Photos
Photos
Main CABIN
COZY CABIN
MORE TO EXPLORE
• The road from Franklin to Nantahala is a beautiful, scenic drive that is designated as a National Scenic Byway, known as the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway. If you are driving between Franklin and Nantahala, a side trip to Wayah Bald is recommended. There is a mile-high overlook from an old stone fire tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Four states are visible from the tower which provides a stunning panoramic view in all directions.
• The Bartram Trail is a national recreation trail that travels across the Nantahala National Forest from the Nantahala Gorge east and south into Georgia. The Nantahala section of the Bartram Trail stretches 21 miles (a 2-night hike) from the Duke Energy Power Plant on Wayah Road to Wayah Bald.
• Attention waterfall lovers! The Upper Nantahala is one of the most scenic rivers in the Smoky Mountains. Between the lake and the gorge, the river drops almost a thousand feet creating some of Western North Carolina’s most spectacular cascades and waterfalls. Most are easily seen from Wayah Road or Old River Road.
• The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad historic train depot is in nearby Bryson City, NC and is a favorite attraction for family fun. A round-trip on the train is a great way to see extraordinary places that you can’t get to by car. Get a front-row view of Fontana Lake, the historic Fontana Trestle, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Nantahala National Forest, the Nantahala and Tuckasegee Rivers, historical structures, and stunning foliage.
Cool fact:
Nantahala is known as the “Land of the Noonday Sun”. This name was given long ago to this corner of the Smokies by the Cherokee as they hunted and traveled the steep Nantahala River Gorge. They learned the sun would only light their way when it was Nun-da-ye-li – Nantahala – “a noonday sun”.
Cool fact:
History buffs will be interested to learn that Nantahala Lake was created in 1942 by the Nantahala Power Company to provide electricity for the war efforts. The power generated went to Tennessee smelteries for production of aluminum to build airplanes. Crystal-clear Nantahala Lake is still a major source of hydroelectric power and supplies water to the Nantahala River, one of the United States’ top rafting, kayaking and fly-fishing destinations.