Hiking
 Scaly
Mountain and Highlands are located in the beautiful
Nantahala National Forest of Western North Carolina.
The largest forest in the region, it covers over 1.3
million acres of land across the Blue Ridge
Mountains. Hiking opportunities abound throughout
our area, offering everything from strenuous hikes
to the top of thousand foot high cliffs to easy
walks through the forest near beautiful waterfalls.
The Highlands area of the Nantahala National Forest
is known for it’s abundance of waterfalls, including
the 411’ high “Whitewater Falls”, the highest
waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains.
The Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness area offers
1.25 and 2 mile trails through the largest
old-growth hardwoods in the eastern part of the
state. Some of the poplars and hemlocks here reach
more than 150 feet in height and 20 feet in
circumference. The trails are relatively easy, and
in the center at the Joyce Kilmer Memorial there is
a large boulder with a plaque to the fallen
soldier-poet Alfred Joyce Kilmer for whom the
preserve was named.
 Closer
to Highlands you’ll find the Whiteside Mountain
Recreational Trail. This two mile loop is rated
“more difficult” because of some steep inclines. The
ends certainly do justify the means, as once at the
top you are treated to a breathtaking view into
South Carolina over the Chattooga River more than
2100 feet below you. The mountain summit stands at
4,930 feet. This area is also home to the fastest
animal in the world, the endangered Peregrine
Falcon. If you’re lucky you might see one of the
magnificent raptors diving through the sky in search
of prey. They are said to reach speeds of up to 200
miles per hour.
The Highlands Plateau is certainly one of the most
beautiful places in the Appalachian Mountains to go
hiking. The trails mentioned here are just a few of
the abundant options in our area. For more
information on the Nantahala National Forest, feel
free to call any of the Ranger districts below. |
Cheoah District
Joyce Kilmer, Snowbird Backcountry, Tsali
Route 1, Box 16-A
Robbinsville, NC 28771
828-479-6431 |
Highlands District
Whiteside Mountain
2010 Flat Mountain Road
Highlands, NC 28741
828-526-3765 |
Tusquittee District
Fire’s Creek Rim, Upper Tellico
201 Woodland Dr
Murphy, NC 28906
704-837-5152 |
Wayah District
Appletree, London Bald, Standing Indian
Basin
90 Sloan Rd
Franklin, NC 28734
828-524-6441 |
|
|
|
| If you have any
questions or would like more information, please contact us
828.526.2475,
email
us, or use our online request form. |
