Take the short, paved trail to the historic Wayah Bald Fire Tower. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's, the tower provides a great view of the southern Appalachian Mountains in Georgia, Tennessee, and both Carolinas. You can picnic nearby at the Wayah Bald Picnic Area. Two long-distance trails, the Appalachian Trail and the Bartram Trail, cross the mountain at the tower. Located about 6 miles west of Wayah Gap, this lake has 29 miles of shoreline and offers fishing and boating.
Boat ramps are available.
This mountain river offers great trout fishing in its upper and lower reaches. The Nantahala River draws more than 250,000 boaters who enjoy whitewater rafting, canoeing, and kayaking. Many businesses along the river offer both guided and unguided raft rentals. Most rafting trips begin from the Nantahala River Launch Site and float down the 8.5-mile whitewater run. About 2.75 miles downriver from this launch site is the Ferebee Memorial Picnic Area, which provides another launch and takeout area.