Thanks! Outside the wilderness, Standing Indian Campground is a large and developed seasonal site for $8 per night. Add Your Recommended Routes. “My favorite is the Pickens Nose Trail,” Kussow says. Nantahala National Forest Facilities Map : NCNATURAL | ABOUT US | CONTACT : SITE NO. 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. Reach Big Spring Gap (4,940 feet) and Big Spring Shelter, which sleeps seven (first come, first served). 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. Little-Known Fact: The Cherokee Indians named the area Nantahala, whihc means "land of the noonday sun.". 2. Middle Falls on Snowbird Creek (3) Andrews, NC. © 2021 Pocket Outdoor Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. DIFFICULT 15.3 mi. Old forests grace the hills and valleys, with some of the canyons reaching deep into the earth, providing ample hiking opportunities in the beautiful terrain. Free camping, or dispersed camping, is allowed in all national forests, unless noted otherwise. Take an easy paddle in stable recreational kayaks or Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) whilst exploring stunning Fontana Lake. “My favorite is the Pickens Nose Trail,” Kussow says. The word "Nantahala" is a Cherokee word meaning "Land of the Noonday Sun." The Panthertown Valley trail system is part of the Nantahala National Forest. Beech Gap via Palmer Creek Trail and Balsam Mountain Trail. Check out that reflection! Shared By: Martin Leavitt. Partnering with user groups is also a key component of the draft Pisgah and Nantahala national forests land management plan that was released in February 2020 and … There are bear, turkey, deer, and some smaller creatures, but since they are legally hunted in the region they tend to stay away from humans. The office is now located in Franklin, NC. 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. The Nantahala National Forest is so beautiful that you can still get lost in this deep forest. Nantahala National Forest has closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Western North Carolina. With over 1,700 miles of trails, a variety of opportunities await you, from short, easy walks to long distance backpacking adventures. Looking for a mellow weekend with swimming options? Trip Report: Panthertown Valley, Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina. Mooney Gap (4,480 feet). 35.33217, -83.59204 By Trail Contributor: Zach Robbins Two long-distance trails cross the Nantahala National Forest, the Appalachian Trail (AT) and the Bartram Trail. The Nantahala National Forest, established in 1920, is a national forest located in the American state of North Carolina. The Nantahala National Forest proper offers 526,798 acres with 700 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Enjoy motor boating, bridle trails, fishing, nature/hiking trails, picnic areas, and swimming. #2 - Wesser Bald Fire Tower via Appalachian Trail. If you can manage a trip anytime between April and the first frost you'll be rewarded with an everchanging and abundant mix of blooming wildflowers, including trilliums, trout lilies, bluets, and violets. The NNF is the largest of the four national forests in North Carolina. Click to PRINT AND GO GUIDEBOOK AND MAP Appalachian Trail Conservancy North Carolina/Georgia Guide #111; ($28, atctrailstore.org). Macon County NC Tourism Development Commission. We've discovered that it is a great place to basecamp, relax, and do dayhikes. No fee. The Nantahala National Forest offers expansive acreage to enjoy the pristine outdoors! A forest paradise. Visit Croatan National Forest, a place so wild it has more flesh-eating plants than people. The trailhead was easy to find following GPS. March 17, 2017. Land Manager: USFS - Nantahala National Forest Office. Motor vehicles and bicycles are prohibited in the wilderness. This landmark is well-known to Appalachian Trail thru hikers since it is the highest elevation along the trail south of the Great Smoky Mountains. This unique locale is the largest national park in the state of North Carolina and encompasses a plethora of engaging opportunities for travelers. Standing Indian Mountain, nicknamed the “Grandstand of the Nantahalas,” is the highest peak in the Nantahala Mountains of North Carolina and Georgia. Through hikers can continue this trail to Wesser. In some spots, the sun reaches the floors of the deep gorges of the forest only when it is high overhead at midday. RECOMMENDED ROUTE Difficult. Winding Stair Gap on Highway 64 is the starting point for this spectacular backpacking trip through the Nantahala National Forest. Hiking Trails in the the Nantahala National Forest Visit the Nantahala River Gorge Nantahala National Forest . Accessible Fishing pier. water bottle (2) Water treatment Multitool/knife Bear-bagging rope Headlamp with extra batteries Waterproof/breathable jacket and pants Fleece and down jackets Synthetic pants and shorts Midweight baselayers Synthetic T-shirt (2) Hat and gloves Hiking boots Camp footwear Wool/synthetic socks (3) Trekking poles Bug repellent and sunscreen (SPF 15+) Stuffsacks Zip-top bags Toilet paper and trowel First-aid kit. Full Details. 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. Schoolhouse Falls in Nantahala National Forest just after dawn. Unless otherwise designated, primitive camping is allowed in the forest. 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. September 20, 2017. Of the many trails in this area, this route provides the most bang for your buck. The Chattahochee National Forest (770/536-0541) is just to the south in Georgia. LONGER HIKES. We're looking for something pretty easy without much elevation change. Take the .1-mile spur to New Carter Gap Shelter, which sleeps eight and is near a spring. CONTACT Nantahala National Forest, Nantahala Ranger District (828) 524-6441; fs.fed.us/r8/ CONDITIONS Water sources at shelters are reliable. Our 300 acre Ocoee Smoky Mountain Group Retreat Center is also only a short drive away with a larger variety of cabins and other activities to keep the adventure continuing! The Nantahala National Forest encompasses more than a half-million acres of pristine woodlands, with elevations from a high of 5,800 feet to a low of 1,200 feet. Best backpacking trails in Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina #1 - Panthertown Backcountry Loop. Scale 1:24,000. Contact Information for Ranger District Offices U.S. National Forest Campground Guide Nantahala National Forest Campgrounds Recommended Routes in Nantahala National Forest - 13 Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. Bonus: Hike the Appalachian Trail from NOC. DIFFICULT 25.7 mi. Or go for an adrenaline-pumping mountain bike ride at renowned Tsali Recreation Area or NOC's Flint Ridge Trail. 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. Big views. Nantahala National Forest Category. 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. Nantahala is the largest of 4 national forests in North Carolina covering over 530,000 acres. FEES/PERMITS None CONTACT Nantahala National Forest, Nantahala Ranger District (828) 524-6441; fs.fed.us/r8/ CONDITIONS Water sources at shelters are reliable. 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. Nantahala National Forest . #hiking #backpacking #waterfalls. October 1, 2018. The ancient Uwharries have baffled geologists, but hikers know a good thing when they see it. From reader and map contributor kurtisk, this popular-for-a-reason loop hike circles the headwaters of the Nantahala River. The area has 16 trails totaling just over 77 miles, providing numerous opportunities for day hikes, weekend loops, and extended outings on the Appalachian Trail. The club also maintains several trails that connect to the AT. According to the Forest Service, "All National Forest lands are open to camping unless otherwise posted," which provide certain advantages over the designated campgrounds set up in many national forests including "peace, solitude, and adventure." Looking for a multisport trip? This 8-mile hike to a Hollywood-made-famous summit still offers plenty of solitude, plus fine campsites for a wilderness overnight. Included in the wilderness is Standing Indian Basin, a horseshoe-shaped drainage formed by the Nantahala River and the Blue Ridge Mountains. While all trails are open to hiking, some trails are also designed for horses, mountain bikes, and off-road vehicles. The Nantahala National Forest (/ ˌ n æ n t ə ˈ h eɪ l ə /), established in 1920, is a national forest located in the American state of North Carolina.The word "Nantahala" is a Cherokee word, meaning "Land of the Noonday Sun." August 15, 2017. 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. Anyone know of any good trails? Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, this 10-mile loop treks through the Pisgah National Forest past numerous ridge-top overlooks and up to a quartz-clustered summit. AT: Winding Stair Gap to Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) 27.8 mi 44.8 km • 5,316' Up 1620.42 m Up • … 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. At the center of the 500,000-acre primeval Nantahala National Forest, the mountain town of Franklin is surrounded by sunlight-dappled gorges, sparkling streams giving way to majestic waterfalls, and more than 600 miles of hiking trails. The Nantahala National Forest, established in 1920, is a national forest located in the American state of North Carolina. Beech Gap is a saddle inside of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Stay on the AT at junctions in .25 and .4 miles. En route to four 6,000-foot summits, this 7.8-mile bushwhack travels the crest of wooded ridgeline above the Blue Ridge Parkway. Water proof and Tear Proof. New in June 2013! DIFFICULT 24.6 mi. It's not complete, but North Carolina's Mountains To Sea trail rivals Inman's journey in "Cold Mountain.". Contact: The most old-growth forest in the east resides in North Carolina's Joyce Kilmer Wilderness. GAS EXXON 51 Merrimon Ave. Asheville, NC 28801 (828) 258-1670, BLACK DOME MOUNTAIN SPORTS 140 Tunnel Rd. The NNF is the largest of the four national forests in North Carolina. DIFFICULT 93.4 mi. This is a 9.2 mile out-and-back hike with 3500 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 4-6 hours to complete. 4. We chose to hike in the Nantahala District in Franklin, NC, on the Siler Bald via the Appalachian Trail. 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. Latticed by crisscrossing creeks that sit 5,000 feet above sea level, Standing Indian Campground is an alluring, well-equipped campground. 47. There is a parking lot at the Gap if you need to leave a car. The Nantahala Ranger District was formed in 2008 by combining the Highlands and Wayah districts of the Nantahala National Forest. 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. Trail Ratings 4.8 from 8 votes #2 in Nantahala National Forest #641 Overall. The Nantahala National Forest proper offers 526,798 acres with 700 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. When you reach the summit, be sure to look for the "Standing Indian." At 5,499 feet, Standing Indian Mountain is the area's highest peak and overlooks the scenic Tallulah River gorge and the mountains of Georgia. The word "Nantahala" is a Cherokee word meaning "Land of the Noonday Sun." Find a sense of zen as you travel the 600 miles of trails to waterfalls, mountains like Standing Indian, or the valleys such as the Nantahala River Gorge. 2 comments. The Appalachian Trail is 2,190 miles and the longest hiking-only footpath in the entire world - and it runs directly through the heart of NOC! Thanks to its longtime status as a wilderness area, the forest is mature, often dense, and varies from fir to mixed hardwood. Add Your Recommended Routes. There is a two-week deer hunting season around Thanksgiving, so check with forest officials for safety guidelines during that time. Enjoy motor boating, bridle trails, fishing, nature/hiking trails, picnic areas, and swimming. Picnic shelter. 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