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.
There are lots of things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains. 
The creeks of the Great Smoky Mountains are unique in their beauty and especially attractive in hot summer weather. 
Clingmans Dome has arguably the best view in 
There are a ton of 
The hike up itself starts out wide and easy. it quickly turns to about straiight up. If you continue you'll be rewarded wtih an incredible view into Tennessee. At the top be really careful as you have to climb up the odd boulder formations to see the very top. 
Today I left my office at 7pm, drove less than 15 minutes from town to the Hwy 28 bridge crossing over Lake Fontana, parked my car, got my Wilderness Systems Tsunami touring kayak off the car (with the help of a friend, its true!) and was in the water in less than 30 minutes. I paddled up towards the Nantahala River, for about an hour. It was beautiful, quiet, the moon was out, and only one motor boat passed me, right when I put in. When I turned around to paddle back to the 28 bridge, 2 other motor boats passed me. Other than that, I had the entire lake to myself. 
Winter has been frisky this year in our magical corner of the Great Smokies. Snow has visited us several times, making for fun skiing at local resorts and along the closed roads of the 
On a cool fall night in the Smokies, curl up in front of a fire in one of our 
Asian Multi-Colored Lady Beetle, Japanese Lady Beetle, Japanese Lady Bug...all of these are common names for Harmonia axyridis, a common visitor to 
Pottery, hand woven table runners, silver jewelry, blown glass, fresh cheese...all of these handmade products -- and many more -- are created by artists here in the Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina! 
Just a couple miles away from our 
When you're ready leave the cozy porch of your 
For folks coming to the area for 
We've got Smoky Mountain golfing, fishing in the Smokies,
If you happen to have arrived at your 
Grab an umbrella and go for a walk at Deep Creek, notice the mist off the water and how stunning the waterfalls are thanks to the extra rain - and notice that you have fewer people crowding the trail with you! Ahha - the joys of a rainy fall day. Or go over to the 
The Smoky Mountains have dressed themselves into their fall finery! The colors are stunning and, for two nights so far, we even had dustings of snow on the highest peaks. It melts quickly right now, but the white stuff is a lovely topper for these mountains of ours.
National Parks are managed by the Department of the Interior to be protected and preserved in wild state for current and future generations. Visitors must leave everything they find, and take away everything they bring (i.e. do not pick flowers, collect mushrooms, rocks...or leave orange peels, eggshells, apple cores...). National parks are patrolled by Park Rangers and offer many visitor amenities at designated locations, such as restrooms and maybe even lodging and restaurants. Dogs are usually not allowed off lead at camping or picnic areas or on any hiking trails in National Parks. 
National Forests, such as Nantahala National Forest, are managed by the Department of Agriculture and are used not only for recreation, but for logging, mining, and hunting. They are less restrictive of activities; more areas are open for camping, mountain biking, horseback riding, All-Terrain-Vehicle use, etc. National Forests are managed by very small staffs; expect to be completely self-reliant while visiting as amenities are few and very basic. Dogs are usually allowed. 
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