EXPERIENCE THE EXHILARATING LIFE IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
There’s a story around every corner in Western North Carolina. It could happen as you’re taking in a local event, hiking a river trail or driving along one of the meandering roads that take you to the top of many mountains. Or, perhaps it’s while you’re hearing about a favorite fishing hole from a local and savoring a Western North Carolina-grown meal. But the stories can happen on a smaller scale too. Like the one that centers around that little something you discovered in a local antique store. Numerous experiences can be unearthed here. Just dig in.
So much unspoiled scenery and, not surprisingly, so many ways to take it all in. Paddle by meandering wildlife on one of our rivers or lakes. Watch miles and miles of open wilderness unfold from your handlebars. Go bird watching and throw in eagle watching at the same time. Then recount the experience over and over again.
The Hiwassee and Valley River
These are the legendary rivers that have come to be known for wild trout and matching the hatch.
Western North Carolina trout streams are the kinds of places where you embrace crisp mornings and ease into lingering evenings. So join us where the Hiwassee and the Valley Rivers are "just down the road a bit."
There's you & Nature
And only a screen or rainfly separating the two. In Western North Carolina, we believe it should be this simple. Find everything from primitive areas with limited facilities to the more luxurious campsites complete with swimming pools.
To experience camping in one of the state's spectacular national parks, Great Smokey Mountains you'll need to stay in a designated campground or obtain a backcountry permit. Most national forests and our state parks offer public campsites as well. Developed sites usually contain a table, fireplace, toilets and water. Many require a fee. But it's a small price to pay for having room to breathe.
Western North Carolina is an expression known as "mountainous." The rugged mountains zigzags across the region from the rolling hills to the high peaks of Snowbird to the prestine Cherahala Byway. The potential for hiking and backpacking in your back door is endless and inviting. And don't forget; when you're in the backcounty, it pays to be prepared if you get into an unexpected situation.
Looking for some whitewater adventure?
We've got guides that offer some of the most exciting white water rafting and scenic river trips in the nation. From the snowy peaks of Lake Nantahal and the Nantahala Gorge, pristine waters converge and flow through spectacular canyons and valleys in what the Cherokee call, Nantahala, "noon day sun". Experience the thrill of whitewater on a raft trip down the Hiwassee, near Bear Paw or run the Nanthala River just outside of Andrews about 20 minutes.
You can experience the rivers in many ways, guides offer a variety of trips on driftboats, rafts, kayaks and canoes. Or rent a boat yourself and explore our waterways.
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