Nantahala National Forest Guide
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Experience the beauty of Nantahala National Forest RV camping in North Carolina's largest forest, spanning 531,000 acres of stunning landscapes. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, the forest features lush trails, cascading waterfalls, serene lakes, and exciting activities like rafting on the Nantahala River. Popular seasons include fall for vibrant foliage and spring for blooming wildflowers. Camping near Nantahala National Forest offers options for all preferences. Stay at campgrounds like Standing Indian, near the Appalachian Trail, or Tsali Recreation Area, a favorite among mountain bikers. For a budget-friendly experience, enjoy free dispersed camping along Forest Service roads such as Wine Spring Bald. Explore various RV-friendly campgrounds near Nantahala National Forest, which offer amenities like full hookups. You can also look for rentals in RVShare for your trip.
Camping in Nantahala National Forest
Nantahala National Forest offers a variety of camping options catering to different preferences and budgets. Don't forget to check out the top campgrounds in North Carolina. With RVshare, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free RV experience by locating the best RV dump stations nearby.
Best Campgrounds in Nantahala National Forest
$20-$40 per night
$20-$25 per night
$15 per night
$20-$40 per night
Campgrounds Near Lakes, Waterfalls, and Rivers
$20 per night
Cable Cove Campground
$30 per night
$35-$49 per night
$24 per night
Santeetlah Lake
Free Dispersed Campgrounds
Appalachian Trail Dispersed Camping
Joyce Kilmer Road NCSR #1134
Blue Valley Dispersed Camping
Ellicott Rock Wilderness
Snowbird Creek
Ammons Branch Campground
Private Campgrounds Nearby
$50-$65 per night
$80-$110 per night
$55-$75 per night
Group Camping Areas
Price: $75-$150 per night
Capacity: Up to 25-50 people.
Price: $75 per night
Capacity: Up to 75 people.
Price: $75 per night
Capacity: Up to 25 people.
RV Rentals Near Nantahala National Forest
Nantahala National Forest Hiking Trails
Nantahala National Forest features diverse hiking trails for all skill levels, from easy walks to challenging treks. Below is a list of notable trails, including their lengths and difficulty levels.
Easy Trails
Length: 2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Moderate Trails
Length: 2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 6.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 1 mile
Difficulty: Moderate
Challenging Trails
Length: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
Length: 29 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
Length: 9.8 miles
Difficulty: Challenging
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
Nantahala National Forest offers a wide range of outdoor activities for you to enjoy. From thrilling adventures to serene experiences, there’s something for everyone here.
Hiking: Explore over 600 miles of trails suitable for all skill levels, including scenic routes that lead to breathtaking views and stunning waterfalls.
Camping: Choose from numerous campgrounds within the forest, ranging from developed sites to free dispersed camping areas, perfect for a night under the stars.
Fishing: Cast your line in pristine waters filled with trout and other species at Lake Nantahala and the Nantahala River. A fishing license may be required.
Whitewater Rafting: Experience thrilling whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River, suitable for beginners and experienced rafters. Guided tours are available through local outfitters.
Mountain Biking: Ride the diverse trails of Nantahala, including the Tsali Recreation Area, which offers paths for all skill levels amidst beautiful scenery.
Scenic Drives: Take in the stunning landscapes along scenic drives, such as the Road to Nowhere and Heintooga Ridge Road, perfect for a leisurely exploration of the forest.
Wildlife: You can observe diverse wildlife, including deer, elk, and various bird species while hiking or driving through the forest's rich ecosystems.
Horseback Riding: Discover the beauty of Nantahala on horseback by exploring designated equestrian trails that wind through picturesque landscapes.
Ziplining: Soar through lush canopies and enjoy panoramic mountain views on exhilarating zipline courses.
Picnicking: Relax with family or friends at designated picnic areas by scenic lakes like Cliffside, perfect for a peaceful day outdoors.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
By Car
Nantahala National Forest is accessible by car from several nearby cities.
From Asheville, NC: Take I-40 West to US-74 West. Follow US-74 to NC-19 South, which leads directly into the forest.
From Atlanta, GA: Take I-85 North to US-441 North. Follow US-441 through Clayton, GA, and continue into North Carolina.
From Bryson City, NC: Take US-19 North towards the forest entrance. This route provides access to popular areas like the Nantahala River.
By Air
The nearest airports to Nantahala National Forest are:
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL): Approximately 65 miles from the forest, offering flights from major cities.
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP): About 90 miles away with various flight options.
Seasonal Restrictions
Expect increased traffic and potential temporary road closures during peak summer months (July and August) due to maintenance or weather conditions. Wayah Road and sections of the Cherohala Skyway may also be closed during winter due to snow or ice. Check for alerts or road closures before your visit.
Fees
There is no general entry fee for Nantahala National Forest. However, certain campgrounds may have associated costs ranging from $15 to $30 per night for camping. Verify any potential fees at specific sites before your visit.
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.
