Opportunities for outdoor fun abound the Nantahala area! Spend your days exploring the mountains on foot, mountain bike, white-water raft, kayak and zip-line or stroll the streets of one of the quaint mountain towns nearby, then return to StarLite to relax and unwind.
We recommend:
- Appalachian Rivers Raft Company is our choice for white-water rafting. While there are other better known companies in the area, we've found the friendliest guides, best prices and a focus on customer service at Appalachian Rivers.
- Wayah Bald is a nearby scenic drive and where the Appalachian Trail and the Bartram Trail cross. There are also paved trails to the lookout tower that are handicap accessible.
- The Tsali Recreation Area is just a scenic drive away for mountain biking.
- There are several zip-line companies in the area. We've tried and liked Nantahala Gorge Zipline Canopy Tours which is about a 25 minute drive from the cabin. On our next trip we're planning to try Ridge Runner Ziplines which looks to be a little closer.
- If you have 2 or 4 wheels that you like to drive, check out the Tail of the Dragon. It boasts 318 curves in 11 miles, and is just one of the fun mountain roads in the area for those who like a shapely S-curve.
- There are several beautiful waterfalls in the area. Franklin county offers a guide to these on their website.
- Speaking of Franklin, it's one of the nearby towns to explore. Andrews is on the other side of the mountain, and a little further away you'll find Murphy and Brasstown to the southwest, and Bryson City to the northeast.
- If you'd like a remembrance of your trip, we recommend the Whistle Stop Mall in Franklin. Antiques, retail and restaurants are housed in one quaint location, featuring local artisans.
