Mountain Waters Scenic Byway is a must if you love waterfalls
Mountain Waters Scenic Byway is a very scenic winding mountain road located in Western North Carolina, running through the forest and by rivers and lakes, two river gorges, hardwood forests and countryside vistas.
How long is the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway?
The winding scenic mountain road is totally paved. It’s 103km (64mile) long, running east-west from Highlands (in Macon County on a plateau in the southern Appalachian Mountains) towards Almond (in Swain County). The byway follows U.S. 64, old U.S. 64, SR 1310 (Wayah Road), and U.S. 19. Part of this nationally-recognized byway coincides with two State scenic routes.
Is the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway dangerous?
Parts of the byway are narrow and curvy. Please stay in your lane and drive cautiously. Make sure you have plenty of gas. It’s a very exciting drive! Along the Cullasaja Falls there’s a big drop-off on one side and nowhere to pull over! The scariest parts are as you go by the Cullasaja Falls where there are no trees to catch you if you fall. Small guardrail prevents 200 to 300 ft fall into the falls. Getting too close to a waterfall is dangerous. Wet rocks are slick, and a slip above a waterfall can kill you.
Is the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway open?
Open to traffic throughout the year, the road may be closed for short periods in winter when the weather is bad. During the winter, occasional snow and ice may require the use of tire chains or four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Is the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway scenic?
This is a remarkable road trip. Remember to bring your camera. This beautiful stretch of scenic byway is an ideal autumn cruise. Make sure you leave enough time to make plenty of stops along the way. The drive is very scenic winding through the Nantahala National Forest. It features hardwood forest, two river gorges, and rural countryside. The route has multiple waterfalls and various recreational opportunities. It winds through some of the most spectacular country in the Nantahala National Forest, including multiple waterfalls, a roaring whitewater river, and tremendous mountaintop views.
Pic: Jean Gregory Evans