2011 Recreation Guide to the National Forests in www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc Forest Service celebrates Weeks Act

PHOTO BY MARY NOEL From the ’s Green Knob Overlook, drivers can view the Burke-McDowell Tract, the first land purchased for eastern national for- ests through the 1911 Weeks Act. Known as the Curtis Creek tract, the land is part of the Grandfather Ranger District of . which solidified ownership with one A century of entity and allowed the government to buy the land without a cloud on conservation: the title. Over the last 100 years, North 1911-2011 Carolina has become home to the by Mary Noel Nantahala, Pisgah, Uwharrie and magine if no national forests Croatan national forests, which existed in North Carolina. encompass more than 1.2 million This was reality in the early acres — about 4 percent of North 20th century. Early national Carolina’s land. forests in the West were These North Carolina national Iestablished from public lands by forest lands now include: 1909. However, the U.S. government l 11 congressionally designated needed to purchase land from wilderness areas. private landowners if national forests PHOTO COURTESY OF FOREST SERVICE l Three research experimental were to exist in the East. THE LANDS NOBODY WANTED: Most lands acquired in the early 1900’s were stripped of trees and excessively eroded from farming. forests (Bent Creek, Coweeta and With strong public support, the Blue Valley) Weeks Act became law on March 1, a price of just over $7 per acre. Later often had only a general idea of l Three National Wild and Scenic 1911, under the leadership of Rep. in 1916, George Vanderbilt sold an the boundary locations. Many Rivers (Horsepasture and Chat- John W. Weeks of Massachusetts. 86,000-acre tract to the government. property boundaries overlapped, tooga Rivers and Wilson Creek) This law allowed for the purchase of Today this tract is the heart of the making acquisition a complicated l One National Historic Site the first national forest lands in the Pisgah District. process. This often required court (Cradle of Forestry in America) eastern United States. Nearly 30 percent of the first condemnation in order to clear title l Two National Scenic Byways The very first tract purchased lands bought in North Carolina for federal acquisition. (Cherohala Skyway and Forest for eastern national forests was 8,100 were high-quality forests with virgin When this happened, all known Heritage) acres owned by the Burke McDowell timber, but many other tracts were adjacent landowners were notified l Nationally designated trails: Lumber Company, located near stripped of trees. Smaller tracts were of the proposed sale and given the , Bartram Trail, Marion. This land is now a part of farmed out, resulting in erosion and opportunity to present to the court Uwharrie National Scenic Trail, the Grandfather District in Pisgah a loss of topsoil. their ownership claims for the tract. and Overmountain Victory Trail National Forest. Payment for the Most acquired lands had never The court paid those who appeared l About 1,700 miles of trails: hike, tract was made on Aug. 29, 1912, at been surveyed, and the owners to have a valid claim to the tract, bike, horse and off-highwav vehicle.

CONTENTS: MOUNTAIN MOUNTAIN UWHARRIE/ HAVE A 3 CAMPING 8 FORESTS MAP 15 CROATAN 2 SAFE VISIT MAPS CLIMB FIRE U.S. Department of Agriculture 6 LOOKOUT DISCOVER THE A COMPLEX Forest Service 11 Southern Region TOWER BACKCOUNTRY 16ECOSYSTEM CROATAN l UWHARRIE l PISGAH l NANTAHALA l NATIONAL FORESTS CAROLINA 2 CONNECTIONS CAROLINA 3 CONNECTIONS

RECOVERY CAMPING IN THE MOUNTAINS

Fees subject X mM HIGHLIGHTS i u f More than $13.5 million in American to change c g Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds have F k Call to verify j created new or improved recreation sites and 6w- specific opening e and closing dates. facilities across the forest. Most projects will be MAP NUMBER AMPHITHEATERSHOWERS BOAT RAMP FISHINGTRAILS completed in 2011. RESERVATIONSDUMP STATIONPICNIC RESTROOMSAREA DRINKING WATERSWIMMING/WADING FEE NUMBER OF SITES North Carolina’s national forests offer NANTAHALA NATIONAL FOREST COMMENTS a wealth of recreation opportunities, from BRISTOL HORSE CAMP V All year. $5 7 On Fires Creek. Offers horse hiking and fishing in the mountains to From HAYESVILLE, take SR 1307 for 3 miles to 5 camping and tethering posts. SR 1300, go 5.7 miles to SR 1344 (FR 340). Go 7 miles on FR g j w horseback and off-highway-vehicle riding in Tusquitee District: 828-837-5152. 340. 6 the to canoeing at the coast. CABLE COVE V $10 26 Near Fontana Lake. One-mile nature During 2010, recovery funds helped Apr. 1-Oct. 31. From FONTANA VILLAGE, take NC 28S, 24 c g f k j w trail. Cheoah District: 828-479-6431. maintain 80 miles of trail in North Carolina’s 4.7 miles, turn left on FR 520 for 1.4 miles. national forests. A target of 103 miles will CHEOAH POINT Sites 1-17: $15, first-come first served. be accomplished. Local youth from the Apr. 1-Oct. 31. From ROBBINSVILLE, take NC 129N 5.8 23 X F $15 26 Sites 18-23, $20, RV sites. 2 walk-in miles, left on SR 1145 for 0.3 mile, right on SR 1147 for g F f k j w $20 cabins, electrical hookup outside,$35/ PHOTO BY DON CRANE Student Conservation Association repaired Hikers travel through Graveyard Fields in the Pisgah National Forest. 1 mile. night. Cheoah District: 828-479-6431. additional miles. Visitors to campgrounds and HANGING DOG F On Hiwassee Lake. Apr. 1-Sept. 30. 2 X $8- 52 other recreation sites will benefit from seven From MURPHY, take NC 1326W for V w $16 Tusquitee District: 828-837-5152. 5 miles. i c g f k j new buildings and one additional restroom - Be safe in the national forests completed in 2010. Improvements at Roan HORSE COVE F $10 18 Five sites all year. In winter, no North Carolina’s national forests attract l Remember that your cell phone, GPS unit or Apr. 1-Oct. 31. From ROBBINSVILLE, take US 129N for 1 22 V Mountain Recreation Area will be finished mile, left on NC 143W for 10 miles, right on SR 1159 for 2.3 g f j w water, $5 fee. Cheoah District: nearly eight million visitors a year. With advance other electronic equipment may not work in before the site opens in June. miles, right at Joyce Kilmer Road for 0.5 mile. 828-479-6431. preparation and precautions during your forest remote areas. I Ten Civilian Conservation Corps-era HURRICANE CREEK u 7 V $6 Undesignated sites. Nantahala visit, you and your friends can have a more l For the national forest area you are visiting, Mar. 15-Dec.15 (depending on weather) Go south from c g j w District. Campground buildings, such as Tower on Standing Indian on FR 67 (gravel) for 2 miles. i pleasant and safe outdoor experience. know which firearms are specifically restricted Nantahala Ranger District and Pine Cliff office: 828-369-0442. 6 by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. Visit Shelter on the , JACKRABBIT MOUNTAIN X F $15- 100 On Chatuge Lake. Some lakefront Know...before you go 6 sites, picnic pavilion in campground: www.wildlife.state.nc.us and select “regulations.” received new roofs and other restoration. May 1-Sept. 30. From HAYESVILLE, take US 64E for 6.2 i c g u F f k m j w $30 A great outdoor experience starts with planning. l In case you get stranded or injured, take extra miles, turn left on NC 175 for 3 miles, turn right on first-come, first-served. Tusquitee l SR 1115. d d Consider the risks involved with your chosen food and water, warm clothing and a first-aid kit. District: 828-837-5152. activity and know your skill level. STANDING INDIAN u X F $14- On Nantahala River. l Research station 9 84 Get a map and become familiar with the area Stay safe in the woods May 1-Nov. 27. From FRANKLIN, take US 64W for 9 miles, i c g u F f j w $28 Nantahala District. Campground you plan to visit. Maps are available at U.S. Forest l Lock valuables in the trunk or other locations turn left on old US 64 and follow signs. office: 828-369-0442. Service offices listed on page 16 and online at where they can’t be seen. issues report card d d TSALI $15 41 On Fontana Lake. Adjacent to Tsali l F www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc. Check on-site information boards for safety Apr. 1-Oct. 31. From BRYSON CITY, take US turn right SR 25 c g F f k j 6 mountain bike and horse trail com- l 1286 and go one mile to entrance. Consult the internet, news media and other issues relating specifically to that area. on sustainability w plex. Cheoah District. 828-479-6431. outlets for emerging safety concerns, such as l Identify potential natural hazards, such as high The Forest Service’s Southern Research Station d d - wildfire, severe weather forecasts and current winds, slippery rocks, flash flooding, bears or recently published the u F Campers may use Cliffside Lake VAN HOOK GLADE 28 X $16 19 water levels. other wild animals. Be alert! Report Card on Forest Sustainability. April1-Oct. 30. From HIGHLANDS, take US.64W for g F w facilities. Nantahala District. Camp- l l 4 miles, turn right at sign. f Always tell a friend or family member where Keep your distance from all wild animals, and “Sustainability means different things to d d ground Manager: 828-526-5918. you are going and when you expect to return. don’t feed them. different people, but we can all agree that forests PISGAH NATIONAL FOREST l Leave unnecessary valuables at home. l Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable are valuable to this region,” said Mary Carol COMMENTS l u F On South Toe River. Interpretive pro- Make sure your equipment, food and clothing in a place or situation, leave immediately and get Koester, one of the report’s authors. “These forests Mid-April-Oct. 31. $19 44 From BURNSVILLE, take US 19E for 5 59 grams in-season. Appalachian Dist. are appropriate for the trip. Be prepared for help if necessary. Report suspicious individuals or provide clean water, wildlife habitat, protect and miles, turn right on NC80S for 12 miles, right on FR 472 for i g u F f M j w weather conditions that can change rapidly in illegal activity to law enforcement. enrich soil, filter the air and provide settings for 3 miles. d d 6 Campground office: 828-675-5616. mountainous terrain. l Carry a noisemaker, such as a whistle. recreation and renewal.” BOONE FORK V $3 14 On Boone Fork Creek. Fishing pond. May 31-Sept. 7. 68 l If possible, don’t go into the forest alone. In case l In the event of serious injury, wildfire or The report card assesses and ranks forest From LENOIR, take NC 90W for 7 miles. c w Grandfather District:

Turn right on SR 1368 for 3 miles, turn right on FR 2055. g 828-652-2144. of an accident or other emergency, it’s much safer other emergencies, call 911. biodiversity, production, ecosystem health, soil, u - CAROLINA HEMLOCKS F 37 On South Toe River. Appalachian to be in pairs or a group. For more information on outdoor safety, visit water, air, carbons cycling, socioeconomic benefits 62 $19 Mid-April-Oct. 31. From BURNSVILLE, take US 19E for 5 g F f M j w District. Campground office: l Carry identification with you. the National Forests in North Carolina website at and policy. For more information or report miles, turn right on NC 80 for 9 miles. c 828-675-5616. l d d Know your group’s skill limits and plan the trip www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc. card copies, see: wncforestreportcard.org and CURTIS CREEK 57 V $5 27 RV and tent camping. On Curtis to accommodate everyone. [email protected]. Apr. 1-Nov. 30. From OLD FORT, take US 70E for 1.7 miles, c g f w Creek. Grandfather District: turn left on FR 482. j 828-652-2144. DAVIDSON RIVER u 38 F $20- 161 Limited sites with electrical hookups, 1911 Weeks law helps create Cradle of Forestry All year. From BREVARD, take US 64E to US 276, turn left. i g u F f j w $40 $5 surcharge; Pisgah District. Camp- Follow US 276 for 1.5 miles. ground office: 828-862-5960.

by Cindy Carpenter HARMON DEN X V $15 10 Up to 8 people and 4 horses per site. May 1-Oct. 31. From CANTON, take I-40W to Exit 7, take 51 Appalachian District: 828-682-6146. FR148 for 2.4 miles, right on FR 3526. Go .75 mile, turn left. g f j w

Grounded in historic landmarks with vision 6 for the future, the Cradle of Forestry in America LAKE POWHATAN u X F $20- 98 Lifeguard available. Interpretive welcomes visitors from all ages to its unique inter- Apr. 1-Oct. 31. From ASHEVILLE, take I-26E to exit 33, 49 turn left on NC 191S for 4 miles, turn right on Bent Creek i c g F f m j w $40 programs in season. Pisgah District. pretive center. Ranch Rd., go 3.5 miles to entrance on left. d d d - Campground office: 828-667-0391. Nestled in the Pisgah Ranger District’s Pink MORTIMER F $10 19 On Thorpe Creek and near Wilson Beds valley near Brevard is the site of America’s Apr. 1-Nov. 30. From LENOIR, take NC 90W to Colletts- 67 F f j w Creek. Picnic shelter. ville. Turn right on SR 1328 (turns to gravel), go 8.5 miles. At c g

first forestry school. The Cradle of Forestry offers NC 90, turn left. d d Grandfather District: 828-652-2144. four miles of paved trails, guided walks, exhibits, X F One loop open year-round with NORTH MILLS RIVER u 46 $17 31 family-oriented activities and events that show the All year. From ASHEVILLE, take I-26E to exit 40, turn i c gV F f j w vault toilet. Pisgah District. Camp- significance of conservation history. The center right on 280W, go 4 miles, turn right on SR 1345, go 5 miles. d d ground Manager: 828-890-3284. also focuses on stewardship and forest values. ROCKY BLUFF 53 F $8 30 On Spring Creek. Appalachian May 1-Oct. 31. From HOT SPRINGS, take NC 209S, go c g f w District: 828-682-6146. The movement to establish the Cradle of 3.3 miles, turn left into campground. j Forestry began in 1914. Enabled by the Weeks SUNBURST u F $13 10 Pisgah District. Campground Act, George Vanderbilt’s widow, Edith, sold a Apr. 1-Oct. 31. From WAYNESVILLE, take US 276S for 35 c g f j w 6,840-acre tract to the U.S. Government. This tract 7 miles, turn right on NC 215S, go 8 miles. Manager: 828-648-7841. became the Cradle of Forestry in America. u Operated by private concessionaire. X To make reservations, call 877-444-6777, TDD:877-833-6777 or www.recreation.gov I Primitive campsites In 1961 at the fiftieth anniversary celebration of the 1911 Weeks Act, Secretary of Agriculture Appalachian Ranger District; and along the Curtis mental Forest; U.S. 64’s Cullasaja Gorge corri- Orville L. Freeman recognized the Cradle’s Dispersed camping Creek corridor in the Grandfather Ranger District. dor; Fontana Lake’s Finger Lake Day-Use Area; contributions to forestry education. Students from America’s first forestry school participate in a field study. across mountain forests Nantahala National Forest: along corridors of the 1,000-foot corridor along the Nantahala River Today visitors can wander through historic Cradle,” a fable about a twelve-year-old girl The Cradle of Forestry is open daily from To limit impact, dispersed camping is only the Cheoah, Santeetlah and Tellico rivers in the between Silvermine Creek and Junaluska Road, cabins, a schoolhouse and observe the wonder of who comes to love the forest. Discover the new April 9 to Nov. 6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is allowed at designated sites in these areas: Cheoah and Tusquitee Ranger Districts. including any islands in the river; developed an antique logging train. Travel along the Forest Adventure Zone, created especially for those $5 for adults. Age 15 and under are free. Federal Pisgah National Forest: throughout the Pisgah Areas closed to dispersed camping: Bent day-use sites and campgrounds; many wildlife Discovery Trail or play the scavenger hunt and on the autism spectrum. On summer Thursday interagency passes are honored. For details on Ranger District; in corridors along Neals Creek, Creek Experimental Forest; the Cradle of Forest- openings; and areas with “No Camping” signs. “fly” over a forest fire in the Forest Discovery mornings, join Woodsy Owl’s Curiosity Club, a programs events and events, call (828) 877-3130 South Toe River, Big Ivy Road, Cold Springs ry’s developed areas; the Wilson Creek corridor; For site-specific information, call ranger districts Center. Watch the film, “There’s Magic at the nature-based program for children ages 4-7. or visit www.cradleofforestry.org. Creek and River Road/French Broad River in the land around Balsam Lake; the Coweeta Experi- listed on the back page. CAROLINA 4 CONNECTIONS CAROLINA 5 CONNECTIONS GROUP CAMPGROUNDS Lodging in the national forests North Caolina’s national forests offer all linens, a kitchen with utensils and three group campgrounds that are designed for bathrooms. All facilities are fully accessible to groups of 25 to 100 people per site. Some people with disabilities. Overlooking a small group campgrounds have established tent lake, the lodge offers trails and fishing piers that pads, tables, fire rings, flush toilets and are fully accessible. showers, while others offer a large grassy SWAN CABIN: For a primitive cabin field and chemical toilets. experience, you can rent the Swan Cabin on the Some group camps are reserved through Cheoah District for $25 per night. ranger district offices where the site is This 1931 three-room log cabin has one located. A list of districe office phone and a half stories with a loft on the upper floor. numbers and addresses are listed on Page 16. Furniture includes a wood stove for heat and Other sites are reserved through the National nine rope-strung bed frames suitable for sleeping Recreation Reservation Service. bags. Water is from a spring a quarter-mile away; Balsam Lake Lodge offers a group getaway. X FOR NRRS RESERVATIONS: Call the a restroom is out back. National Recreation Reservation Service toll BALSALM LAKE LODGE: Surrounded The lodges are available by reservation only free at 877-444-6777 or TDD: 877-833-6777. by the on the Highlands through the National Reservation Service at 877- Visit the web site: www.recreation.gov. District, Balsam Lake Lodge offers a special 444-6777 or TDD:877-833-6777. TDD customers: 877-833-6777. A service fee getaway for groups who reserve the whole facility To make reservations on-line, go to the is charged per reservation. for $170 to $200 per night. service’s website: www.recreation.gov. A service The lodge includes 16 twin beds with fee is charged. GET IN THE WATER PHOTO BY DAVID WRIGHT GROUP CAMPING IN THE MOUNTAINS A kayaker rides the Cheoah River’s rolling whitewater, where an accessible launch is offered. GROUP MAP RANGER CALL TO ACTIVITIES FACILITIES MAX. NUMBER SEASON FEE/ Visit the lakes and rivers in North Carolina’s • Cable Cove Boat Launch: courtesy dock, no fee. CAMP NO. DISTRICT RESERVE OF PEOPLE SITE National Forests to launch your watercraft, Cheoah District. • Tsali Boat Launch:*Courtesy WATER SAFETY F fish, swim or just to enjoy the scenery and dock, no fee. Near Tsali Recreation Area, with l Plan your route and carry a map. Appletree 15 Nantahala 828-524-6441 w j F f 2 sites: up to 25; April 1-Oct. 31 $50-$100 g wildlife from the shorelines. camping, biking and horse trails. Cheoah District. l Know water rescue techniques and 2 sitses: up to 50 Hiwassee Lake vicinity: • Hanging Dog Boat BOAT & CANOE LAUNCHES first aid. Tent Launches:*courtesy dock, restroom, no fee; l Carry safety equipment including dry u kL Briar Bottom 58 Appalachian X 877-444-6777 F camping 6 sites: up to 50 Mid-April-Oct. 31 $55 Many launches designed for motorized water- winter and summer ramps provide year-round clothing and a first-aid kit. wjM g f only craft are managed cooperatively between the access. Part of Hanging Dog Recreation Area l Store gear in a watertight container. u X Forest Service and the North Carolina Wildlife Cove Creek 40 Pisgah 877-444-6777 V 2 sites: up to 100 Year-round $95 with camping, picnicking, nearby biking and hik- l Dress for changing weather conditions.

wj- g f Resources Commission. *Look for star below. ing trails. Tusquitee District. u X l On the day of your trip, let someone Kimsey Creek 8 Nantahala 877-444-6777 V Limited 3 sites: up to 25 May 1-Oct. 31 $50 Santeetlah Lake vicinity: • Avey Branch Boat RV use Croatan National Forest know your itinerary. w j g f Launch:* no fee, Cheoah District. • Cheoah l Brice Creek vicinity: • Brice Creek Boat Wear appropriate safety gear, including Point Boat Launch:*accessible courtesy dock, flotation device and helmet. u Launch: picnic tables, restroom, fishing and Kuykendall 36 Pisgah X 877-444-6777 V 1 site: up to 100 Year-round $95 no fee. Near Cheoah Point Recreation Area with j g f viewing platform, no fee. Launch site for five- l Never swim or boat alone. camping, picnicking, swimming nearby. Cheoah l Know your limits; don’t attempt a u mile interpretive canoe trail on Brice Creek. Rattler Ford 20 Cheoah X 877-444-6777 F 4 sites: up to 25 Apr. 1-Oct. 31 $50 District. • Massey Branch Boat Launch:* cour- section of river beyond your skill level. w j g f F Catfish Lake vicinity: • Catfish Lake Canoe tesy dock, restroom, no fee. Picnic facilities and l Never swim or boat under the influence Launch: no fee, canoes or flat-bottomed boats Silvermine 54 Appalachian X 877-444-6777 V 1 site: up to 50 May 1-Oct. 31 1-25: $25 district office nearby. Cheoah District. of alcohol or drugs. g f 26-50: $40 recommended. • Great Lake Canoe Launch: wM l Consult internet or news outlets for courtesy dock, no fee. Wash Creek 47 Pisgah 828-877-3265 V 1 site: up to 35; Year-round $35 Pisgah National Forest severe weather forecasts or water levels. 6 g 15 vehicles Neuse River vicinity: • Cahooque Creek Boat Hot Springs- vicinity: l Remember that your cell phone and GPS Tent camping Launch: restroom, no fee. • Oyster Point Canoe White Pines u 42 Pisgah X 877-444-6777 V 2 sites: up to 25 Year-round $50 • Stackhouse Canoe Launch: restroom, no fee. unit may not work in remote areas. j only Launch: restroom, no fee. Shallow water at g f Appalachian District. launch. Near Oyster Point Campground and X Reservation Service web site: www.recreation.gov u Private concessionaire operated Neusiok National Recreation Trail. Pisgah National Forest CALL TO CONFIRM OPENING AND CLOSING DATES OF GROUP CAMPS FEES SUBJECT TO CHANGE White Oak River vicinity: • Dixon Fields vicinity: • Cove Boat Launch,*no fee. French Broad River vicinity: • Stackhouse Canoe Launch, restroom, no fee. Appalachian Canoe Launch: no fee. • Haywood Landing vicinity: • Deep Water Canoe Boat Launch: courtesy dock, restroom, no fee. District. Launch, no fee. • Long Point Canoe Launch: courtesy dock, Nolichucky River vicinity: • Poplar Canoe Plenty to do at Appletree Group Campground picnic tables, restroom, no fee. • Cedar Point WHITEWATER RAFTING Launch, restroom, no fee. Appalachian District. by Delce Dyer Boat Launch: courtesy dock, picnic tables, Each of these rivers has its own¬ personality, with Wilson Creek vicinity: • No launch, restroom, Looking for a place where your group can restroom, no fee. Near Cedar Point Camp- diverse paddling challenges and outstanding no fee. Wilson Creek is a designated wild and camp near the Nantahala River? The four sites at ground and Tidelands National Recreation Trail. scenery. For details about these rivers and their scenic river. Mortimer Recreation Area with Appletree Group Campground accommodate as Saltwater Adventure Trail: Paddle around difficulty levels, see www.americanwhitewater. camping and picnicking. Grandfather District. many as 150 people: two sites for up to 25 each Croatan National Forest on water trail which org. Private outfitters and guides offer custom- and two for up to 50 each. connects Brice Creek, Neuse, Newport and ized services for extra fees on each waterway. FISHING & HUNTING Each site has its own picnic shelter, group White Oak Rivers and Bogue Sound to form Outside of developed recreation areas, gathering area with a fire ring and lantern posts, 100-mile network through coastal forest and Nantahala National Forest fishing and hunting are permitted throughout restroom with flush toilets, water hydrant, tidal flats. See Page 14 for campgrounds. Nantahala River vicinity: Located along Moun- North Carolina’s national forests. parking area and grassy field for tents. The camp- tain Waters Scenic Byway. Nantahala District: • While the Forest Service manages the ground offers a shower house and an on-site host. Nantahala National Forest Nantahala River Boat Launch: restrooms, chang- habitat and protects water quality in the You can play volleyball or other games Balsam Lake vicinity: • Balsam Lake Canoe ing rooms. Recreation permit required for river national forets, the North Carolina Wildlife in the campground’s open areas; hike right out Launch: picnic tables, covered pavilion, rest- day use, season passes offered. • Ferebee Memo- Commission regulates fishing and hunting. of the campground on more than 20 miles of room, accessible fishing piers, no fee. Nan- rial Boat Launch/Take out: picnic tables, rest- Miles of streams and dozens of lakes interconnecting loops; or discover a section of tahala District. rooms, recreation permit required for river day offer warmwater and cold-water fishing. Some the long-distance Bartram National Recreation Chatuge Lake vicinity: • Jackrabbit use; season passes available. • Nantahala River waters are stocked and some support wild fish. Trail. Avid anglers can cast lines for trout that are Mountain:*courtesy dock, restroom, no fee. Beaching Area Launch and Take-Out: viewing According to the commission, any lands stocked in streams near the campground. Part of Jackrabbit Mountain Recreation Area platform; recreation permit required for river open to public hunting are called “game lands.” Nearby, raft the Nantahala River, drive with camping, swimming, picnicking, fishing day use, season passes available. • Two take- Many game animals thrive in the national the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway or catch pier, biking and hiking trails. Tusquitee District. outs available for commercial use on Nantahala forests. The Forest Service is emphasizing equal breathtaking views from Wayah Bald’s fire tower. Fontana Lake vicinity: • Finger Lakes River. Cheoah River vicinity: • Cheoah River access to hunting. For maps listing open roads In the fall, taste apples from the trees. Kayak Launch: picnic tables, restroom, no fee, accessible boat launch and takeout. Cheoah River at national forests, check North Carolina’s Reservations are required. Only occupants Nantahala District. • Lemmons Branch Boat Recreation Permit required on water release days. national forests website: www.fs.gov/nfsnc. have access through a gate’s combination lock. Launch: courtesy dock, restroom, no fee. Near Near Cheoah Point Recreation Area with camp- For more details, contact the Wildlife For more details, contact the Nantahala District Tsali Recreation Area with camping, mountain ing, picnicking, swimming. Motor boat launch Resources Commission at www.ncwildlife.org at (828) 524-6441. Open April 1-Oct. 31, the PHOTO BY DELCE DYER biking and horse trails. Cheoah District. nearby. Cheoah District. or call (888) 248-6834. campground is popular during summer and more Appletree Group activities include hiking 20 miles of interconnecting loops or discovering a peaceful during off-seasons and weekdays. section of the Bartram National Recreation Trail. Anglers can snag a trout in the nearby stream. CAROLINA 6 CONNECTIONS CAROLINA 7 CONNECTIONS SPECIAL DAY-USE AREAS $700,000 in recovery funds boosts Roan Mountain by Alice Cohen Fees subject Near the Tennessee state line Roan Mountain’s grassy to change in Mitchell County lies Roan balds are some of the Call to verify Mountain, a 6,300-foot mountain opening and where open expanses of treeless most pristine examples u operated by private concessionaireMAP NUMBER season pass closing dates land offer panoramic views that PICNICRESTROOMS AREA DRINKINGTRAILS WATEROTHERACTIVITIESFEE ($) available of grassy bald stretch for miles. NANTAHALA NATIONAL FOREST COMMENTS Roan Mountain’s unique high- communities in the BALSAM LAKE 34 F No fee Open all year. No water or restrooms in winter. Picnic elevation grassy balds offer habitats Southern Appalachians. From TUCKASEGEE, take NC 281S for 8.75 miles. Turn left c g f w j shelter. Near Balsam Lake Lodge; Reserve lodge at 877- for unique plant and animal species, on SR 1756, go about 6 miles (1 mile past lodge). 444-6777. Lake drained for repairs until summer 2011. d d d d such as Gray’s lily, rock gnome that overs the sea of rhododendron CHEOAH POINT BEACH 23 V No fee Open April to October. Swimming beach on Santeet- lichen and Northern flying squirrels. and a resurfaced paved road that From ROBBINSVILLE, take NC 129N for 5.8 miles. Go left c g m j lah Lake, picnic shelter. Boat ramp and campground In 2009, more than $700,000 leads to the Cloudland parking lot. on SR 1145 for 0.3 mile, and right on SR 1147 for 1 mile. d d L nearby. Cheoah District: 828-479-6431. in Economic Recovery Act dollars Beyond facility work, ongoing CHEROHALA SKYWAY V No fee Open all year. Drive 43 miles across crest of North were dedicated to improve the Roan restoration of unique plants occurs From ROBBINSVILLE, take U.S. 129N for 1 mile. Turn left on c g w V Carolina/Tennessee mountains. Scenic overlooks, pic- Mountain Recreation Area. in Grassy Balds at Grassy Ridge, NC 143 for 10.2 miles to Santeetlah Gap. d d W d nic spots, trails. Cheoah District: 828-479-6431. Nine contracts were awarded to Bradley Gap and Big Hump CLIFFSIDE LAKE u 27 F $3/car Apr. 1-Oct. 31. Bathhouse with showers; seven short address a range of projects. A new Mountain. The work involves From HIGHLANDS, take U.S. 64W for 4.5 miles. Turn right at V trails. Two shelters can be reserved. Nantahala District. mowing, weed-eating and cutting PHOTO BY GAARY GIBBS sign and go about 1 mile. c g f w m eight-unit accessible restroom j Site manager: 828-526-5918. facility at the Cloudland parking shrubs and blackberries that invade DRY FALLS 29 V No fee Open all year. Walk under waterfall without getting area replaced the dilapidated 1960s these grassy bald communities From HIGHLANDS, take U.S. 64W for 3.5 miles, falls on left. c g w V wet. Nantahala District: 828-524-6441. restroom facility. Visit Roan Mountain in early FIRES CREEK 4 V No fee Open all year. Hike 0.7-mile Cover Trail, (NC birding Visitors will enjoy a new summer to experience the spectacle From HAYESVILLE, go 5 mi. on U.S. 64W. Turn right on NC c g w j trail). 0.7-mile loop to waterfall; 53-mile hiking system. observation deck, repaved connect- of rhododendron in bloom, go for a 175 for 2.5 miles, left on SR 1344 for two miles. Horse trails nearby. Tusquitee District: 828-837-5152. 6 v ing trail at Rhododendron Gardens hike or simply soak in some views. Catawba rhododendrons display their magenta blooms on Roan Mountain. JACKRABBIT MOUNTAIN 6 F $3/car May 1-Sept. 30. Swimming beach on Chatuge Lake. From HAYESVILLE, take U.S. 64E for 6.2 miles. Turn right c g f - m k Popular for watersports. Hot showers, picnic shelter. on NC 175 for 2.5 miles. Turn right on SR 1155. d j Tusquitee District: 828-837-5152. SPECIAL DAY-USE AREAS JOYCE KILMER MEMORIAL FOREST 21 V No fee Open all year. Walk through this old growth forest on From ROBBINSVILLE, take U.S. 129N for 1 mile. Left on c gF w V short loop trails. NC birding trail also offers great wild- NC 143, go 10.2 miles. Right on SR 1159, 2 miles to entrance. d v flower views. Cheoah District: 828-479-6431. Fees subject CHEROKEE LAKE 1 F No fee Apr. 1-Oct. 30. Accessible fishing pier on Cherokee to change Call to verify From MURPHY, take U.S. 64W for 8 miles. Turn right on NC g j Lake. Picnic shelter. Tusquitee District: 828-837-5152. c f w opening and 294, go 3 miles. Turn right on FR 313 for 0.5 mile. d d NANTAHALA GORGE F River-use fee: Open all year. Rafting on 8.5 miles of whitewater. Fee u operated by season pass availableclosing dates 16/ private concessionaireMAP NUMBERPICNIC AREA DAY-USE FEE ($) Take U.S. 19 between ALMOND and TOPTON. Travel 17 c g f - L $1/person bracelets and season passes at river outfitters. Picnicking RESTROOMSDRINKINGTRAILS WATEROTHERACTIVITIES

through gorge alongside river. d w at Ferebee Memorial. Nantahala District: 828-524-6441. PISGAH NATIONAL FOREST COMMENTS F $2/car April 1-Nov. 30. To reserve picnic shelter, call u STANDING INDIAN PICNIC AREA u 9 CAROLINA HEMLOCKS 62 F $5/car; $100/ April 20-Oct. 31. On South Toe River. Wading and tub- From FRANKLIN, take U.S. 64W for 9 miles. Turn left on c g f w j campground office at 828-369-0442. Campground From BURNSVILLE, take US 19E for 5 miles. Turn right on c g f w jM day for shelter ing. For picnic shelter reservations, call 877-444-6777. old U.S. 64, follow signs. nearby. NC 80 for 9 miles. rservation. Appalachian District. Campground office: 828-675-5616 $2/trail user Trails open year-round. Near Fontana Lake. 28 miles TSALI TRAILS 25 F COLD SPRING Take I-40 west of CANTON, to Har- No fee Open all year. Pretty picnic spot in heart of Harmon of bike and horse trails. Season pass at district office 51 From BRYSON CITY, take U.S. 19S for 9 miles. Turn right on c g f - w mon Den (Exit 7). Travel northeast on FR 148 for 3.7 miles, w Den. Fish in Cold Spring Creek. Appalachian District: NC 28 for 3.5 miles. Turn right on SR 1286; go 1 mile. and two local vendors. Cheoah District: 828-479-6431. stay right; picnic area on left. c j d 6 6 828-682-6146. WAYAH BALD No fee Open all year. Enjoy panoramic views from historic COON TREE Open all year. Restrooms open early April to late Octo- 11 V From Brevard, take US 64E to US 276. 39 F No fee From FRANKLIN, take U.S. 64W. Turn right on old US 64 to c g V fire tower. Crossed by Appalachian and Bartram trails. Turn left and follow US 276N for 4 miles. c g f w j ber. Pisgah District: 828-877-3265. SR 1310 (Wayah Rd.). Turn right on FR 69 for 4.5 miles. Nantahala District: 828-524-6441. CRADLE OF FORESTRY IN AMERICA Mid-April to early November. Logging locomotive, V U 43 F $5/adult; free: 32 $2/car Open all year. Hike two-mile-loop trail to 4,930-foot From BREVARD, take US 64E to US 276. Turn left and c g f W u Forest Discovery Cemter, trails, exhibits, movie, inter-

From HIGHLANDS, take U.S. 64E about 5 miles. Turn right g w V summit for outstanding views. Season pass available at follow U.S. 276N for 11 miles. 15 & under. pretive programs. Cradle of Forestry: 828-877-3130. on SR 1680. Follow signs. district office. Nantahala District: 828-524-6441. u d d d LAKE POWHATAN F $5/car for April 1-Oct. 31. Swimming beach with lifeguards in $2/car Open all year. 49 WHITEWATER FALLS 33 F 411-foot waterfall. From ASHEVILLE, take I-26E to exit 33. Turn left NC 191S day use. summer. Accessible fishing pier. Pisgah District. From CASHIERS, take NC 107S for 10 miles to NC-SC line. c g f w mj c g f w V Two picnic shelters. Season pass available at district for 4 miles. Turn right on Bent Creek Ranch Rd., go 3.5 miles. Campground Office: 828-677-0391. Drive 1 mile, take first road to left. Follow signs. office. Nantahala District: 828-524-6441. - d Open all year. TRAILHEAD From HOT SPRINGS, 53 No fee Two loop trails to grassy summit. Cros- take NC 209S for 7.3 miles to SR 1175. Take SR 1175 south for w Vj sed by Appalachian Trail. Fishing pond 0.5 mile north on 5.3 miles, SR 1181 for 3.5 miles, right on SR 1182, go 1.5 miles. SR 1182. Appalachian District: 828-682-6146. 74-year-old lookout tower MURRAY BRANCH No fee, no 55 V May 1-Oct. 31 Picnic, fish along French Broad River. From HOT SPRINGS, take US 25/70W across bridge, turn c g w jL reservations for Picnic shelters. Accessible fishing piers. gets much-needed repairs left end of bridge, right on SR 1304. Go 4 miles. Turn left. picnic shelter Appalachian District: 828-682-6146. NORTH MILLS RIVER u F $3/car for April 1-Oct. 31. Trails nearby for hikers, bikers and by Julie Trzeciak the historic tower received much- From ASHEVILLE, take I-26E to Exit 40. Turn right on NC 46 c g f w jM day use. horses. Adjacent to campground. Pisgah District. For nearly three-quarters of needed repairs. 280W for 4 miles. Turn right on SR 1345, go 5 miles. Campground office: 828-890-3284. a century, the Wayah Bald Tower “The tower’s repair work was OLD FORT 56 V No fee. April 1-Oct. 31. On Mill Creek. Trailhead for Point has offered 360-degree views of very labor-intensive,” Snedeker said. From Old Fort, take NC 1407 for 4.2 miles. Turn left. c g f w j- Lookout Trail. Grandfather District: 828-652-2144. No fee. Open all year. For shelter reservations, maximum group the and “The entire walls were removed rock PINK BEDS 44 V ’s rolling hills. The stone by rock, an interior concrete wall From BREVARD, take US 64E to US 276. Turn left and fol- c g w V Reserve shelter size is 40. To reserve a shelter, call Pisgah District: for $50/ day. 828-877-3265. structure stands like a monument on poured and rocks were replaced.” low US 276N for 12 miles. Turn right. F $3/car June 6-late October. Renowned for rhododendron gar- the 5,385-foot summit where flame The initial repair work started in ROAN MOUNTAIN 63 From BAKERSVILLE, Take NC 261N for 13 miles to c g f w V dens, grassy balds, Short trails, scenic visias and Appala- azalea and rhododendron flourish June 2009, when the Forest Service Carvers Gap. Turn left onto SR 261A and go 3 miles. chian Trail. Appalachian District: 828-682-6146. awarded a $75,000 contract to a d W and hikers pass on the Appalachian ROCKY BLUFF 53 F No fee May 1-Oct. 31. Walk the 1.2-mile Spring Creek Loop and Bartram trails. construction company that restored From HOT SPRINGS, take NC 209S for 3.3 miles. Rocky c g f w j for day use. Trail that leads to Spring Creek, trout fishing. Adjacent The Civilian Conservation Corps the tower. Bluff is on left. to campground. Appalachian District: 828-682-6146. built this 53-foot three-story rock Work was completed in May SLIDING ROCK 41 F $1/person; Open all year for viewing. Restrooms open Memorial structure during 1935 to 1937. 2010, and the lookout tower opened From BREVARD, take US 64E to US 276. Turn left and g f V M free: 6 & under Day to Labor Day. No alcohol or picnicking. Lifeguards

follow US 276N for 8 miles. on duty in season. Pisgah District: 828-877-3265. In 1947, the tower’s top story was again to offer awesome vistas u d removed because of water damage. for Appalachian Trail hikers and SUNBURST F $3/car Open all year. Restrooms open from end of May to Labor Apr. 1-Oct. 31. 35 Over the past 10 years, the tower couples who occasionally held their From WAYNESVILLE, take US 276S for 7 c g f w j Day weekends. Adjacent to campground. Pisgah District: miles, turn right on NC 215S, go 8 miles. 828-877-3265. showed severe signs of aging. Walls weddings in the Wayah Bald tower. SYCAMORE FLATS F No fee. Reserve Open all year. On Davidson River. Shelter maximum weakened, stones shifted and more During 2011, the Wayah Bald From BREVARD, take US 64E to US 276. Turn left and 37 g j M shelter for group size: 40. To reserve a shelter, call Pisgah District: cracks appeared—the result of harsh day-use area will receive additional follow U. 276N for 1 mile. c $50/day 828-877-3265. winters, heavy use and vandalism. improvements: an accessible rest- TABLE ROCK d V No fee April 1-Dec. 31. Short trails travel rim of Linville “The tower definitely needed room and accessible parking lot will From MORGANTON, take NC 181N. Turn left onto Ginger- 66 cake Rd., fork left on NC 1265, continue on gravel FR 210. Go c g w V Gorge to Table Rock’s summit and to the Chimneys. major reconstruction,” said Rodney be added to the day-use site. 4.5 mile and right on FR 99. Go 1.5 mile. d Grandfather District: 828-652-2144. Snedeker, forest archaeologist for the For more details about the WISEMANS VIEW 65 V No fee Open all year. Spectacular view of Linville Gorge. SR National Forests in North Carolina. lookout tower, call the Nantahala From , turn right on NC 183. Go 1 mile, 1238 is a rough gravel road. Grandfather PHOTO BY PAT MOMICH g w V An Appalachian Trail hiker walks past the Wayah Bald Tower. But thanks to federal recovery funds, District at (828) 524-6441. turn right on SR 1238, Kistler Memorial Hwy. for 4.5 miles. d d W District: 828-652-2144. option2

Williamstown Lake

option2

Guist Creek Lake Grayson Lake

Yd Yd Ohio River option2 South Fork Rivanna River Reservoir

Cave Run Lake Yd Lake Moomaw

Yd option2

Yd

Herrington Lake

Dewey Lake JEFFERSON NF

Rough River Lake Yd

Knapp Creek JEFFERSON NF Yd

Lake Peewee

Fishtrap Lake JEFFERSON NF Carvin Cove Reservoir

Nolin Lake DANIEL BOONE NF

Buckhorn Lake

Green River Lake Yd Carr Fork Lake John W. Flannagan Reservoir Wood Creek Lake JEFFERSON NF

Lake Malone DANIEL BOONE NF Yd Yd Yd North Fork Pound Rvier Lake Leesville Lake Claytor Lake Smith Mountain Lake

Gatewood Reservoir

JEFFERSON NF Lake Cumberland Yd Laurel River Lake

Barren River Lake

Hungry Mother Lake Elkhorn Lake

Yd Banister Lake Philpott Lake

JEFFERSON NF ! Pennington Gap ¤£58A 75 66 ¨¦§ ! (! ¤£23 (!11 Pineville £421 ¤£119 ¤ ! ¤£19 STEARNS Nickelsville ¨¦§81 ¤£11 JEFFERSON NF ! Yd Whitley City ¤£421 Abingdon ! ! (!71 Stearns ! (!92 Duffield ¤£25E Jonesville ¤£58 !(603 (!92 ! r eek ive Cr R n ¤£19 Konnarock lle ! £58 Wa Hyco Reservoir John H. Kerr Reservoir A B C ¤ D E F ¤£11 G H LITTLE Powell WILSON er Dale Hollow Lake (!70 iv £58 LEWIS CREEK KY R r ¤ ¤£421 ¤£421 Damascus! VA ch ive JEFFERSON NF FORK WILD. ¤£27 DANIEL BOONE NF CUMBERLAND GAP NHP in R ¤£58 Middlesborough Cl h ! Weber City NANTAHALA NATIONAL FOREST ! PISGAH NATIONAL FORESkT inc ree Fk Cl ¤£58 C N R¤£E23CREATION BOX FACILITIES LEGEND TENNESSEE VIRGINIA Site Number and Name Facilities Comments TN Site Number and Name Facilities Comments ! IL r r Bristol A (!133 NORTH CAROL ate Camping Boat Ramp Bicycle Trail C R INA kw c Ñ b T B 1 Cherokee Lake PR!*n Accessible fishing pier 46 North Mills River ac On Nort h Mills River ¤£11W Jacobs Creek Mayo Reservoir c3_PR!B*l $B !9 ig Group Camping Canoeing Horse Trail ( Ä \ ¤£11E 421 2 Hanging Dog c3_PR!ÑÄb$ On Hiw assee Lake 47 Wash Creek !33 Group camp, call 8 28 -87 7-32 65 ! ¤£ (R*\$ ( Blountville S r H ! CampingK Tinragislepor rt Kayaking 81 ! Sceniec View ek 3 F k ¨§ V v Little Oak o 3 Panther Top e Sneedville Picnic shelter available ¦ a r XR$ 48 St ony Fork Cr k e iv s r P B R e e H (!37 !9 Hyco Lake iv re Trailer Dump Station Toubing Information Y, C R ¤£25E o _ - ls ? ton r 30 miles of trails r 4 Fires Creek PR*, 49 Lake Pow hatanm Lifeguard, guided activities in season to ls B a c3_PRB!*s,b?h$ e n Ho South Holston Lake ig 1 c v 1 ¤£25W y i L S R Picnicking Sw imming Winter Recreation 5 Bristol Horse Ca7m5 p On Fires Creek, many t rails Cold Springs On Cold Springs Creek P s G Mountain City au § cR\,*$ 50 PR* k k Bluff City ! r ¦¨ F ! ee ! 181 S el er g r ¦¨§ iv l i Surgoinsville R C Jackrabbit el er C Restrooms Fishing Amphitheater r R c3_PRB!Ñ*s, !63 ! TazewellHarmon DBen iv R f i O 6 ( On Chatuge Lakwe, picnic shelters R By Reservation; call 8 28 -6 22-32 02 v ew o 51 cR!\*,$ ¤£11W 2 N N P New Tazewell h 0 A M ountain bOh$ ! Horse Camp nc 2 I Shouns ! F li y Show ers Hiking Boone Lake Accessible 7 5 H ork C le B , h 8 6 C al A 7 Hurricane Creek No water M ax Patch V Panoram ic view , pond !9 L cR*,\$ 52 V,* r ¤£19 A o ! Low Gap P k (!31 o Drinking Water Interpretive Trail Fee Site P e P ! Fall Branch ; $ £19E A e h (!36 ¤ t 8 Kimsey Creek Group camp, by reservation Rocky Bluff On Sprin!g Creek ek ¤£11 91 r r (R!*,$ 53 c3PR!*,$ Rogersville B re (! (!67 C o (!63 eec C N ! h n n a 9 Standing Indian c3PRLaB Fo!llett*e ,O$ On Kimsey Creek, picnic shelter 54 Silvermine Group camp, l sbtyo reservat ion 167 o Cheatham Lake (R!,$ Ho TS R ! Watauga R BIG LAUREL Old Hickory Lake §26 i Picnic shelter ¦¨ v 1 0 A rrow ood Glade On French Broad River ga BRANCH !y PR! 55 M urray Branch PRÄ*, au er Sink Mtn ¦¨§81 at ! WILDERNESS Cordell Hull Reservoir Scenic overlook, Appalachian Trail W ¤£221 1 1 W ayah Bald PR,V 56 Old Fort PR!, Picnic Shelt er Elizabethton nearby Watauga Lake (!66 (!81 Norris Lake 57 Curtis Creek Tent s only, no w ater Johnson City !5 !5 !y Belews Lake 1 2 W ayah Crest ! P, Appalachian Trail nearby cP!¤£R25E*,$ ! Caryville 11W !93 !y!9 ¤£421 er ¤£ ( (!67 !5 k iv Cardens Bluff F R ! ew 1 3 Dirty John Accessible shooting platform 58 Briar Bottom (R!*,sb$ Group camp, by reservat ion W S N XRh$ ! ! POND MOUNTAIN 321 a (!33 Jonesborough ¤£ tau Rutledge Hampton WILDERNESS ga W inesprings 59 Black Mountain On Sout h Toe River, guided activit ies 50 E 15 m iles of horse trails c3R!B*,O$ ST l 1 4 cR\,* ¤£11 D k Horse Camp ! ! 361 o ! Bulls Gap !( !9 R Maynardville e Y, Vilas k 60 Neals Creek f Form er f ish hat chery ¤£321 Dennis Cove i Laxon e v e !5 ! Lake Burlington 1 5 A ppletree Group camp, by reservation r Laurels e 1316 ! Lake Butner (RB!*,$ C r ST ! £11 R Deep Lake City d Lost Cove On Sout h Toek River ¤ R i 221 421 Roadside picnicking; Special Recreation n 61 Pf e (!70 iv v ¤£ ¤£ la e er er ! Gap 1 6 Nantahala Gorge h Cherokee Lake r PA kR!*,bVh$ ic C 2559 Valle Crucis ! RKW Lake Michie ! Permit required for river use R WATAUGA ST CHEROKEE Boone AY Lake Townsend Norris 62 Carolina Hemlocks ! Morristown Picnic shelter, by reservation r Roan Mountain 1112 c3PR!B*Us,$ ve ! ST Lake Brandt Special Recreat ion Permit required f or Ri Unicoi ! LimestoneCove 2 1 7 Ferebee Memorial (!92 Yd 1308 Moses H. Cone E 2 ÄPR$ y n C ¤£19E 194 E k ST !( l river use Roan Mountain Road closed in w int er; Rhododendrons c a r Visitor G 63 PR!,;V$ u i !9 1305 k d 107 ST Julian D h !( Roan Mtn Center I 25W c n Price ¤£ i 107 I R k Blaine l !( 1 8 A toah e No fee, six st ations r L ! o State Park !Ï ! X e ! e r iv 64 Linville Gorge !InTaflob ott i Inf ormat ion, maps N N ! Banner Elk ?R c Greeneville 107 G? C C R k !( ! Erwin UNAKA MTN Elk Park !9 WILDERNESS r On Snow bird Creek 2680 e 1 9 Snowbird PR* !9 Y, ST 184 ! e View s of Linville Gorge !( k

C 65 Wisemans View h Rock Cr E

VR; 0 Twin Springs 105 U

l Banner Hill ! 3 226 1347 !( J. Percy Priest Lake i Jefferson City 2519 2 !( 143 L O 1330 ST ! Blowing Rock n ST !( B 2 0 Rattler Ford k ¤£441 Group camp, by reserv11aWtion ! No Horse Cr ST 221 ee C(lintRon !B!c*,$ ¤£ 81 lic N IL !\ !5 ¤£ Buff r h 66 Table Rock P§R,;V h View s of Linville Gorge o TRA !(194 alo W. Kerr Scott Reservoir ¦¨ u 2580 c SAMPSON NATIONAL l ! Grandfather Mtn C ky NOLICHUCKY / ST !9 ic h Buladean 63 Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest MOUNTAIN u 1367 2 1 PR!, £25E 8 !| c ST ¤ UNAKA Newland C !! 67 M ortimer c3PR!*,$ Near Wilson Creek 8 !9 WILDERNESS k !(197 Y R ! Linn Cove Viaduct Y (!61 k k Chestoa y V e ¤£321 a r e Halls Crossroads 26 1349 r o iv Visitor Center re e Ri 331 ¨§ Y ST T e G? d e e ve ¦ e n C In winter no w at er or fee r r Yd Ä C 1132 r k Falls Lake Reservoir 2 2 Horse Cove u £11E ! Roan Mountain 261 ST k cR!*,$ ¤ 181 i r ston C ! Poplar k !( !( ! l ol Boone Fork On Boone Fork Creek Old Forge n l 75 H 68 c3PR*,$ Davy Crockett Poplar c u § Round Knob Harper's Creek1514 ¦¨ o PISGAH R Ernestville ST ! Oliver Springs B !5 Boat Launch N Linville Backcountry i Lake R On Santeet lah Lake R 2 3 Cheoah Point v c3PR!ÑÄ*s,$ 1338 PISGAH Area e i g ST 1370 r v i (!70 Y, 5 ST 321 e B 1511 4 1369 640 ¤£ ! r Cable Cove ¦¨§ Near Font ana Lake Rocky Fork N 1126 ST ST Yadkin Valley High Point Lake 2 4 c3PR!Ñ*$ Bakersville ST ! Center Hill Lake ! Oak Ridge ¤£25 ¤£70 Y, Shelton Laurel ! ! Crossnore ! (!61 Dandridge ! F Backcountry !(352 !(226 ! Spear Patterson er r ! Flag Pond Red Hill 1211 464 (!90 ! Tsali Near Font ana Lake e T ST 2 5 c3PRav B!ÑÄ*,\b$ 40 n Area Y, cY 68 r e o e ¨§ c N v ¦ v r B Linville Falls h IA e 19E Y i i la (!95 ! Solway (!62 H ¤£ c 2055 R p C Visitor Center 1522 R o M oss Knob No fee, f our shooting benches in 31 A !(197 ST 2 6 s P XPR pl 2557 AL 67 1368 1349 m ST P 1354 194 n ST u Houston Valley 107 P !( ST 212 A ST h French Broad D ! TS Paint Cr !( 1395 Ledger ? Linville Falls ST 19W G o 2 7 MeCltolinf fHsiildl eL aLkae ke ! Two picnic shelters by reservat ion (!92 Newport 54 !5 !9 ¤£ ! !9 U 1353 PRB!s*,$ 208 p J ST !9 !( !m !(181 p (!90 !(162 Knoxville Douglas Lake P oad 41 e NATIONAL i r Rich r B L ¤£70 er g NATIONAL Y (!90 iv C 64 Campers may use Clif fside f acilities R I V an Hook Glade A 6 2 8 e Mtn N c3R!,$ ¤£11 er a er ?Y 1328 ! o 4 1341 iv 9 n R V Brown ¤£25 v 6 W ST

i ST e 4 n 55 7 ! Burnsville K I R L ¤£70 Y Mtn ! 1318 Spruce Pine L 2 9 Dry Falls In4 4C1ullasaja Gorge (!66 40 Y 1304 µ ST APPALACHIAN R Lenoir PR,V ¤£ L § ST ! A E Collettsville ! ¦¨ P ! Micaville OHV ! ! P 1337 i !| 1319 Yd ! ! t ¤£19E Area Y. ST (!58 t Hot Springs ST French Broad r C l £411 Bald Creek Y

No water e Blue Valley ¤ G 3 0 e 65V 299 Wilson Creek r cR, ! r C !

v O 2 e ! 3 Seymour 197 i 1 3 ! Y 0 e 40 Y !( 1002 R P Wild and Whitnel ! Stackhouse R 226 140 (!32 ( ¤£19 k ¦¨§ Farragut ¦¨§ Sevierville Y ST !( G 3 1 A mmons Branch No water Ä 1405 cR, ! Boat Launch E Scenic River ! E R 54 80 Murphy 66 ST a FOREST (! Crabtree Falls Gamewell st i Y 1238 1261 Tuttle F v Falls !Ï c53 ! ST W or TS107 ST ! Table Rock Educational ! 3 2 W hiteside Mountain Two-mile t rail to vista k e Unimproved ! Walnut Celo V,R$ !m £221 I r ! ¤£70 P r T ¤ L J e 33 i RA Road !m ! o State Forest B. Everett Jordan Lake (! IL D w 441 ge F Little Switzerland 1258 h o ¤£ o Round Mtn E !O ST n L n le ! r Mars Hill R 1167 Fish L Highest f alls in East Litt P !9 Bluff R s ! 3 3 W hitew ater Falls VPR!,h$ £129 it ig e ! South Toe River ST E 226A ! ¤ e i tl e 1177 1175 n G N Hatchery e o v ST R Fort Loudoun Lake n 1151 o ST c E £64 321 ! Hartford ST Black Mtn D ¤ ¤£ 209 ST e I h i Lenoir City !( 213 T S Balsam Lake Lodge nearby, by R r 62 Watts Bar Lake ! !( Backcountry R v 75 411 i Spring Creek S 181 Lake Hickory £ R e Watts Bar Lake 3 4 ¦¨§Balsam Lake ¤ v Max Patch S 1240 !( PR!*n ,h e Area r ! Y r reservation only ! Pigeon Forge i A Marshall! c 1443 ST T v PPA 1180 197 ST Rhodhiss Lake

N W e LAC 53 Y ST ek !( Mt Mitchell !9

r H e R IA V r ! Woodlawn O N ! PISGAH NATIONAL FOREST P Y, 1181 B Ivy C State Park !O Fish (!35 k r ST ro ! Big Ivy r Lookout Shoals Lake ! o e Unimproved Road a 61 Hatchery e R e 126 n Cosby 1165 d 2173 Crabtree 1236 !( v ! i g r Barnardsville ST Lake James i ! ! v dG \Y 1182 ST Jupiter Y ST ! e C ! Y, Meadows C R 3 5 Sunburst On sit er of early logging t own ST ST1175 7 P a Morganton c332P1 R!*$ 4 1233 t ¤£ Big Creek 51 r ! ST aw Lake Wheeler ! Maryville 321 !5!9 dG Y C ¤£25 Dillingham 128 59Y b ! Loudon ¤£ Gatlinburg 289 P Y B !( c fY FOREST Lake James a ¤£70 ( LU 60 1234 3 6 Kuykendall Group ca!mWpa, lblayn dreservation !5!9 148 Luck ! sh E 2 State Park ST Glen Alpine (R!*,$ u 2178 Y 7 ! ! IL 288 52 m ST ( 4 126 Lake Benson G!5 A r 1334 y ¤£70 58 !( 40 d 6 2 d R C Harmon Den ST g n ¨§ T ¦ B 3 8 ig n a (!80 !Ï 3 7 Sycamore Flats Picnic shelter by reservation i PR!* Greenbrier S R 4 1397 r ¤£70 ! ST p i E FOREST v 1552 k (!18 (!72 A S e ST e ! Salem Interpretive activities in season !] Sugarlands GREAT E r !Weaverville G?Craggy Gardens re ! 3 8 Davidson River c3_R!*,O?$ Visitor Center SS IN Visitor Center C ! L Yd ! ! E OL Y 57 ! £11 N 1338 (!63 c Marion High Rock Lake ¤ P R ST Tellico Lake SMOKY N 26 GRANDFATHER k ! Accessible fishing plat form i A ¦¨§ For Coontree Townsend g 3 9 PR!* ,n C r e N TE P y L ig k Folk Art C 411 Look Rock i o IA H eon ee r k !

£ t MOUNTAINS ¤£70 r n ¤ £129 G!9 t n H T r 1227 e Shearon Harris Reservoir

r ¤ l C Center e d e R C R Montreat 1407 ST o 4 0 Cove Creek Group camp, by reservation Elkmont ive A 209 ! ST y v H (R!*,$ G !9 r L !( 56 l F d A NO d r i P d !

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20 1391 15( ST S Tuxedo ! Hiking I Saluda Y, C 176 ST A FOREST (Y ¤£ Other Federal Land, National Park Service E 1326 Andrews ¤£129 N 26 Panthertown N ST Unaka 1331 NANTAHALA ! 1401 YX ! Tryon ¤£221A ! ! ST ST I n H 1322 1337 711 Backcountry 1326 C h ee Scenic View Point ! iwasse ST ST AM 1001 ST c Gr Tribal Land YV e River ¤£74 BARTR NANTAHALA ST Area n ¤£19 11 Y, Franklin Thorpe Lake B re Yd ! 1505 13 Y Marble ST M Wayah Bald ! 215 F Y 9 !( W ¤£64 NC YX Shooting Range T X 6 !A Yd ! Glenville Primary Highway, Multi-laned N WA A ! TERS £64 ! Farner Apalachia r Y ¤ Y Hiwassee Lake e 141 Nantahala Lake P C C 1153 SC ! iv ST SCENI ull B ST 1309 Lake Fires Creek as Y 1120 1121 281 ST Primary Highway Yµ Fire Lookout Tower R Y R a W 1533 !( Cedar Mountain Hiwassee Village P T 10 ja 1145 ST ST 276 LITTLE Backcountry Area R AY ST ST ¤£ ! 1331 A i ! ! 12 v R 1326 ST IL Smoky Mtn ive Lake Toxaway Lake Rosman North Saluda Res FROG 1314 y 1554 ¤£64 !] e r ! Off-Highway Vehicle Area ST e 0 1535 Yellow Secondary Paved Road Y. ST l ST r Toxaway ! 123 l 4 R Welcome TS A a Cullasaja ST Y ¤£11 MOUNTAIN 1535 4 iv µMtn V ST er Center !m Sapphire (!68 IN 2 Falls ¤£64 ! Horse Trail, Bike Trail Lake Ocoee E 40 Y !28 1538 ¤£178 (!11 Improved Road, May Be Gravel or Dirt Y\!G Lake Wylie 3 c5 1448 T ( ! E Y ST Gaffney c ST 1128 R Cashiers ! OL !(294 ! ! 4 Y ST Y, A 27 ddle ! To Ocoee R P i SS NATIONAL I M Murphy L !Ï South Pacolet River Res !q Swimming, Wading A 32 E 3 Yd 1307 !r Whitewater 1319 Y Y WAY FLSa koer WNialltiiaomna Cl .S Bcoewneicn Byway C ST Y 28 cP 281 Horsepasture Wild and S T

N 9 ¤£64 Y !© 1300 ST c !( NIC B o Number One

Center PY 1 r ST Y, 1115 SCE u y 85 N Albert Mtn ST Y, Scenic River t 110 H Table Rock Res ¨§ O ! ¦ e TUSQUITEE !(107 ! h g (! v 6 e ! T i Y !m 8( 7 ! Dry Falls 29!m Silver Whitewater falls Cleveland r National Scenic Trail Boat Ramp, River Access TE R ¤£64 H 71 Otto YÑYÄ R i Nickajack Lake ST1303 wasse µY Highlands e ! Hayesville 3 Bridal Veil Falls ! Run !m Blewett Falls Lake ! 8 1110 !m 33 ¤£64 ! NO Brasstown ST Falls S N Y 1603 L National Wild and Scenic River, Forest Service Y*Gn Kayaking, Fishing, Fishing Pier Ocoee Number Three Lake A L R Yk B I c Glen Falls !m ST VY HI ¤£276 T i ¤£74 H 7 1 T y v r R C £23 O g ! a ¤ 0 Ducktown ¤£64 ¤£64 !m 1100 O e (!14 e s A L ST F s 4 NC r r to L I 26 Interstate Route Yd National Park Ranger Station A A ¨¦§ w cY 5 TS175 30 ¤£25 ! n (!69 P R ¤£441 106 1625 Y Y ¤£29 Copperhill P Culberson C T ST c 1618 31c ELLICOTT ! ! r Chatuge Lake A SOUTHERN TS ¤£74 US Route Other Public Information Sites, Points ! y « Y?Yñ l ¬ of Interest McCaysville GEORGIA ! ROCK !5 Chattooga R e Blue Valley NANTAHALA WILDERNESS ! R Satolah iv 292 t 246 WILDERNESS Lake Jocassee e !( t T E r Backcountry Y o ¤£19 !9 Sandy Bottom Dillard EE n (!90 1327 State Route 105 6 6 ! Sky Valley Area Burrells 70 A K or cY!Ï Other Federal or State Park/ Forest Rec Site !( N « West Fork 8 O TS (!60 ¬ !9 W R ! e (!56 !9 Tate Branch Ford Y E e £129 CHATTAHOOCHEE Lake M H ¤ ! NATIONAL r FOREST B C Travelers Rest !(150 Nottely Lake e A 8 (!28 472 Chatuge !9 !9 6 S Forest Service Route ! Hiawassee iv R Greer YÑYf Other Public Boat Ramp, Fish Hatchery Cherry Hill a r T R 7 M Spartanburg C !9 l ! R Young Harris u GA E ! ¤£76 A Y, M d B Waterfall Other Public Picnic Area ! Tallulah River a Y^ YP N 135 Mineral Bluff er !9 ! (!8 !( R 18 (!5 ow Mountain City O R t 7 Mountain Rest i SC T

h h i v ig 0 ! v G e « N a Chattooga Wild £29 ¤£221 ¬ H Yd e ¤ r l ANDREW PICKENS Blue o N r Y, I (!11

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White Lake

option1 Carters Lake Fishing Creek Reservoir option1 Reregulation Reservoir Yd Hartwell Lake Great Falls Reservoir Guntersville Lake Cedar Creek Reservoir

SUMTER NF

Broadway Lake Boyd Mill Pond Lake Robinson

Yd Wateree Lake

Lake Waccamaw WILLIAM B. BANKHEAD NF Lake Sidney Lanier Secession Lake Broad Run

Hermitage Mill Pond Lake Greenwood Weiss Lake

Allatoona Lake

Richard B. Russell Lake

Lewis Smith Lake Lake Murray

SUMTER NF Highland Lake Calabash Creek Little River Little River H. Neely Henry Lake Inland Lake

Yd

Yd OCONEE NF J. Strom Thurmond Lake Lake Rutledge

Logan Martin Lake

TALLADEGA NF Lake Purdy Clayton County Reservoir

Yd Lake Marion

Waccamaw River Waccamaw River

South Fork Edisto River Pee Dee River

Jackson Lake

R. L. Harris Reservoir Yd Lake Moultrie

Par Pond SAVANNAH RIVER FOREST STATION OCONEE NF

North Santee RiverDuck Creek Lake Sinclair High Falls Lake North Santee River FRANCIS MARION NF South Santee River Yd South Santee River

West Point Lake

Romain River OCONEE NF Lay Lake

TALLADEGA NF Mitchell Lake Cooper River

Wando River

Mountain Creek Lake Martin Lake Lake Tobesofkee Ashley River

Ashley River

Lake Harding

Jordan Lake Sougahatchee Lake Wadmalaw River Wadmalaw River Stono River

Yates Reservoir Dawho River Dawho River Kiawah River South Edisto River North Edisto River Thurlow Reservoir

Combahee River South Edisto River Bull River

TUSKEGEE NF Coosaw River Ashepoo River Coosaw River Mossy Lake Parrot Creek

R. E. (Bob) Woodruff Lake Morgan River

Broad River Harbor River Beaufort River Beaufort River CAROLINA 10 CONNECTIONS CAROLINA 11 CONNECTIONS Create visions Take a ride on the . . . for favorite trails Explore BACKCOUNTRY Many visitors have their first Looking for a remote location Blue Valley real national forest experience when to hike for a day or more? Wishing to escape the noise of traffic? Near Highlands, eight miles of they get out of their vehicles and hiking trails, including a portion of hit one of the forests’ trails. Hikers, JACKRABBIT TRAILS Yearning to hear the sounds of a by Julie Trzeciak cascading stream or feel the waft of Bartram National Recreation Trail. horseback riders and mountain The trail system crosses through bikers are often passionate about ith rising numbers winds on a mountain ridgetop? The Nantahala and Pisgah side slopes of Blue Valley, across their favorite trails and love sharing of mountain biking small streams and offering views them with friends and family. enthusiasts, finding National Forests provide these back- country experiences and more. of Glen Falls. Popular fishing area. In 2011, trail enthusiasts will W a new trail in Trail maps: Bartram Trail; NG Trails have a chance to share their visions Western North Carolina can With large blocks of forest with few open roads, backcountry areas Illustrated 785. Call: Nantahala for nonmotorized trails in a strategic sometimes be a challenge. District, (828) 524-6441. trail-planning process. Starting this But a new system of trails at offer a vast array of exquisite mountain scenery and recreation. summer, the public can participate in Jackrabbit Mountain is another Some provide a greater sense of Shelton Laurel workshops to: alternative for mountain bikers Near Hot Springs, 33 miles of • Review and evaluate trail-con- and hikers. remoteness and solitude than others. All areas are open for hiking, and hiking trails, including a segment dition data Tracing the edges of Lake of the Appalachian National Scenic • Share their favorite trails. Chatuge’s peninsulas, this trail some have horse or bike trails. In the areas featured here, most trails Trail. Remote, steep, rugged trails • Discuss which trails work, don’t system features 14 miles of trail with waterfall views along moun- work and why that are located a half a mile from are signed and blazed. Group size is not limited, although groups smaller tain streams. Popular fishing area. •Prioritize future trail-system campsites offered at Jackrabbit Trail maps: USGS quadrangles for adjustments or additions. Mountain Recreation Area. than 15 are recommended. So plan your adventure, get a Greystone, White Rock and Flag The result of these workshops People travel from Asheville, Pond, Tenn., and Hot Springs; NG/ will be a plan for a trail system Atlanta and beyond to enjoy trail map, fill your backpack with essentials and explore these forested Trails Illustrated 782. Call: Appala- that offers many experiences for a this biking and hiking hot spot, chian District, (828) 682-6146. variety of users, reduces or avoids located in the Nantahala National backcountry areas: Forest’s Tusquitee Ranger District impacts to other resources and Laurel Mountain Harper Creek better integrates with surrounding near Hayesville. Near Linville, 39 miles of hiking Near Brevard, 49 miles of intercon- communities and public trail sytems. Each month during spring trails connect a series of loops to necting hiking trails; most allow “North Carolina’s national through fall, more than 1,000 Mountains-to-the-Sea Trail. Well- mountain biking and horseback rid- forests have greatly benefited over hikers and bikers visit the 14-mile marked trails pass waterfalls and ing. A popular destination that offers the years from the efforts of many loop trail system. travel along ridgetops. Views of Lost streamside and ridgeline trails. Trail trail volunteers and partners,” said “These fast-flowing, hard- Cove cliffs. Trail maps: NG Trails maps: Pisgah District; NG Trails Candace Wyman, special projects packed trails are built on a Illustrated 779. Call: Grandfather Illustrated 780. Call: Pisgah District, coordinator. “Thousands of people stacked loop design,” said Joanna District, (828) 652-2144. worked tirelessly over the years to Atkisson, who conceived the (828) 877-3265. help enhance our trails. dream to create the trail system. Cheoah Bald Panthertown “We hope visitors will bring “All eight trails are connected to a Near Robbinsville, 13 miles of core trail, which gives the option PHOTO BY BILL LEA their trail knowledge and passion The South Toe River valley offers a background of beauty. Near Cashiers, 30 miles of hiking hiking trails and sections of Appa- to the table and help create a vision of riding 3.1 miles or adding other trails; many allow both horseback lachian National Scenic Trail and for the National Forests in North trails to build more mileage.” A rider enjoys the Jackrabbit Trail, a 14-mile trail system for bikers and riding and mountain biking. An hikers in the Nantahala National Forest near Hayesville. Bartram National Recreation Trail. Carolina trail system,” said Wyman. Atkisson became interested 50 miles of trail cross interconnecting network of trails Offers good remote backpacking SABA, the Forest Service, Clay Productions organized the first in creating a trail system while traversing past stream cascades, experience, high-elevation views, County Community Revitalization bike race at Jackrabbit. More than introducing mountain biking to rock outcrops and high-elevation grassy balds and cascades. Popu- Association and Mike Riter of Trail 300 mountain bikers competed in South Toe River Valley SHOOTING children in Clay County school balds. Combine trails for overnight lar for fishing and wildlife view- Design Specialists collaborated to six- and 12-hour races. South Toe River Backcountry Ridge Parkway. Nearby is Mount system’s Pathways After School trips. Trail maps:USGS quadrangles ing. Trail maps: Appalachian Trail, create this recreation area. Today Mountain bikers and hikers Area offers several backcountry Mitchell State Park, home to the RANGES and Summer Program in 2001. for Big Ridge and Lake Toxaway; Bartram Trail; USGS quadrangles the trails are reaping praises from not only make tracks to this trail adventures: Climb 3,700 feet up East’s highest peak at 6,684 feet. NANTAHALA NATIONAL FOREST “When I realized no bike trails NG Trails Illustrated 785. Call: for Hewitt and Topton; NG Trails riders, including comments such system, they also visit Jackrabbit , hike through less- Besides great backpacking Atoah: This 100-yard range were in the county, that sparked Nantahala District, (828) 524-6441. Ilustrated 784. Call: Cheoah District, as “smooth-packed bliss,” “family Mountain Campground, just a traveled tall spruce-fir forests or opportunities, South Toe offers other offers six shooting stations that are the idea to build a system,” said (828) 479-6431. open all year. Any target is allowed, the Southern Appalachian Bicycle friendly fun.” and “best maintained.” half mile away (See Mountain pitch a tent on a bed of pine needles. activities: hike the steep 5.7-mile Fires Creek except clay pigeon. No permit is Association president. Last October Chain Buster Camping Chart on Page 3). Encompassing 1,855 acres in the Mount Mitchell Trail, camp at Black Near Hayesville, 19 miles of hik- Snowbird required. Cheoah District: Black Mountains, this area includes Mountain, Briar Bottom Group or ing trails, some also open for horse Near Robbinsville, 36 miles of dif- (828) 479-6431. the slopes of Mount Mitchell and the Carolina Hemlocks campgrounds, use. Remote, well-maintained ficult hiking trails. Offer remote, Moss Knob: 150-yard range Discover more mountain bike getaways South Toe River Valley. fish in the South Toe River or ride trails. Check out the views and rugged trails that provide loops offers six covered firing lanes, open More than 50 miles of trails horses on Buncombe Horse Trail. All National forest bike trails Near Brevard and Asheville high-elevation balds along Rim connecting Snowbird Creek with all year. No permit is required at the cross the deep woods of this valley, trails are open to hikers. North Carolina’s national The Pisgah District’s trails Trail. Trail maps: USGS quandran- ridgetops of Snowbird Mountain shooting range. Nantahala District: located in the Pisgah National For more details about this area, forests offer more than 245 miles systems offer many loop oppor- gles for Andrews, Topton, Shoot- and Cherohala Skyway. Trail maps: (828) 524-6441. Forest’s Appalachian District. call Appalachian District at (828) of bike trails. Forest roads are also tunities or places for solitude. ing Creek and Hayesville; NG Snowbird Backcountry; NG Trails Panther Top: Open all year, this The South Toe River Valley’s 682-6146. Trail maps: South Toe open for mountain biking, unless Some popular biking areas: Bent Trails Illustrated 784. Call: Tusqui- Illustrated 784. Call: Cheoah Dis- 100-yard range has covered stations south and southeastern sides are River, Mount Mitchell and Big Ivy; otherwise signed. Creek, near Asheville; Trace tee District, (828) 837-5152. trict, (828) 479-6431. with six 100-yard firing lines for lined by the 469-mile scenic Blue NG Trails Illustrated 779. Near Hiwassee Lake Ridge, near town of Mills River; rifles and four 25-yard firing lines Davidson River, near Brevard; and for pistols. A $2 user permit is At Hanging Dog Recreation South Mills River, near town of required per day or $25 season pass. Area on the Tusquitee Ranger WILDERNESS: where nature dominates WHERE TO Pisgah Forest. Eleven designated wildernesses in Southern Nantahala and Shining Tusquitee District: (828) 837-5152. District, 7.2 miles of intersecting Where the earth and its lie within the boundaries of North Rock Wildernesses. BUY MAPS Dirty John: This 100-yard loops are offered. The trails start SHARE THE TRAIL: Bikers Uwharrie National Forest The following maps are sold at Carolina’s national forests. Congress community of life are Certain requirements exist in range offers target frames at seven near the boat launch, with great yield to hikers and horses. In the Piedmont area, Wood “ Forest Service offices and local set these areas aside to: untrammeled by man, where wildernesses. Group size is limited yards, 25 yards, 50 yards and 100 Hiwassee Lake views. Run’s mountain bike trails are outfitter stores: l Preserve the natural character to a maximum of 10 in each of the l National Forests in North yards. Six covered stations are Near Bryson City becoming popular. Read more on man himself is a visitor and Near Hot Springs of the area 11 wilderness areas. In Shining Rock Carolina maps open all year. A $3 per vehicle for Tsali Recreation Area’s Wood Run’s trails on Page 13. does not remain. Mountain bikers can ride l Allow natural forces to domi- and Areas, l National forest off-highway one-day permit or $7 season pass challenging single-track trails nate character of the land Wilderness Act, 1964 campfires are not allowed; pack a vehicle maps are available. Nantahala District: on three trails in Appalachian overlook Fontana Lake and the Get involved! ” l Provide opportunities for soli- recreation such as hiking, backpack- backpack stove for cooking. l Appalachian Trail, Bartram (828) 524-6441. District’s Hot Springs area. The Great Smoky Mountains. In 2010, volunteers donated 3.6-mile Laurel River Trail follows Each day, half of the 38 more than 55,000 hours to tude and primitive recreation ing, hunting and fishing. To maintain In Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, and other trail system maps UWHARRIE NATIONAL FOREST an old railroad grade. designated trail miles are open to enhance recreation in North challenges wilderness’ primeval character: permits are required for camping l Backcountry areas and wildernesses Flintlock Valley: This shooting The Golden Ridge Trail offers bikes, and the other half are open Carolina’ national forests. Trail l Allow for undisturbed devel- motorized and mechanized equip- on Fridays, Saturdays and holidays l range temporarily closed due to several vistas from Rich Mountain to horses. Users can pay a daily volunteers help maintain many opment of plants and animals ment are prohibited; trails are gen- from May 1 to Oct. 31. Permits North Carolina series of and protection of their habitat. erally designated only for foot travel; are available up to one month in National Geographic/Trails safety concerns. Improvements and along its 7.5 mile route. Check out $2-trail-use fee at trailhead. A $15 forest trails. To volunteer, call a Illustrated alternative sites will be analyzed mountain views along Mill Ridge annual pass is available at Cheoah ranger district or find trail-related Visiting a wilderness requires and trails have a limited number of advance of stay. For permits, see during this time. Uwharrie National Trail’s four miles of old roadbed. District and two vendors. links at www.fs.usda.gov.nfsnc. a high degree of self-reliance to signs and are minimally maintained. Grandfather District on back page. Forest: (910) 576-6391. participate in primitive forms of Some equestrian trails are offered For details, see www.wilderness.net. CAROLINA 12 CONNECTIONS CAROLINA 13 CONNECTIONS Ride your horse on forest trails WOOD RUN TRAILS by Delce Dyer

Got a horse? You can explore miles of forest roads and trails in North Carolina’s national a biking adventure forests. If you like camping with your horse, several places offer camps with trails nearby. Badin Lake vicinity: In Uwharrie National in NC’s Piedmont Forest, the 40-mile Badin Lake trail system offers by Julie Trzeciak wildflowers. Deer graze in fields, multiday horseback-riding opportunities. You can wild turkeys may scurry across the Twenty-two miles of trails that park for day rides in the field beside Badin Horse trails and yellow-orange tanagers run over rolling hills and meander Camp off Mullinix Road. Just off the trail system, perch in trees. through pine and hardwood forests Canebrake Horse Camp provides overnight The trails are bordered with make the Wood Run Trails a perfect facilities for you and your horse. The most a variety of wildflowers—pink mountain biking getaway. developed horse camp in the North Carolina’s mountain laurel blooms in the spring These easy to challenging trails national forests, Canebrake offers showers, while yellow sunflowers and purple are located off NC 24/27 between restrooms, electrical hookups and a horse- asters show their vivid colors along Albemarle and Troy in the Uwharrie washing station. Single sites are $12 per night. roadsides in the summer. National Forest. Wood Run is two Barnardsville vicinity: In Pisgah National Because part of this trail PHOTO BY JULIE TRZECIAK miles east of the bridge over Lake Forest’s Big Ivy area, high-elevation trails form Horsemen on the Uwharrie National Forest enter the Canebrake Horse Camp. complex was developed as logging Tillery and the Pee Dee River. 16 miles of interconnecting loops. Spend the night designated horse trails are located in the Standing roads, bikers may sporadically see Named after the stream, Wood at one of 10 designated dispersed campsites along Indian area. You can set up camp at Hurricane trucks hauling wood. In the future, HORSE SENSE Run, the trail system starts at the NC Forest Road 74. Creek for $6 per night. Fifteen miles west of Horses can be hard on the trails, trees and land. the Forest Service will build new 24/27 trailhead. The gravel Wood Brevard vicinity: The Trace Ridge area of Franklin, you can ride 15 miles in the scenic Here are some simple ways to reduce impacts. routes that move mountain bike Run Road (FR 517), the longest trail, Pisgah National Forest, located between North Wine Spring area on designated horse trails. The l To protect water quality, keep horses at least trails off these forest roads. travels 11 miles roundtrip. Two other Mills River and the Cradle of Forestry, offers adjacent Wine Spring Campground offers five 100 feet from water. “These bike trail relocations will trails intersect with Wood Run Road numerous designated horse trails and forest roads sites equipped with horse-tethering areas. l Stay on designated horse trails. To prevent decrease conflicts among users,” said for additional challenges and loop for multiday rides. Wash Creek Group Camp, five Hayesville vicinity: Ride right out of Bristol erosion, don’t shortcut trails. Terry Savery, recreation staff for the opportunities. miles northeast of North Mills River Recreation Horse Camp onto a network of forest roads and l To tether your horse, use a tree-saver strap tied Uwharrie National Forest. Passing near Dutchman’s Creek Area, accommodates up to 35 people and 15 19 miles of horse trails in the Fires Creek area between two trees. If no trees are near, picket “In rerouting portions of and Wood Run is the five-mile vehicles for $35 per night. To reserve the site, call north of Hayesville. The camping fee at this or hobble your horse. the Trail System, we’re working Supertree Trail, which connects to the Pisgah District at (828) 877-3265. Nantahala National Forest site is $5 per night. l Use weed-free feed. Scatter manure, pick up with Southern Off-Road Bicycle Wood Run Road, 1.75 miles from the Bryson City vicinity: Try Tsali Recreation Waterville vicinity: More than 60 miles of trash and fill in pawed holes. Ensure campfires Association and the International parking lot. For more single-track Area in Nantahala National Forest for an trails and forest roads offer high-elevation riding are dead out. Mountain Biking Association,” said downhill, ride this easy-to-moderate easy, scenic day ride. Each day, half of the 38 opportunities at Pisgah National Forest’s Harmon l Share the trail. Riders should yield to motor- Savery. “Thanks to these partners trail clockwise. designated trail miles are open to horses and half Den, northeast of Interstate 40 and Great Smoky ized vehicles, but hikers and bikers should and volunteers, these trail relocations Beginning at the second are open to mountain bikes. Pay Tsali’s daily $2 Mountains National Park. yield to you. Say hello, and give them instruc- will provide better bike riding trailhead, 1.4 miles from the NC trail-use fee per horse and rider at the trailhead. The 10 campsites at Harmon Den Horse Camp tions about where to wait while you pass. experiences for all users and less 24/27 parking lot, is the six-mile No public horse camping facilities are nearby. accommodate up to four horses each. Each site l A horse crossing a state line is required to have impacts to the forest.” Keyauwee Trail, rated as difficult. Franklin vicinity: Two horse-trail complexes has a horse stall, and water and restrooms are a negative Coggins test within the last year. Please note: The Uwharrie and Ride this loop counterclockwise for in Nantahala National Forest offer riding available. The cost is $15 per night for a site. To l Before leaving, clean campsites and hitching- Dutchman’s Creek hiking trails are more single-track downhill rides. experiences at elevations above 4,000 feet. make reservations, go to www.recreation.gov or post areas, throw away all trash in receptacles, not open to mountain bikes. These The Wood Run Trails offer Southwest of Franklin, more than 20 miles of call (877) 444-6777. and make sure all fires are dead out. PHOTO BY MARLA COULTHARD long-distance trails are marked with Bikers ride through the forest in the Woodrun Trail System. views of wildlife and brightly colored single-white or yellow-paint blazes.

l No passengers are allowed on ATVs, unless OHV TRAIL RULES------vehicles are designed to carry passengers. North Carolina’s national Croatan NF reaps recovery rewards For the most fun, choose trails that match forests offer four trail systems operating limitations of you and your vehicle. l Unlicensed vehicles are not allowed on for riding off-highway vehicles, Most areas have maps that show trail difficulty. designated Forest Service roads. Crews reconstruct including all-terrain vehicles, Please follow these enforced forest regulations l Spark arresters, mufflers and brakes are 4-wheel-drives and trail bikes. for treading lightly on the land: required for motorized vehicles. picnic shelter Within these areas, you must l ATV and motorcycle operators must wear stay on signed routes marked DOT-approved helmets and eye protection. lAlcohol is prohibited on trails, trailheads and with symbols showing the kind the entire Brown Mountain area. ruined by storm of vehicle you’re driving. Resist l Children under 8 may not operate ATVs or by Alice Cohen the urge to create new trails and motorcycles. An operator under 16 must have l Travel only on OHV designated routes. shortcuts. constant supervision by adult over the age of 18. Cross-country travel is prohibited. Over the course of seven years, several hurricanes hit the Pine Cliff Day-Use Area on Neuse River, causing the river to surge and wash WHERE TO RIDE OHVs seven feet of its bank out to sea. In 2002, Hurricane Gustav tore apart the AREA DISTRICT USER DAILY SEASON TRAIL SEASON original picnic shelter built by the Civilian CLOSEST TOWN TYPE PERMIT PERMIT MILES Conservation Corps in the mid-1930s. After the storm, the shoreline was armored with large Wayehutta NANATHALA ATV, trail bike $5 Y $30 I 22 April 1-Dec. 15 boulders to decrease the risk of another storm Franklin Daytime only damaging more of the area. In addition, help to rebuild the historic picnic Brown GRANDFATHER Mostly ATV $5 I $30 I 33.5 April 1-Jan. 1 shelter came in 2010. Crews reconstructed the Mountain Lenoir and trail bike shelter in its original style, thanks to $47,000 of recovery funds. Badin Lake UWHARRIE All: ATV, $5 I $30 I 17 April 1-Dec. 15 “The shelter reconstruction has been on our Recovery monies funded the restoration of the Pine Cliff picnic shelter. PHOTO BY CLIFF NORTHROP Troy trail bike, 4WD wish list for some time now. With the recovery monies, we were fortunate to be able to get it Additional recovery funds will improve funded projects that improved forest health and I Black Swamp CROATAN Less than 50-inch $5 Y $30 8 Year-round built and put folks to work,” said Croatan District Croatan National Forest’s recreation areas and habitat for red-cockaded woodpecker and rough- New Bern wheel-base ATV, Ranger Lee Thornhill. ecosystems. More than $445,000 funded a new leaf loosestrife in the Croatan National Forest. trail bike Through partnerships with the Bits and the restroom and wastewater system at the Neuse To reduce deadwood and dry leaves, over- Reigns local equestrian groups, a 16-mile horse River/Flanner’s Beach Recreation Area. Biking grown shrubs and dense tree seedlings, fire I Purchase permits in advance from district offices. Y Passes sold on site. Local vendors sell permits for Brown Mountain and Badin Lake. trail system has been added to the recreation trails were repaired at Flanners Beach and hiking technicians and foresters ignited or mechanically opportunities offered on the Croatan National trails were repaired along the Neusiok and treated more than 3,000 acres. Recovery crews FEES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE Forests. A trailhead is under construction near Tideland trails, both national recreation trails. thinned 480 acres of pine forest and planted 100 Pine Cliff Day-Use Area. More than $740,000 in recovery money acres with longleaf pines. g d n e r a b l l s l I

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CROATAN NATIONAL FOREST E COMMENTS b o l 7 2 G b N

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PHOTOS BY PAT MOMICH n 0 E d v e n C O

A a R P E T A i A Y 1 N L r i e ! ( O A P I S O E r a i l O D

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I L T D H h a A ! ( M N A WETLAND ADVENTURE A A T T I

LEFT: A great blue heron scopes the White River for jumping A L w W C V

A N

A ! ( 8 B I T ! ( U N O T 9 P O ! ( I L 7 n R

HIKING: N U B fish. ABOVE: a blue crab travels through salt water and sand. F D i 5

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t b r 4 K a ! 7 m e r l 9 £ ¤ e 2 £ ¤ o b o p H P R 1 5 « ¬ ! ! CAROLINA 16 CONNECTIONS Forest Service restores pine ecosystems by Alice Cohen Beyond the view of trees enjoyed on a drive through the forest or the smell of pine experienced along a trail is a complex web of natural systems that makes each forest unique. In North Carolina’s Piedmont and Coastal Plain, the U.S. Forest Service and numerous other forest managers are working to restore the woodlands and savannas. Longleaf Pine: the savannah jewel Longleaf pine is considered one of the most distinctive and important southern conifers. This tree grows to a height of 80- to 120-feet and a diameter of 2.5 feet, maturing at around 150 years of age. The pine bears bunches of 8- to 18-inch needles that appear as soft tufts from a distance. The longleaf’s cones are 6-to 10-inches long — the longest of any southern pine. The cones house nuts that are a favorite food for wild turkey and fox squirrels. The wood is prized for shipbuilding and products such as varnish. which enhance the forest’s health. ABOVE: Future long- After prescribed fires, the forest is leaf generations thrive Pines offer homes under an open canopy to endangered species healthier, decreasing the potential for amid morning mist and future destructive fires and creating wiregrass. The Croatan’s pine savannas a safer environment for communities are scattered with pine trees, and surrounding the forest. LEFT: Beneath the long- wiregrass dominates the forest floor. leaf pine, this Venus The ecosystem offers prime habitat Longleaf pines withstand flytrap waits to catch the for the endangered red-cockaded beetle attacks, wildfire next traveling insect. The enndangered rough-leaf woodpecker and rough-leaf loose- Replanting with longleaf pine rather loosestrife also grows strife, an endangered plant that is than other native pine species near the pine. native to this ecosystem. increases fire-resistance. Last year, “1n 2010 we made progress crews removed competing plants toward longleaf pine restoration in around young longleaf pines on Photos by Bill Lea the Croatan National Forest,” said 72 acres. In addition, longleaf Lee Thornhill, Croatan National seedlings were planted on 100 epidemic populations if the forests burning, thinning and replanting,” Forest ranger. “We used prescribed acres where many trees had been are too dense, damaged or weak. said Thornhill. “These activities will burns as a tool to reduce fuel killed by tornados and infestations Longleaf pines are less susceptible to also focus on red-cockaded wood- buildup on the forest floor, thereby of southern pine bark beetle. The infestations because they are better at pecker and rough-leaf loosestrife and decreasing wildfire’s intensity.” southern pine bark beetle is the “pitching out” beetles. will occur on 3,000 acres across the Fire-dependent longleaf pine most destructive insect pest in “Over the next three years, Croatan National Forest.” Starting in ecosystems evolved with natural fires southern forests. Native to these we’re planning longleaf pine habitat 2014, longleaf restoration is slated on occurring every one to three years, forests, this beetle can reach restoration through prescribed an additional 1,000 acres each year.

Pisgah Ranger District NATIONAL FORESTS 1001 Pisgah Highway IN NORTH CAROLINA Pisgah Forest, NC 28768 Pisgah Supervisor’s Office 828-877-3265 National Forest 77 Greensboro 85 160A Zillicoa Street (On U.S. 276 north of Brevard) Asheville, NC 28801 Nov.-Mid-May 23: Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-4:30 23 828-257-4200 p.m. May 24 -Oct: Mon.-Fri., Raleigh 17 (Take UNCA exit 25 off I-26, go 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat. & holidays, 40 85 toward UNCA to first right) 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., 1-5 p.m. Asheville Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 26 1 NANTAHALA 95 PISGAH NATIONAL FOREST NATIONAL FOREST Charlotte Appalachian Ranger District Cheoah Ranger District Burnsville Unit 1070 Massey Branch Road Nantahala 17 30 East Hwy., 19 Bypass Robbinsville, NC 28771 National Forest Burnsville, NC 28714 828-479-6431 Uwharrie 828-682-6146 (Take U.S. 129 north of National Forest (On U.S. 19-E bypass Robbinsville to NC 143, turn left Nantahala Ranger District in Burnsville) & go about one mile) 90 Sloan Road Croatan Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Franklin, NC 28734 National Forest 828-524-6441 CROATAN NATIONAL Tusquitee Ranger District (Turn at light on U.S. 64, FOREST Grandfather Ranger District UWHARRIE NATIONAL FOREST 123 Woodland Drive west of Franklin) 141 E. Fisher Avenue 109 East Lawing Drive Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 789 NC 24/27 East Nebo, NC 28761 Murphy, NC 28906 New Bern, NC 28560 252-638-5628 Troy, NC 27371 828-652-2144 828-837-5152 910-576-6391 (Off I-40, Nebo/Lake James Exit) (Turn off U.S. 64 on Hiwassee (On U.S. 70South of New Bern) Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (2 miles east of Troy on NC 24/27) Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Street in front of BB&T bank. Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Go two blocks to sign. Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and acti- require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, vities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual’s income is derived from any public Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Revised April 2011