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Nantahala National Forest – Image Gallery

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.
Cullasaja Falls
A hiker views the scenery from a trail in Fires Creek Recreation Area in the Nantahala National Forest in Clay County, North Carolina
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.
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.
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.
"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.


Nantahala National Forest

The Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina is a vast and diverse wilderness area known for its stunning waterfalls, scenic rivers, and abundant recreational opportunities. - National Forest Official Website

Details

Nantahala National Forest

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.

Features

  • Whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River
  • Hiking trails, including the famous Appalachian Trail
  • Camping and picnicking areas
  • Fishing in mountain streams and pristine lakes
  • Scenic drives through the mountains

Ecological Significance

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.



Nantahala National Forest

Points of Interest

Top Points of Interest in Nantahala National Forest

  • Whitewater Falls: This stunning waterfall is one of the tallest in the eastern United States, cascading over 400 feet. Visitors can take a short hike to the viewing platform to enjoy the impressive sight.
  • Appalachian Trail: The Nantahala National Forest is home to a section of the famous Appalachian Trail, offering hikers the chance to experience the beauty of the forest along this iconic route.
  • Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest: This old-growth forest is home to some of the oldest and largest trees in the eastern United States, including tulip poplars that are over 20 feet in circumference.
  • Fontana Lake: This picturesque lake offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming, as well as stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Wayah Bald Lookout Tower: This historic lookout tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it a popular spot for photographers and hikers.
  • Deep Creek: This area of the forest is known for its beautiful waterfalls, including Juney Whank Falls and Tom Branch Falls, as well as opportunities for tubing and picnicking.
These are just a few of the many points of interest that make the Nantahala National Forest a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.



Nantahala National Forest – Images

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.

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

Cullasaja Falls

Description: Cullasaja Falls

Image by Sdrtm at English Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 3.0 – Wikimedia

A hiker views the scenery from a trail in Fires Creek Recreation Area in the Nantahala National Forest in Clay County, North Carolina

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

"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.

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

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