Nantahala

(nicknamed the Nanty by river runners)

Location: Western North Carolina, through the Great Smoky Mountains (about 50 miles west of Asheville).

Length of trip: Eight miles in three to four hours.

Season: Mid-March through late October. The water levels are controlled by a dam and therefore remain constant.

Weather: April can be cold (with occasional snow), but daytime temperatures are usually in the 60s and 70s (F). Daytime temperatures reach 75° in May and into the 80s during the summer, when it can be crowded on weekends. September and October temperatures average in the 60s and 70s. The humidity is usually high from late spring through early autumn, but the deep narrow valleys of the Nantahala, which means Land of the Noonday Sun in Cherokee, shroud rafters in forest shade. No-see-ums can be pesky on summer nights.

Lodging: Wooded campgrounds around the Nantahala, as well as a variety of accommodations in nearby Bryson City and Cherokee.

Boats: Kayaks, paddle rafts.

Rapids: Numerous Class II and two Class III rapids. A hydroelectric dam pumps water from the bottom of Lake Nantahala, so the water is always clear and cold (between 45° and 50°), perfect for a bracing swim.

Special features:

  • Beautiful deep gorge in a thick hardwood forest. The cold water frequently causes an eerie mist to hang over the river.
  • Plunge over challenging Class III Nanty Falls.
  • Excellent hiking in the Nantahala National Forest.
  • Wildflowers and flowering trees and shrubs in spring and early summer.
  • Swimming in chilly but clear slow-moving pools.
  • White-tailed deer, black bears, European wild boars, wild turkeys, grouse, quail.
  • Brilliant foliage in autumn.
  • Excellent trout fishing.
  • Suitable for seniors in good physical condition, novice as well as experienced rafters, and families. Check with your outfitter about age limits for children.

Nearby excursions:

  • Appalachian Trail.
  • Nantahala National Forest.
  • Tsali Recreational Area, one of the Southeast’s best areas for mountain biking.
  • Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, one of the last stands of uncut timber.
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

For a list of outfitters and more information:

  • USDA Forest Service, Wayah Ranger District, Nantahala National Forest, 90 Sloan Road, Franklin, North Carolina 28734; +1 704 524 6441, fax +1 704 369 6592. Large groups should try to book at least a week or two in advance. Walk-ins are welcome for small groups.
  • Swain County Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 509, Bryson City, North Carolina 28713; +1 704 488 3681 or 800 867 9246. Large groups should try to book at least a week or two in advance. Walk-ins are welcome for small groups.

For more information:

  • North Carolina Travel and Tourism Division, 430 North Salisbury Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27603; 800 847 4862, fax +1 919 733 8582.
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park story in NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER, January/February 1991. To order a copy, please click here.

 
 
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