Open only April through October, the Recreation Area is also the trailhead for six hiking trails, three of which form interesting dayhikes. Contact Information. Its around 2.5 mile round trip from the parking lot. Hikes in Alabama Hikes in Florida Hikes in Georgia Hikes in North Carolina There are more than 27,000 acres of designated wilderness found in its hills, including Ellicott Rock, Joyce Kilmer/Slickrock and the Southern Nantahala … Jennifer Kelley. The Nantahala National Forest is the largest in land mass, and the westernmost of North Carolina’s four national forests. 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. Pisgah National Forest, forming a triangle around Asheville, NC, was one of the first national forests in the eastern US. School House Falls is in Nantahala National Forest near Lake Toxaway NC. Since it is a short hike, I also did a few hikes in the immediate area. November 30, 2015. 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. 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 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 Nantahala Ranger District was formed in 2008 by combining the Highlands and Wayah districts of the Nantahala National Forest. The Nantahala Hiking Club conducts hikes on most Saturdays, Sundays and occasional weekday hikes. November 30, 2015. Misc "I'm a Wilderness First Responder - can I help you?" Here is a list of the best hikes in Western North Carolina from the staff at Nantahala Outdoor Center. 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. 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. 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. Nantahala Area Hikes: Siler Bald ... by the curvy shores of Lake Nantahala and deep into the Nantahala National Forest. At 4,000 feet, temperatures are pleasant from May to September. The Nantahala Hiking Club (NHC) is one of 31 volunteer Appalachian Trail (AT) maintaining clubs of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC). Contact Information for Ranger District Offices Sit back and relax while gliding over Fontana Lake and through Nantahala National Forest and the Nantahala Gorge. 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. It can be accessed by foot, bicycle, and horse. Though I live a mere 15 miles from its eastern border I hadn't paid it all that much attention until late. Hiking through the Smokies is our staff's favorite pasttime and we hope you consider some of these for your next outdoor adventure. The largest of the three National Forests in North Carolina, Nantahala has 531,148 acres to explore. Nantahala National Forest . The Nantahala National Forest lies in the mountain and valleys of southwestern North Carolina. The Nantahala National Forest covers over 530,000 acres in the far western section of North Carolina. 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 . Trek to mile-high summits, dive deep into sheer-walled gorges, and explore waterfall-filled valleys on these top trails. NANTAHALA NATIONAL FOREST JOYCE KILMER-SLICKROCK CREEK WILDERNESS Hangover, Slickrock Creek 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. Nantahala National Forest: Great hikes and views! 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. 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. Nantahala National Forest is served by four ranger districts. It is a courtesy to the driver to chip in for gas after the hike. 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. 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. Just 6.5 miles from busy downtown Highlands is this hidden oasis that is definitely a secret to many. 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