Travel South Magazine Travel South low (kasey daleo's conflicted copy 20 | Page 90

Nantahala, North Carolina Tucked away in the Nantahala Mountains, the Nantahala Community is centrally located to all of the great vacation activity areas of Western North Carolina. Nantahala Lake sits at 3,012 feet in elevation, the second highest lake east of the Rocky Mountains. The pristine waters of Nan- tahala Lake are surrounded by 29 miles of shoreline, most of which is National Forest land, creating one of the most pristine bodies of water in the region. The 1,600- acre lake offers activities to visitors, such as swimming, kayaking, boating, fishing, and a perfect place to escape for a quiet day of relaxation. For those seeking a more thrilling experience, the Nan- tahala River offers whitewater rafting and kayaking, or the perfect place for you to cast a line, in hopes of catch- ing the perfect trout in one of our many natural streams. Take a hike in the nearby Joyce Kilmer Forest or Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or follow the National Scenic Byway, Wayah Road, over to Franklin, NC, and ex- perience one of their ten active gem mines. On the way, take a drive up to Wayah Bald Lookout Tower, and get a mile-high view in every direction. Four states are visible from the old stone tower which was originally con- structed by the Civilian Conservation Corp to serve as a fire tower for the Nantahala National Forest. The world renowned Appalachian Trail also passes through Nantahala, which is accessible from Wayah Road southeast of Nantahala Lake, as well as at Wesser Bald in Tellico Gap. The Bartram Trail, a national recreation trail, travels across the Nantahala National Forest from Nan- tahala Gorge, east and south into Georgia. Nantahala, “Land of the Noon Day Sun,” offers endless opportunities to disconnect from the distractions of everyday life and reconnect with the beauty that is Nan- tahala Lake & the Nantahala Community. Visit us online at www.visitnantahalanc.com and start planning your next vacation now!