Hike for one day or for two weeks; either way, there’s a trail near Nantahala that’s perfect for you.
Lake life may not seem the norm for residents of large cities, but at Lake Nantahala, we find the area to be an excellent weekend “escape” for those residing in Atlanta, New Orleans, Charlotte, and more who just want a weekend to get back to nature and to enjoy a little quiet. When it comes to getting back to nature, hiking is one of the most popular past-times in the area, as Lake Nantahala’s beautiful surroundings has lent the area to excellent trails, including access to the Appalachian Trail. Before you head to the woods, there are a few things you’ll want to take note of when hiking in NC:
Stick to the trails
When hiking in densely forested areas, a trail comes in handy not just as a natural map, but also as a clear pathway. Get a trail map or do extensive research on the trail you plan to take while you’re at the lake so that you know what to expect, the duration of the hike, and the expertise needed to navigate it.
Pack accordingly
Even while taking a short hike in the area, you may want to have a bottle of water with you or a quick snack. On longer hiking ventures, make sure you have the correct over night gear, provisions, and equipment to handle the weather, trail, and situations you may encounter.
Be respectful of others
One of the reasons that people choose to purchase real estate in NC with a lake view of Lake Nantahala is the pristine, clear nature of the water. From the docks to the deep, you can see clearly down to the bottom of the lake, as far as the sun can reach, until it’s too deep to see further. This clarity is in part due to the cleanliness of the lake, and the respect people have for the water and the land around it. When hiking, dispose of wrappers and trash appropriately, follow the trail guidelines for pet waste, and be conscious of noise and behavior around neighboring hikers.
Planning a weekend trip or a full out hiking excursion near the lake? Get more details and hiking how-to’s from The Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Have a trail you love in the area? Tell us about it in our comments section.
Photo via Flickr CC.
