The Mountain Waterways Scenic Byway

By Ellen Schofield
Contributing Writer

The National Scenic Byways Program is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. The program is a grass-roots collaborative effort established to help recognize, preserve and enhance selected roads throughout the United States.

Attesting to the natural beauty of North Carolina, more than 40 of these scenic byways can be found in the state, including the Mountain Waterways Scenic Byway, located in the Nantahala National Forest.

Here’s a suggestion, from either Andrews or Hayesville, for a very enjoyable drive which will go easy on your pocketbook and take you to both an observation tower atop one of the highest mountains in North Carolina and a beautiful waterfall. Autumn is an especially beautiful time to go.

From Andrews, head out of town on Junaluska Street, which is also SR 1505/1401. Turning right onto SR 1310, you will soon come to sparkling Nantahala Lake, where boaters can put in at the Rocky Branch Boat Ramp. Hikers can park the car and hike the 7.4 miles to Wayah Bald on the Bartram Trail which has a trailhead here. Or, keep driving, and turn left onto NF 69, driving another 4.8 miles to the parking area for Wayah Bald.

At 5,342 feet in elevation, Wayah Bald is one of the highest mountains in North Carolina. The Civilian Conservation Corps built a fire lookout tower here in the 1930’s that now provides a vantage point for a stunning 360 degree view of the surrounding area. It’s an easy, short hike on a paved path from the parking lot to the tower, and picnic and toilet facilities are available. It’s also at the intersection of the Bartram Trail and the Appalachian Trail, giving hikers lots of options.

On the drive back to SR 1310, stop at the Wilson Lick Historic Site, built in 1916 as the first forest ranger station of the newly formed Nantahala National Forest. Some interesting signs interpret the history, giving you a glimpse of the forest ranger’s life in those days.

A scant 2.6 miles on SR 1310 takes you to NF 388, the turn off for the trail to Rufus Morgan Falls. Another two miles and you reach the well marked parking lot for the trailhead. The trail climbs half a mile up a series of gentle switchbacks to the falls, which cascade gracefully over a 65-foot vertical wall into a small pool. It’s definitely worth the walk.

From Hayesville, take US 64 East towards Franklin, making a left turn onto Old Murphy Road. Turn left again onto SR 1310. You will reach the left turn onto NF 388 to Rufus Morgan Falls first. When leaving the falls, you will again turn left onto SR 1310 and the 2.6 miles to the right turn onto NF 69 to Wayah Bald.

NF 388 and NF 69 are both graded gravel roads, usually in good condition. But please use caution in inclement weather.

For more information see: www.byways.org/explore/byways/2320/