Nantahala Ranger District, Nantahala National Forest
Find adventure in Panthertop Valley, referred to as the Yosemite of the east. Or, spend the day amongst towering mountains like Whiteside Mountain, or gushing waterfalls like Dry Falls and white Water Falls.
We strongly encourage visitors to carpool and plan ahead when visiting some of the forest's more popular destinations including:
- Sites along the Nantahala River
- Panthertown
- Dry Falls
- Whiteside Mountain
Parking at these locations is extremely limited, especially on weekends and holidays. Please park only in designated areas and do not block roadways or park in tow away zones.
Complexes
Recreation Sites
Albert Mountain Fire Tower
Site Open
Albert Mountain Fire Tower: Albert Mountain is a mountain in North Carolina's Nantahala Range of the Appalachian Mountains. The Appalachian Trail goes along its summit, which is around 5,200 feet…
Ammons Branch Campground
Site Open
Dispersed camping along Bull Pen Road. Four dispersed sites are available with picnic tables and lantern hangers. A pit toilet is available. Please pack in and pack out.
Appletree Group Campground
The four sites at Appletree Group Campground accommodates two sites (A and D) for up to 25 people each and two sites (B and C) for up to 50 people each. Each site has its own picnic shelter, outdoor…
Balsam Lake and Picnic Area
Recreation Day Use Area near the 8-acre Balsam Lake offering fishing piers, 1/2-mile hiking trail, picnic shelter and vault toilet. Non-motorized boats are permitted. The fishing piers, trail and…
Balsam Lake Lodge
Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Nantahala District, Balsam Lake Lodge offers a special getaway for groups who reserve the whole facility for $170 on weekdays to $200 on weekends, per…
Blue Valley Dispersed Camping
Site Open
Dispersed camping in the Blue Valley area. Approximately 22 dispersed sites are available, and most have fire rings and picnic tables. A pit toilet is available. Please pack in and pack out. Wilson…
Chattooga Wild and Scenic River
Site Open
The Chattooga River originates in the mountains of western North Carolina and runs 57 miles from North Carolina into Georgia and South Carolina. Designated as a Wild and Scenic River the Chattooga…
Cliffside Lake and Day Use Area
Site Open
Cliffside Lake Recreation Area offers two covered picnic shelters that must be reserved, a bathhouse with cold showers, a lake for fishing and swimming, a gazebo and six short hiking trails. Some…
Cullasaja Gorge
Site Open
Cullasaja Gorge is located along 64 between Franklin and Highlands, NC. The gorge is 7.5 miles of the Mountain Scenic By-way. This narrow, winding road parallels the Cullasaja River and offers…
Dirty John Shooting Range
Site Open
The shooting range offers 100-yard range with target frames set at 25 yards, 50 yards and 100 yards with six firing lanes or stations. This area is open all year. See fee information and…