Take the short, paved trail to the historic Wayah Bald Fire Tower. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, 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. Nantahala Lake Located about 6 miles west of Wayah Gap, this lake has 29 miles of shoreline and offers fishing and boating.
Boat ramps are available.
The Nantahala River offers fishing in its upper and lower reaches. The stretch of river above the powerhouse has excellent catch and-release fishing from spring until early summer. The river draws more than 250,000 boaters who enjoy whitewater rafting, canoeing, and kayaking. Many people begin their trip from the Nantahala River Launch Site at the beginning of the 8.5-mile whitewater run, where changing rooms and flush toilets are available. About 2.75 miles downriver is the Ferebee Memo Memorial Picnic Area, which provides another launch and takeout area.