Celebrating The Year of the Trail in WNC
By carla beck
Photo Credit: Carla Beck
With an array of waterfalls, diverse hiking trails, and panoramic mountain views, Western North Carolina offers idyllic beauty for locals and visitors alike. In August of 2022, N.C. Legislature declared 2023 The Year of the Trail in celebration of the state’s vast Trailways and outdoor recreation industry. Whether you prefer strolling through wildflower-dotted meadows, horseback riding on a rugged mountainside, biking along a greenway, or paddling on a sunny lake, this is the year to purposefully get outside and breathe in the moments that add joy to life. Although WNC boasts abundant opportunities for outdoor adventure, here is a short list to get you started today.
Small-Town Spotlight
Located in the far western corner of North Carolina, Hayesville, N.C. in Clay County is the perfect place to celebrate The Year of the Trail. Spend the day exploring Fires Creek Recreation Area which offers year-round picnicking, fishing, and over 20 miles of backcountry trails for hikers as well as horseback riders. For a more accessible option, try Chatuge Dam Reservation Trail with its paved 1.5-mile path across Chatuge Dam. Relax lakeside, or kayak around the scenic shoreline. Return to Hayesville’s quaint town square which greets visitors with a reminder of days gone by as the Historic Clay County Courthouse, now serving as The Beal Event Center, stands at the heart of the square. Treat yourself at Tiger’s Store and Chinquapins Ice Cream & Soda Bar where you will discover a variety of custom-designed local souvenirs and delicious shakes at the 1940s soda fountain.
Local Favorites
Protected by the Nantahala National Forest, Huckleberry Knob is an approximately 2-mile out-and-back trail leading to expansive 360-degree views. Locals appreciate this trail for its short distance off of the popular Cherohala Skyway National Scenic Byway, but there is a definite opportunity for solitude atop the picturesque summit. Another local hotspot only 20 minutes from Huckleberry Knob is Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest with a magnificent old-growth forest. Preserved in honor of Joyce Kilmer, author of the poem Trees, the forest welcomes visitors with many varieties of tremendously tall trees. Enjoy a picnic lunch before setting out on foot to photograph the colorful wildflowers and giant hardwoods which maintain their beauty in all seasons.
Wildlife Adventures
Cataloochee Valley, just over an hour’s drive from Asheville, N.C., is a hidden treasure for outdoor enthusiasts. Previously a close-knit community of around 1,200 people, the Valley transitioned to join the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This area features a horse camp, hiking trails, and fishing, but it’s the late 19th-century structures and abundant wildlife that attract the most attention. The Valley remains locked in time with several homes, a barn, a school, and two churches. In addition to turkey and deer, the open fields provide refuge for a thriving elk herd which was reintroduced in 2001. For the best wildlife viewing adventure, plan for morning or evening tours. In nearby north Asheville, Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary guides visitors along a disability-accessible boardwalk to view birds, butterflies, and dragonflies. Avid hiker Amanda Thompson shares that adding birdwatching to hiking has enriched her love of nature: “I found it really slowed down the speed I was hiking and has helped me to enjoy and appreciate nature more.” Thompson’s most practical advice is to purchase binoculars and download the Merlin Bird ID app, “You can download it for free and it has accelerated my interest in birding by helping me identify and learn about the birds I see or hear.
Off the Beaten Path
Rufus Morgan Falls, not far from the friendly mountain town of Franklin, N.C., offers remote beauty for anyone willing to complete the moderately-challenging 1-mile loop trek. The hike is family-friendly, and dog-friendly and rewards adventurers with a refreshing 70 ft. cascade. After returning to the trailhead, travel an extra 30 minutes up the mountain to appreciate the Wayah Bald Tower. In contrast to the more rugged Rufus Morgan Falls trail, this trail is a .5-mile paved disability-accessible path leading to sweeping views of Georgia, Tennessee, and North and South Carolina. As a bonus, two long-distance trails, the Appalachian Trail and Bartram Trail cross paths with the tower. Although a 2016 wildfire burned the top of the tower, the historic stone foundation remained intact, and the top was rebuilt in 2018. Because of the panoramic views at the bald, both sunrises and sunsets are excellent year-round.
Famed poet Maya Angelou commented that “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” In the daily busyness that threatens to steal those moments, it is essential to carve out leisure time intentionally. Fortunately, Western North Carolina provides a plentiful natural playground to do just that. Whether you prefer walking, pedaling, paddling, or riding, there is a trail waiting for you to celebrate The Year of the Trail.
