North Carolina--Mountain Waters Scenic Byway
Date: 2004-12-08
This winding, 61-mile drive through the Nantahala National Forest is custom
fit for the water sport enthusiast and angler. Starting in Highlands on
U.S. 64, this byway travels through the eye-popping beauty of the Cullasaja
Gorge, which runs parallel with the Cullasaja River. Enjoy serene views
of the river and its waterfalls.
In the mood for a little camping, picnicking, fishing, swimming, and hiking? Stop off at the Cliffside Lake Recreation Area and the Van Hook Glade campgrounds, just off U.S. 64, for some fun on foot.
The route then takes a right at old U.S. 64, then a left onto Rte. 1310 (or Wayah Road) along the Wayah Creek, where the watersport activities really start to heat up. Start off with some stream fishing in Wayah Creek and then head up to Nantahala Lake with its 20-plus miles of shoreline for some fun boating and fishing. But that's just a warm up for the Nantahala River Gorge, which draws some 250,000 boaters who enjoy top notch whitewater rafting, kayaking, and canoeing.
The Nantahala River outfitters can assist you in planning a trip and providing equipment. For those not interested in getting wet, there is a wooden walkway over the gorge that provides a hair-raising view of the participants below.
Starting Point:
Highlands, NC
Distance of Drive:
61 miles
Must Eat:
Lakeside Restaurant
531 Smallwood Avenue, Highlands, NC 28741
Phone:828-526-9419
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Summer
Points of Interest on Drive:
Appalachian hardwood forest
Cullasaja Gorge
Cullasaja River
Cliffside Lake Recreation Area
Arrowood Glade Picnic Area
Wayah Gap
Nantahala National Forest
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