(Keywords: Biking, Hiking, Rafting - North Carolina)

Nantahala !

Including:
Nantahala River, Appalachian and Bartram Trail

whitewater rafting on the Nantahala WESSER, NC - Located where the Appalachian Trail crosses the Nantahala River, Wesser is an epicenter for outdoor activity, a watering hole for outdoor enthusiasts, a resupply point along the trail, and a tempting venue for indulging yourself with ice cream, and beer. With Wesser as your basecamp you will have numerous options for adventure. Hiking, mountain biking, and of course whitewater rafting, top the list of recreational activities. This GPS map shows you where to access the fun.

Click on the binoculars to watch a video of a simulated flight over the AT/BT route using Google Earth and screen recording software.

GPS Map

Download the free GPS Map in GPS eXchange (.gpx) file format, which can be read and transferred to your GPS using free GPS software . (The .gpx file will appear in a new window where you can File > Save as... on your computer)

GPS Map Details

File Name nantahala_recreation.gpx
File Size: 109 KB
Revised: 1 August 2008
Class A Data
Waypoints: Put-in/Take-outs, Mountain Biking Trailheads, Hiking Trail Access Points, Campsites, Scenic Vistas, Boat Ramps, and other points of interest.

Custom Paper Map

Create a custom map that can be ordered and delivered directly to your door. The map is pre-defined with with the nantahala_recreation.gpx overlay. You can accept the default or re-define the map type, print size and scale.

Click here to order a custom Nantahala Recreation Map

Itinerary Options

Trail Running - Try doing the 50+mile Bartram Trail / Appalachian Trail Loop without packing a lot camping gear, relying on a support team to meet you at access points along the trail. The custom paper map includes all locations that can be accessed by road.

Hike’n’Float - If you only have one day, make arrangements in Wesser to have a boat ready for you at the Put-in. Then hike up to Cheoah Bald and back down the Bartram to get in your boat at the put-in and ride the Nantahala back down to Wesser.

Day Use - It only takes a few hours to do the Nantahala. Other day use options inlcude mountain bike Flint Ridge or Winding Stair. See map for details. There are also two nice access trail hikes: the Piercy Creek Trail which leads to the Bartram Trail near Rattlesnake Knob, and my favorite, the Wesser Creek Trail which connects with the AT near the firetower.

Personal Note

Doug and Dave Special thanks to brother Dave who accompanied me the Nantahala expedition. It was the first fun thing we'd done together in over 10 years. It's good to know we still enjoy the same things, like peak bagging. This picture (Dave at left) is of us atop Cheoah Bald. He kicked my butt on the climb, but I flew past him on the "controlled fall" down.We proved that the Hike'n'Float itinerary could be accomplished, provided you start early.