As the soil layer thins, the line between the rock and the trees becomes more pronounced with only lichen, mosses, and ferns clinging precipitously to the sheer, rocky surface. Wild turkeys were once so abundant in Western North Carolina that, according to legend, the Cherokee would only allow their children to hunt the animals because the turkeys posed no threat. European settlers had an easy time of it as well, until the turn of the century when few turkeys remained due to years of unregulated hunting and habitat destruction. Big Sandy Creek, Widows Creek, Garden Creek, and parts of Stone Mountain Creek are classified Wild Trout Waters. This classification refers generally to all waters that naturally support wild trout.
Restrictions vary with each stream.
Here the there are limits to the number of fish that can be taken, and only artificial lures with single hooks are allowed. Other designations such as Hatchery-Supported Trout Waters apply to waters such as the East Prong of Roaring River that are stocked throughout the fishing season. Regulations on Wild Trout Waters vary but include catch and release, fly-fishing only, artificial lures only, and natural bait allowance. A total of 17 miles of trout waters flow through the park. Turn right and continue for 4.5 miles.