Nantahala National Forest
Nantahala National Forest, Nature reserve in Monroe County, United States.
The Nantahala National Forest spans 531,270 acres across western North Carolina, featuring deep gorges, mountain peaks, and extensive river systems.
President Woodrow Wilson established the Nantahala National Forest on January 29, 1920, following land acquisitions from private owners under the Weeks Act.
The name originates from Cherokee language, referring to locations where sunlight reaches the deep gorges only during midday.
The forest provides over 600 miles of trails for hiking and biking, with free parking areas and multiple campgrounds equipped with facilities.
The Nantahala region ranks as the second wettest area in the United States, surpassed only by the Pacific Northwest.
Location: North Carolina
Inception: 1920
Operator: United States Forest Service
Website: http://fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/null/recarea/?recid=48634&actid=30
GPS coordinates: 35.23380,-83.55930
Latest update: May 27, 2025 07:04
Fontana Lake
32 km
Cheoah Dam
41.7 km
Chatuge Lake
34 km
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
40.9 km
John C. Campbell Folk School
43 km
Gorges State Park
57.4 km
Waterrock Knob
46.1 km
Foothills Trail
52.5 km
Kituwa
25 km
Dry Falls
34.5 km
Turtleback Falls
56.2 km
Cullasaja Falls
29.4 km
Bridal Veil Falls
35 km
Rainbow Falls
56.3 km
Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness
40.9 km
Upper Whitewater Falls
54 km
Richland Balsam
53.8 km
Nikwasi
18.4 km
Ellicott Rock Wilderness
49.4 km
Camp Merrie-Woode
48.2 km
Citico Creek Wilderness
48.4 km
Ramsey Center
35.1 km
Santeetlah Dam
32.9 km
Southern Nantahala Wilderness
26.4 km
Quarry Falls
30.9 km
The Jarrett House
31.8 km
Middle Prong Wilderness
57.7 km
Jackson County Courthouse
33.9 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes