Mountain Waters Scenic Byway

Contributer: TerrySC (04-07-2008)
Distance: 64 mi.

Great roads and great views. Motorcycle camping/Lodging nearby. Try some rafting along the Nantahala. A short ride but give yourself plenty of time to stop and enjoy. A side trip to Wayah Bald is well worth the effort. From Wayah Gap, journey 1.3 miles up gravel Forest Road (FR) 69 and see the Wilson Lick Ranger Station. Built about 1913, Wilson Lick was the first ranger station in the Nantahala National Forest. Continue another 3.2 miles up FR 69 to Wayah Bald.The road can be rugged in places, though the area is well traveled. 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.

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