Author and naturalist Marci Spencer reveals the history and splendor
of the Nantahala National Forest.
The 500,000-acre Nantahala National Forest dominates the rugged
southwestern corner of North Carolina. Rivers such as the Cheoah,
Cullasaja, and Tuckasegee carve deep gorges, making the region one of
the wettest in the nation. The Whitewater River tumbles over the highest
waterfall in the eastern United States. Power companies dammed local
rivers, creating some of North Carolina's most scenic recreational
mountain lakes. The high peaks, secluded coves and forested woodlands of
the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, Panthertown Valley and Buck Creek
Serpentine Pine Barrens and other areas hold cultural and natural
history secrets.