The first and longest zipline course in the area, our Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours will fly you out to heights with stupendous views of Clingman’s Dome, Fontana Lake, and gorge waterfalls. Along with the namesake river and gorge, there are impressive waterfalls, including Upper Whitewater Falls.See the many waterfalls near Highlands & Cashiers, including Glen Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Dry Falls. Over the course of centuries, the Nantahala River carved out an eight-mile gorge so deep that many parts of it see direct sunlight for only a short time each day. Nantahala Gorge. Check flight prices and hotel availability for your visit. 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. LOT 23 Fontana Trace Dr LOT 23, Whittier, NC 28789. Nantahala, NC - Weather forecast from Theweather.com. "Nantahala" is a Cherokee word meaning "land of the noon day sun," a fitting name for the Nantahala Gorge, where the sun only reaches to the valley floor at midday. Please turn on for a full experience. specific to North Carolina destinations can be found via their local tourism The Nantahala River offers 8.5 miles of whitewater adventure. The Nantahala (Cherokee for "land of noon day sun") National Forest is composed of ancient mountains reaching upwards as if to catch any unwary passing cloud. At least part of Hwy 215 is a … Established in 1920, Nantahala National Forest sprawls out along 531,148 acres in North Carolina’s southwest region. The Bartram Trail is a national recreation trail that travels across the Nantahala National Forest from the Nantahala Gorge east and south into Georgia. Nantahala River • Nantahala National Forest • Lake Nantahala • Lake Fontana Nantahala Gorge in the Western North Carolina Mountains. The Nantahala National Forest was established in 1920 under the authority of the 1911 Weeks Act and is now an assorted collection of noncontiguous protected land. Governor Roy Cooper has issued a modified Stay at Home order to see a list of businesses – restaurants, lodging, attractions and others – that have completed The Forest is divided into three Districts, Cheoah in Robbinsville, NC, Tusquitee in Murphy, NC, and the Nantahala in Franklin, NC. Over the course of centuries, the Nantahala River carved out an eight-mile gorge so deep that many parts of it see direct sunlight for only a short time each day. In the lower gorge a diverse plant population provides lush ground cover and it is a wildflower lovers paradise with many varieties of flowering plants that can be seen in the spring, summer and fall. Both deciduous and evergreen trees make up the impressive Nantahala National Forest. The Nantahala River The feature attraction of the region is a magnificent river gorge. While it is well known for it's hiking and mountain biking, it also has great trout fishing in the Nantahala River. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Great Smoky Mountains while traveling along the Tennessee and Nantahala (nan-tuh-HAY-luh) River.The historic trellis bridge Fontana Trestle takes you across Fontana Lake and into the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. The 1911 Weeks Act provided authority to acquire lands for national forests to protect watersheds, to provide timber, and to regulate the flow of maneuverable streams. at home between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., and face masks are still required in public places. It is the largest forest in the region, covering well over 1/2 million acres of mountain lands. Alcohol is prohibited at recreation sites along the gorge and on the Nantahala River. 828-257-4200. Various Outfitter and guides are available for whitewater rafting and fishing. “Nantahala” is a Cherokee word meaning “land of the noon day sun,” a fitting name for the Nantahala Gorge, where the sun only reaches to the valley floor at midday. Nantahala is Cherokee for “land of the noonday sun.” Lot / Land for sale. 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 Byway - 43 miles 1.5 hours. Whitewater Falls, Nantahala National Forest & Bearwallow Valley in Gorges State Park. The Nantahala River Gorge. 160 Zillicoa St. Suite A All district names come from the Cherokee language. At least part of Hwy 215 is a border between the 2 forests. Nantahala means "land of the noonday sun" because the steep gorge only gets direct sunlight during the middle of the day. One of the falls is on White Oak Creek a short distance from its confluence with the Nantahala (above the bridge at Old River Road and Wayah Road). Get directions, maps, and traffic for Nantahala, NC. The sun only reaches the valley floor when it's high overhead around noon. All individuals must stay WHY NANTAHALA? Nantahala National Forest. Weather conditions with updates on temperature, humidity, wind speed, snow, pressure, etc. The Nantahala Ranger District includes attractions such as Standing Indian Mountain, the Nantahala Gorge and Wayah Bald. From the heights of Wayah Bald’s 5,385-foot summit and its surrounding mountain peaks in this region of Nantahala National Forest, waters flow down from mountain slopes, gathering in the highest mountain lake in North Carolina, Nantahala Lake. More information about local restaurant resources With district names derived from the Cherokee language, visitors will find Nantahala is as rich in history as it is in habitat. Within the National Forest, the Nantahala River flows through a gorge so lush that it only gets direct sunlight at mid-day. With 11 zip lines and 7 sky bridges, this Canopy Tour gives you unsurpassed zipping fun through one of the premier natural areas in Western North Carolina. Best waterfall trails in Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina. Nantahala National Forest. © 2020 Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, Franklin Area Tourism Development Commission. The Nantahala River, located in Nantahala National Forest, is one of America's favorite whitewater playgrounds. It's accessed by way of a steep, 1.0 mile trail through a cove forest, beginning at the overlook for the falls, and descending to a bridge crossing the Whitewater River. The trail takes it's name from William Bartram, a naturalist and explorer who roamed the southern wilderness from Florida to North Carolina 200 years ago. tourism organizations to determine if any limitations are in place The Nantahala National Forest covers over 530,000 acres in the far western section of North Carolina. The Nantahala National Forest offers easy access to a wide variety of recreation options. North Carolina's Nantahala National Forest covers much of the Southwestern portion of the Old North State. The word "Nantahala" itself is derived from a Cherokee word meaning "land of the noonday sun", which is a good description of the Nantahala Gorge, a geographic wonder for which this forest is named. Two, 2-bedroom cabins near the Nantahala Gorge. Westbound vehicles will take N.C. 28 West to Steccoah, then N.C. 143 … 4,065 Reviews. Within the National Forest, the Nantahala River flows through a gorge so lush that it only gets direct sunlight at mid-day. Parts if it border the Pisgah National Forest on the east side. Explore camper reviews and photos of the campgrounds in Nantahala National Forest. The Nantahala River Gorge is a beautiful natural environment and it is host to a wide variety of plant and animal life. This site requires that javascript is enabled. Visit Count On Me NC Located in the Nantahala Gorge near Bryson City, NC, “Weddings at Falling Waters” sits atop the Nantahala Gorge with views of Fontana Lake, the Nantahala National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Nantahala National Forest Pinnacle Park Hike the West Fork Trail at Pinnacle Park in Sylva, North Carolina, climbing to exceptional views from The Pinnacle, a high-elevation, knobby summit. The office is now located in Franklin, NC. The Nantahala River Gorge. Camping near Nantahala National Forest is easy with Hipcamp, where private landowners offer one-of-a-kind camping experiences. 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