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Nantahala National Forest Hiking Trails

Cable Cove Nature Trail #58

Cable Cove Nature Trail #58 is an easy one-mile loop trail that offers excellent opportunities for bird-watching and spotting wildflowers. There is even a small waterfall near the end of the hike.

Length: 1 mile

Intensity: Easy
Cheoah Trail #407

Cheoah Trail #407 begins near the U.S. Forest District Office. Historical markers on the trail offer visitors information about the Civilian Conservation Camp that once occupied the area. The trail winds through the forest, allowing glimpses of Santeetlah Lake through the trees.

Length: 2.5 miles

Intensity: Easy
Hooper Bald Trail #60

This short and easy trail is perfect for those who want to enjoy the scenery without a rugged hike. The path starts at a paved parking area and leads visitors to Hooper Bald. At an elevation of 5,500 feet, the Bald is one of the highest points in the county.

Length: 0.5 miles

Intensity: Easy
Belding Trail #52

Belding Trail #52 leads hikers from the suspension bridge that spans the Cheoah River to Yellow Hammer Gap. This is a lightly used trail often used by fishermen looking for the perfect spot along the banks of one of the many small streams flowing through the area. Some of the creek crossings along this path are wet crossings that may require hikers to wade through the waters.

Length: 12 miles

Intensity: Strenuous
Huckleberry Knob Trail #419

This trail takes hikers on an in-and-out path to the summit of Huckleberry Knob. The trail gains an elevation of 350 feet over the course of the hike. The knob has an elevation of 5,560 feet, and the view from the top of the wildflower-covered summit is stunning.

Length: 2.2 miles

Intensity: Easy
Spirit Ridge Trail

The Spirit Ridge Trail is an ADA-accessible trail that offers easy parking and an overlook deck that allows visitors views of the forest from 3,700 feet.

Length: 0.3 miles

Intensity: Easy

Activities in Nantahala National Forest

Identifying Flora and Fauna

Nantahala National Forest is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life. One of the best opportunities for viewing the diversity of life in the forest is along the trails at Whiteside Mountain. The plant life in Nantahala National Forest includes wildflowers, ferns, and the occasional wild strawberry or blueberry plants. The forest also hosts a wide variety of wildlife. Visitors might be lucky enough to spot a white-tailed deer, a mountain lion, or a beaver busy building his dam across one of the creeks.

Fishing

With several lakes, streams, rivers, and ponds, Nantahala National Forest offers several fishing options. Visitors interested in fishing should check out the Nantahala River Gorge. The Nantahala River is known for its excellent trout fishing.

Geocaching

Geocaching is allowed in Nantahala National Forest. Visitors wishing to leave a cache must first obtain permission from the local ranger district office to ensure that the cache is not left in a protected or environmentally delicate area. When hunting for a cache, remember that it will not be buried, so you will not need to dig or remove any vegetation.

Nature Watching

For those looking to spot some interesting feathered friends, Whiteside Mountain is home to the peregrine falcon. Brought to the area in 1985, the endangered bird has found the cliffs of Whiteside Mountain to be a perfect nesting ground. Visitors can also spot smaller birds like the yellow-bellied sapsucker and the common raven.

Stargazing

Nantahala National Forest is open 24 hours a day, offering excellent opportunities for laying back and watching the stars float by overhead. One of the most active astronomy clubs in the nation is in nearby Asheville. The Asheville Astronomy Club offers free public stargazing gatherings at the local University of North Carolina campus in Asheville.

How to get to Nantahala National Forest

Address: National Forest Road, Bryson City, Nantahala, NC 28713

Fee: Entry fee $0

Offering stunning views and thrilling white-water rafting across three ranger districts, Nantahala National Forest is the perfect stop on your RV road trip through North Carolina. Whether you prefer to spend your time shopping and exploring historic estates or tackling a steep hike to take in the views atop a local mountain, you’re sure to find something to fuel your wandering soul in The Nantahala.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nantahala National Forest

Is Nantahala National Forest open all year round?

Yes Nantahala National Forest is open all year-round. The forest is open 24 hours a day as well, although some areas are day-use only.

Can you kayak, canoe, or raft in Nantahala National Forest?

Yes, you can kayak, canoe, or raft in Nantahala National Forest. There is plenty of whitewater rafting available, in fact, and several outfitters in the area provide guides and all the equipment for rafting the river.

What is the closest town to Nantahala National Forest?

Fairview, NC is one of the closest towns to the Nantahala National Forest. Bryson City, where the forest headquarters lie, is also near the forest.

What type of wildlife lives in Nantahala National Forest?

Among the wildlife that lives in Nantahala National Forest are deer, black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, river otters, beavers, and porcupines. The forest is also home to many types of birds, and a variety of fish live in the forest lakes and streams.

Does Nantahala National Forest offer free camping sites?

Yes, Nantahala National Forest has free camping. Dispersed camping is allowed in much of the forest, and Lake Santeetlah is a popular spot. Dispersed campers need to bring everything including water with them, and leave no trace when they finish camping.

Nantahala National Forest Guide

RV Rentals Near Nantahala National Forest

Nantahala National Forest Hiking Trails

Cable Cove Nature Trail #58

Cheoah Trail #407

Hooper Bald Trail #60

Belding Trail #52

Huckleberry Knob Trail #419

Spirit Ridge Trail