Vacation Cabins Atop
Nantahala Mountain

The final stretch before you turn onto Wayah Road. US-19/74 carves through one of the most dramatic river gorges in the eastern US — sheer rock walls, a roaring river, and the famous whitewater put-in that draws paddlers from across the country. Pull over and watch the rafters for a few minutes.

A stone observation tower at 5,342 feet, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937. On a clear day the views stretch into four states. The Appalachian Trail and Bartram Trail both cross the summit. The turnoff is right on Wayah Road — you'd pass it anyway.

A quiet mountain lake tucked deep in the national forest, just a few miles from the cabins. Lakes End Marina has a restaurant and boat rentals — a perfect stop to grab a bite before the final stretch of the drive, or a reason to come back for a full afternoon on the water.

The five-mile stretch of Wayah Road from the gorge turnoff to Long Branch Road follows the Upper Nantahala — a cold, clear freestone stream that runs right beside the road. Waterfalls spill off the ridge, cascades pool in the bends, and fly fishermen work the runs in every season. No need to hike to find it.