Nantahala Bikeway

Overview

The Nantahala River bikeway is a wonderful ride through the Nantahala Gorge. The trail provides “Dramatic mountain views, towering hardwoods, seasonal wild flowers, rhododendron thickets and entertainment in the form of bobbing rafters (Little Toot, website).” This may be a short trail; however, it is a nice reprieve from the car ride and also offers a short ride on U.S. 19 for those that want a bit more of an adventure!

Directions and Parking

The parking lot for the trail is located right off of Wayah Rd. the second parking lot on the left.

From Asheville: Take I-40 W. Slight right onto US-74 (signs for US-19/US-23/Clyde/Waynesville/Maggie Valley/ Franklin/Murphy/Atlanta. Stay on U.S. 19. Take left onto Wayah Rd. The gravel parking lot will be second on your left.

From Gatlinburg: Head Southwest on TN-71 S/US-441 S/ Parkway toward School Dr. (road may be seasonally closed). Keep right at fork continue to follow US-441 S. Turn right onto US-19 S/US-441 S. Take first left onto US-441 S. Take ramp onto US-74 W/Great Smoky Mountains expressway. Continue to follow US 74 W. Take left onto Wayah Rd. The gravel parking lot will be second on your left.

Trail Information

The trail head is the located right off of the second dirt parking lot on the left and cannot be missed as it begins with a paved bridge that spans across the Nantahala River. This scenic railtrail is evenly paved, providing a nice pathway for all types of walkers, bikers, and strollers. It gently winds alongside the river providing sneak peeks of rafters and paddling kayakers swiftly floating away. The pathway is quite wide, allowing for bikers to ride side by side and entire families can comfortably walk chatting next to one another. The trail is a beautiful addition to all of the adventurous amenities that the Nantahala River Gorge has to offer—river rafting, rock climbing, day hiking, and camping. Currently, the bridge connecting the pathway to the U.S. 19/U.S. 74 section is under construction. However, for those feeling up for a challenge, the trail continues up the National Forest Road, also known as…This part of the trail is all uphill and clings to the side of the mountain. There are several points along the trail that offer breathtaking views of the gorge below. As the trail curves alongside the mountain, streams carve out paths lined with rocks, contributing their own gurgling to the light wind that cuts down the trail. This path continues for roughly 2 miles and is a forestry service road, so caution must be taken when deciding to bike or hike up the trail. The Nantahala Bikeway is a calm summer stroll in comparison and is highly recommended for those that enjoy all that the natural North Carolina scenery has to offer!

Trail Photos