The Nantahala National Forest is located in the mountains of western North Carolina. It covers over 530,000 acres of land and is known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse ecosystems. The forest is divided into three districts: the Cheoah, the Tusquitee, and the Wayah. Each district offers a unique experience for visitors, from lush forests to cascading waterfalls to rugged mountain peaks.
The Nantahala National Forest is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, many of which are rare or endangered. The forest provides important habitat for black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species. The diverse ecosystems within the forest support a rich array of plant life, including hardwood forests, rhododendron thickets, and high-elevation spruce-fir forests.
In addition to its ecological significance, the Nantahala National Forest also plays an important role in providing clean water to the surrounding communities. The forest is home to numerous streams and rivers that flow into major watersheds, supplying drinking water to millions of people downstream.
Overall, the Nantahala National Forest is a treasure trove of natural beauty and biodiversity, offering visitors the opportunity to explore and appreciate the wonders of the Appalachian Mountains.
Description: The 43-mile Cherohala Skyway on the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests in North Carolina. The U.S. Forest Service (FS) has a Forest Service 2012 Fall Colors Website and a toll-free Fall Colors Hotline at 1-800-354-4595 that will help visitors plan their trip to catch the colors at their peaks.USDA photo by J. Knowlton.
Image by U.S. Department of Agriculture J. Knowlton/Public Affairs Specialist – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia
Description: A hiker views the scenery from a trail in Fires Creek Recreation Area in the Nantahala National Forest in Clay County, North Carolina
Image by Harrison Keely – CC BY 4.0 – Wikimedia
Description: Title from panel. "FS-873-0811." Includes text, notes, location map, "Seasonal and Special Vehicle Designations" table, directory of forest service offices with list of emergency telephone numbers, and illustration. Available also through the Library of Congress Web site as a raster image.
Image by United States. Forest Service – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Relief shown by contours and spot heights. Title from panel. "September 1990." Includes inset. Text and ill. on verso. "Recreation guide R8-RG 59." "R8-May 31, 1990." Available also through the Library of Congress Web site as a raster image.
Image by United States. Forest Service. Southern Region – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Relief shown by contours and spot heights. Title from panel. "Reprinted June 1997." Includes inset. Text and ill. on verso. "Recreation guide R8-RG 59." "R8-May 31, 1990." Available also through the Library of Congress Web site as a raster image.
Image by United States. Forest Service. Southern Region – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: "August 2011." Relief shown by contours and shading. "Constructed in 2011 by digital methods at the Southern Regional Office in Atlanta, GA ..." Includes vicinity map. Text, OHV trail system, regulations, safety tips, recreation information, and col. ill. on verso. "R8-RG 380." Available also through the Library of Congress Web site as a raster image.
Image by United States. Forest Service. Southern Region – Public domain – Wikimedia