NC Real Estate & Cabin Rentals

Whether visitors are coming to do some fishing in the Smokies, Smoky Mountain golfing, whitewater rafting or just to relax in Bryson City NC cabin rentals, getting to the mountains can be nearly as much fun as being here - at least when drivers find themselves on the Nantahala Scenic Byway.

For those coming to the Great Smoky Mountains from Chattanooga, TN or North Georgia, the Nantahala Scenic Byway offers 40 beautiful miles to ease the drive.

US Hwy 19/74 winds its way up through the Andrews River Valley to the Nantahala Gorge, following the Valley River and then the Nantahala River in turn.  Mountains rise misty in the distance across the valley, then draw close and seem to hug the road as the sides of the Nantahala Gorge rise on either side of the river.  Nantahala means, loosely translated,  "River of the Mid-Day Sun", because the sun only reaches the heart of the River Gorge when it is directly overhead.

This scenic roadway offers open vistas and close encounters with mountains in only a short drive - well worth the trip! There are numerous pullouts along the road by the Nantahala River, several with picnic tables, where you can enjoy watching the rafters and kayakers paddling by.