Waterfall Hero Hikes: Cheoah Backcountry Area (Nantahala)

Cheoah Backcountry Area is located in the Cheoah Ranger District of Nantahala National Forest surrounding Cheoah Bald in Graham and Swain Counties. Cheoah Bald is a standout summit at about 5,062 feet. Its isolation and prominent rise, nearly 3,000 feet above the Nantahala River Gorge. make the views feel expansive and rewarding. This rugged area surrounding the peak contains two long distance hiking trails - Bartram Trail and Appalachian Trail that both climb steeply from Nantahala Gorge to Cheoah Bald. Additionally, there are several scenic waterfalls in the area.

Map:

Trails:

Appalachian Trail (#1)

Appalachian Trail runs from through the area from Nantahala Outdoor Center to Stecoah Gap, crossing over Cheoah Bald.

Bartram Trail (#67)

Section 12 of Bartram Trail runs through the area from Nantahala Gorge to Cheoah Bald. From the gorge, the trail crosses the railroad tracks then crosses Ledbetter Creek. From here, it climbs steeply up via switchbacks for about a mile then gradually descends to a crossing of Ledbetter Creek. There is another crossing in about a half-mile, then the trail passes Bartram Falls after about 2.5 miles. There are two more crossings of the creek before the trail splits away and crosses Nolton Ridge Road then steeply climbs up to end at the Appalachian Trail just a quarter-mile northbound of the summit of Cheoah Bald.

Points of Interest:

Bartram Falls

Bartram Falls is a 30-foot waterfall on Ledbetter Creek along Bartram Trail below Cheoah Bald.

Cheoah Bald

Cheoah Bald, at 5062 feet above sea level, is the high point of the area. The summit is crossed by Appalachian Trail near the intersection with Bartram Trail. There is a campsite here and great views looking down into Nantahala Gorge.

Findley Falls

Findley Falls is a small waterfall on Ledbetter Creek that is easy to reach.

Handpole Branch Falls:

Handpole Branch Falls is a very tall waterfall but it's difficult to get a good view.

Inside Passage Falls:

Inside Passage Falls is a waterfall on Ledbetter Creek. The only way to continue upstream past the waterfall is to climb through the passage on river left.

Wildlife:

Rosebay rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum)

Wild blue phlox (Phlox divaricata) is native to eastern North America and a favorite for pollinators like butterflies and bees.

Coral crested fungus (Clavulina cristata) has branching tips often appear slightly flattened or "crested" and grows on the ground in moist, mossy areas of mixed hardwood/conifer forests.

Eastern yellow chanterelle (Cantharellus flavus) are one of the most prized edible wild mushrooms, but always positively confirm identification before attempting to forarge.