Bald in Jackson County.

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The Nantahala National Forest covers 531,270 acres in Macon, Graham, Cherokee, Jackson, Clay, Swain, and Transylvania counties. The Nantahala National Forest is divided into three districts:

Cheah in Robbinsville
Tusquitee in Murphy
Nantahala in Franklin

Where is Nantahala National Forest

Nantahala National Forest is the national forest lying in the mountains and Valleys of Western North Carolina.

Wilderness Areas in Nantahala National Forest

Ellicott Rock Wilderness
Southern Nantahala Wilderness
Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness

Places to Visit Nearby

Roan Mountain
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
Wilson Creek
Cherohala Skyway
Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway
Sliding Rock Recreation Area
Flanners Beach/Neuse River Campground
Cradle of Forestry in American Heritage Site
Badin Lake Recreation Area
Mountain Waters Scenic Byway

Things to Do

Tourists visiting Nantahala National Forest can indulge in diverse recreational activities. There are numerous Campgrounds and Picnic areas. The National Forest is home to many waterfalls in North Carolina. Some of the popular activities are:

Wildlife viewing and Bird watching
Water activities (boating and water skiing)
Whitewater Rafting
Scenic Drive
Hiking and Mountain Biking
Snorkelling and Fishing
Ranger-led Programs
Camping and backpacking
Picnicking and Naturalist Tours
Horseback Riding
Harvesting mushrooms and gathering firewood

Hiking

Nantahala National Forest has about 600 miles of trails. The trails range from easy short distance hikes to moderate to strenuous long-distance trails. The momentous day hiking and Backpacking trails in different districts of the National Forest are:

Cheoah Ranger District: The Appalachian Trail passes through the district to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Some other popular ones are the Big Snowbird Trail, Hooper Bald Trail, Yellow creek Mountain trail, Cable Cove Nature Trail, etc.
Nantahala Ranger District: Bartram, Appalachian, Foothills and Mountain to Sea are four long-distance trails that pass through this district. Wayah Bald Tower and Whitewater falls are the other famous hikes in the district.
Tusquitee Ranger District: The popular trails in this district are Beech Creek, North Shoal Creek falls, Chunky Gal Trail and Fires Creek Rim Trail.

Facts

Nantahala is the second wettest region in the country after the Pacific Northwest.
On January 29, 1920, President Woodrow Wilson officially established Nantahala National Forest under the authority of the 1911 weeks Act.
”Nantahala” means ”land of the Noonday Sun”, derived from the Cherokee language. It is a fitting name for ”Nantahala Gorge”, where the sun reaches the valley floor at midday.
Nantahala National Forest was part of the homeland of the historic Cherokee and their indigenous ancestors, who have occupied the region for thousands of years.
Nantahala National Forest has about 30,800 acres (125 km2) of old-growth forest. Approximately 6,000 acres (24 km2) of old-growth forest, in particular, are located in the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness area only.

Best Time to Visit

Nantahala National Forest is a four-season recreation experience as it offers something different each time you visit. The best time to see Nantahala National forest is during the fall season in late September and early October to experience Fall foliage and vibrant colours. Nantahala National Forest is open year-round, 24 hours a day except on national holidays, and one does not require any fees or permits to enter the forest.

Ticket Prices

Though recreation and forest fees and permits are required to enter the specific national forest areas and engage in certain recreational activities to help manage, maintain and improve the amenities for enjoyment and recreation. The recreation fees vary by type and site across the Nantahala National Forest. Black Swamp OHV trail has one day pass for $5 and an annual pass for $30. The annual Interagency passes are:

America the Beautiful-National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass: $80
Annual Forest and Interagency Pass: $55