Best Hikes in Nantahala National Forest, NC

Default image for Huckleberry Knob Hike, a 1.7-mile trail in Lake Santeetlah, NC (US)

1.7 mi
2.7 km

Easy Out-and-Back

Huckleberry Knob Hike

0.0

Lake Santeetlah, North Carolina

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Default image for Yellow Mountain Lookout Tower Hike, a 12.0-mile trail in Highlands, NC (US)

12 mi
19.3 km

Strenuous Out-and-Back

Yellow Mountain Lookout Tower Hike

0.0

Highlands, North Carolina

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Default image for Panther Top Lookout Tower Hike, a 1.5-mile trail in Murphy, NC (US)

1.5 mi
2.4 km

Easy Out-and-Back

Panther Top Lookout Tower Hike

0.0

Murphy, North Carolina

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Default image for Albert Mountain Lookout Tower Hike, a 5.3-mile trail in Otto, NC (US)

5.3 mi
8.5 km

Moderate Out-and-Back

Albert Mountain Lookout Tower Hike

0.0

Otto, North Carolina

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Default image for Cowee Bald Lookout Tower Hike, a 1.1-mile trail in Big Laurel, NC (US)

1.1 mi
1.8 km

Easy Out-and-Back

Cowee Bald Lookout Tower Hike

0.0

Big Laurel, North Carolina

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Default image for Joanna Bald Lookout Tower Hike, a 0.9-mile trail in Robbinsville, NC (US)

0.9 mi
1.4 km

Easy Out-and-Back

Joanna Bald Lookout Tower Hike

0.0

Robbinsville, North Carolina

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Default image for Standing Indian Hike, a 10.8-mile trail in Franklin, NC (US)

10.8 mi
17.4 km

Hard Loop

Standing Indian Hike

0.0

Franklin, North Carolina

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Default image for Blackrock Mtn and The Pinnacle Hike, a 10.4-mile trail in Sylva, NC (US)

10.4 mi
16.7 km

Strenuous Out-and-Back

Blackrock Mtn and The Pinnacle Hike

3.0

Sylva, North Carolina

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Default image for Wesser Bald Hike, a 12.9-mile trail in Bryson City, NC (US)

12.9 mi
20.8 km

Strenuous Out-and-Back

Wesser Bald Hike

0.0

Bryson City, North Carolina

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Default image for Wayah Bald Hike, a 8.7-mile trail in Aquone, NC (US)

8.7 mi
14 km

Moderate Out-and-Back

Wayah Bald Hike

0.0

Aquone, North Carolina

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Default image for The Hangover Hike, a 15.9-mile trail in Robbinsville, NC (US)

15.9 mi
25.6 km

Strenuous Out-and-Back

The Hangover Hike

4.0

Robbinsville, North Carolina

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Default image for Cheoah Bald Hike, a 9.0-mile trail in Bryson City, NC (US)

9 mi
14.5 km

Strenuous Out-and-Back

Cheoah Bald Hike

4.0

Bryson City, North Carolina

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Key Takeaways

Nantahala National Forest is in Macon County, NC, offering diverse outdoor recreation opportunities like hiking, waterfalls, and scenic drives.

Popular attractions include whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River, exploring numerous hiking trails, and viewing stunning waterfalls.

Visitors should be prepared for varying weather conditions and bring appropriate gear for their chosen activities, along with understanding Leave No Trace principles.

About Nantahala National Forest

Explore the breathtaking beauty of Nantahala National Forest in Macon County, North Carolina, a hiker's paradise brimming with diverse trails and stunning vistas. From challenging climbs to historic lookout towers to serene grassy balds, the forest offers adventures for all skill levels. Discover panoramic views from summits like Cheoah Bald, the tallest peak in the Cheoah Mountains, or embark on a shorter, easier hike to Hooper Bald for camping and stargazing. Whether you're seeking a multi-day backpacking trip or a quick escape into nature, Nantahala National Forest promises unforgettable experiences.

Plan your visit to Nantahala National Forest wisely, considering the unique challenges and rewards of each trail. Tackle the strenuous climb to Albert Mountain Lookout Tower for unparalleled views of the Southern Nantahala Wilderness, or brave the rough forest roads to Cowee Bald Lookout Tower, primarily for those completing the Carolina Lookout Tower Challenge. For easier access and impressive vistas, consider Panther Top Lookout Tower or Huckleberry Knob, both offering stunning panoramic views. Be sure to check trail conditions, parking availability, and access limitations before you go, and prepare for a memorable adventure in the heart of the North Carolina mountains.