Nantahala River Gorge

The Nantahala River flows from through a steep gorge between Nantahala Lake and Fontana Lake in the Nantahala Ranger District of Nantahala National Forest.  This section of river is one of the most popular whitewater rivers in the eastern United States.  The name "Nantahala" comes from the Cherokee word for "land of the noon day sun", where the valley floor only receives direct sunlight at midday.  A daily fee per person is required to paddle the river, which is included if going with a commercial outfitter.  In addition to water activities, there are picnic areas along the river and several trails, including the Appalachian Trail.

Map:




Points of Interest:


Camp Branch Falls:


Camp Branch Falls is a tall waterfall on a tributary of Nantahala River, but there's no good place to view the entire thing.


The Cascades:


The Cascades are a small but scenic drop on Nantahala River.


Jagged Rock Falls:


Jagged Rock Falls is a 40-foot waterfall on an unnamed tributary of Nantahala River.


Nantahala Cascades:


Nantahala Cascades is a small waterfall on the river along Old River Road.


Nantahala Falls:


Nantahala Falls is a class III rapid on the river at Nantahala Outdoor Center.


Queens Falls:


Queens Falls is a roadside waterfall along FR-422 near Queens Creek Lake.


Wesser Bald Lookout Tower:

Wesser Bald Lookout Tower provides great views from atop the 4,627-foot peak.


Wesser Falls:


Wesser Falls is just downstream of Nantahala Outdoor Center.


Whiteoak Falls:


Whiteoak Falls is a scenic 25-foot waterfall on Whiteoak Creek just upstream of the confluence with Nantahala River.


Wildlife:


Late boneset (Eupatorium serotinum)


Orange jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)


Yellow jewelweed (Impatiens pallida)


Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare)


Great blue heron (Ardea herodias)


Blog Entries:



28-Dec-2020: Wayah Road Waterfalls

26-May-2013: Paddling Nantahala

25-May-2013: Paddling the Tuck

18-Mar-2012: AT Hike from NOC

External Links:


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