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!