The Nantahala National Forest is the largest in land mass, and the westernmost of North Carolina’s four national forests. For example, the exemption would have applied to the controversial Southside Project in Nantahala National Forest, approved in February 2019, which includes 317 acres of forest slated for harvest within the 18,944-acre Southside project area in southwestern North Carolina. COVID-19: Pisgah National Forest starts opening more rec areas for summer The Pisgah and Nantahala national forests together cover more than 1 million acres of rugged, mountainous terrain. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website.. ASHEVILLE - The National Forests in North Carolina has temporarily shut down all recreation facilities at recreation sites, including picnic pavilions, shooting ranges and all restrooms, including those at trailheads and other recreation sites. Find the best deals on Nantahala National Forest vacation packages, backed by … The Nantahala National Forest is the backyard and playground. Photo … Protecting your debit and credit cards has never been so easy. NOC encourages all staff, guides, and guests to maintain appropriate social distance whenever possible. If possible, I encourage you to find a way to escape the stress of the next few weeks by venturing outside in a healthy space for a walk, meditation, run, paddle, or ride. The NNF is the largest of the four national forests in North Carolina. The quaint town of Highlands, NC is a hidden jewel just 2 hours drive north of Atlanta surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest and situated atop a plateau at elevation 4118 feet. Check-in. For guests affected by cancellations, a Nantahala Outdoor Center staff will be in touch regarding a rebooking. Overview Things to do. Buncombe County has ordered people to not congregate in groups larger than 10, and also issued a "Stay home, stay safe order" on March 25. The largest of North Carolina’s four national forests, Nantahala National Forest covers more than half a million acres of the state's westernmost portion, extending south from Great Smoky Mountains National Park all the way to the South Carolina and Georgia state lines. For a list of facilities on the National Forests in North Carolina that are temporarily shut down, visit the Forest Service website. North Carolina may have travel restrictions in place due to COVID-19. All other NOC operations and locations in SC, GA, NC, and TN are operating normally with additional precautions against COVID-19. Lake Nantahala was formed in 1942 when the Nantahala River was dammed to create a pure, crystal clear reservoir. Limited building capacities in restaurants with convenient to-go options. 1. 91.5 Chapel Hill 88.9 Manteo 90.9 Rocky Mount 91.1 Welcome 91.9 Fayetteville 90.5 Buxton . Thank you for trusting and working with us as we strive to provide safe and enjoyable experiences that live up to the Nantahala Outdoor Center name. Reduced group sizes on trips, including 50% capacity on busses and transportation when mixing parties. However, the Forest Service has not closed any trails, including the heavily used hiking and mountain biking trails in Bent Creek Experimental Forest just minutes south of Asheville, which have been overflowing with cars and people at popular trailheads like Hard Times and Rice Pinnacle. Check-out. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nantahala Village Resort was established in 1948, when the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was new and a visit to the western North Carolina Mountains was a true retreat from the world. The U.S. Forest Service issued a warning Thursday after a recent increase in bear encounters.The Forest Service says visitors to Panthertown in the Nantahala National Forest … We chose to hike in the Nantahala District in Franklin, NC, on the Siler Bald via the Appalachian Trail. Forest visitors can still enjoy non-motorized trails and dispersed camping at this time, as long as they follow social distancing guidelines. Save Nantahala to your lists. As of April 1st, The Nantahala General Store will be closed through May 8th. NCFA Job Board - Jun 4 Guests may enjoy free WiFi throughout the property. Shelter Closure. Forest officials ask the public to recreate responsibly by avoiding gathering in groups of more than 10 people and not engaging in high-risk activities, like rock climbing, that increase the chance of injury or distress. Nantahala Outdoor Center. The shoreline has a limited number of private homes and cabins in addition to our cabin rentals and yurt rentals, as much of the area around the lake is owned and managed by the U. S. Forest Service and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Contact Information for Ranger District Offices Granite City is a series of collapsed boulders outside the small village of Cashiers wherein the boulders create pathways both above and below the ground for hikers to explore. The summit is located at 4627 ft. and is within Nantahala National Forest. You control when, where, and how your debit and credit cards can be used all at your fingertips. The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is having a growing impact on families, individuals, and businesses across the United States. CardValet. Unplug and Advance Paddling Skills This Summer! They have been in close contact / proximity to an individual known to have COVID-19 in the past 14 days. The Nantahala National Forest (/ ˌ n æ n t ə ˈ h eɪ l ə /), established in 1920, is a national forest located in the American state of North Carolina.The word "Nantahala" is a Cherokee word, meaning "Land of the Noonday Sun." The Nantahala National Forest has begun seasonal road closures on the Nantahala Ranger District. Our commitment to the public remains to provide access to our national forests and grasslands and provide customer service. Seasonal closures in the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests have begun, with affected roads closed to motorized vehicles through April. The health and safety of our employees and the public remain our top priority. President The campgrounds in the Nantahala National Forest are: Nantahala National Forest •Appletree Group Camp •Balsam Lake Lodge •Bristol Fields Horse Camp •Cable Cove Campground •Cheoah Point Campground •Horse Cove Campground •Jackrabbit Mountain Campground As a result of this evolving threat, Nantahala Outdoor Center has made the difficult decision to suspend most of our operations over the next 2 weeks. › Nantahala National Forest › Lake. We hope to resume scheduled classes after March 31st. Planned opening dates may change depending on weather. The core of our business at NOC is to welcome and encourage guests from near and far to disconnect and experience the incredible natural beauty and adventure that the Southeast has to offer. Nantahala. Guests are never permitted to wear face masks during on-water activities. From March thru October, Duke Energy schedules its power generation operations to provide flow releases for the Lower Nantahala's rafting and kayaking activities. Visit one of 7 locations across the Southeast & Carolinas or our WNC Adventure Resort, to experience "One of the Best Outfitter's on Earth." If needed, contact us before arriving for options on rebooking under our Flexible Booking Policy. Alec Lansing, who had been missing from a southwest North Carolina wilderness therapy camp since Nov. 10, was found dead inside the Nantahala National Forest Saturday. This decision to pause operations has not been made lightly, nor is it driven by fear. Tucked away along one of the many winding back roads in the Nantahala Forest District is an absolute gem among local hikers: The Granite City slot canyons. Visit Nantahala. On the verdant Nantahala-Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina, the Chattooga River is one such example. This order requires all individuals to stay at home between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. This decision was made out of an abundance of caution considering the close quarters and hands-on learning that is necessary for these courses. We encourage you to further support local journalism by subscribing. Pisgah was officially established in 1916 and was the location of the country’s first forestry school. Adventure Today! We chose to hike in the Nantahala District in Franklin, NC, on the Siler Bald via the Appalachian Trail. GRAHAM COUNTY, N.C. (CNN) — Authorities are investigating the death of an Alabama FBI employee who was found dead in a forest in North Carolina. Drop shipping and pre-schedule pickups are possible for select products. Nantahala is Cherokee for “land of the noonday sun.” Restaurants, live music, outdoor adventures and more. Granite City is a series of collapsed boulders outside the small village of Cashiers wherein the boulders create pathways both above and below the ground for hikers to explore. We value your privacy. Shelter Closure. Please follow the #RecreateResponsibly guidelines to protect ourselves, others, and places we love when you explore our National … We welcome guests to all river and land-based adventures, retail establishments, lodging, dining and paddling instruction programs as scheduled. Arrive at our layover destination in the heart of the Nantahala Gorge for a one-hour layover where you can relax by the river or enjoy sightseeing! In some spots, the sun reaches the floors of the deep gorges of the forest only when it is high overhead at midday. RELATED: What WNC parks, forests, trails and other outdoor areas are closed due to coronnavirus? The March 27 announcement from the U.S. Forest Service, which oversees more than a million acres in the Pisgah and Nantahala national forests, is meant to "protect public health and safety and align with guidance from State of North Carolina health officials and experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.". The Nantahala National Forest anchors the far southwestern corner of North Carolina with over 528,000 acres of protected forest and high mountain wilderness. Book your next Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina vacation today! We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate uncharted territory, with guidance from: We hope that these measures will invite you to continue engaging in the amazing outdoor-oriented experiences that define our brand. This area, along with the neighboring Nantahala National Forest, originally belonged to the Cherokee. As a result of this evolving threat, Nantahala Outdoor Center has made the difficult decision to suspend most of our operations over the next 2 weeks. NOC’s Outfitter’s Store on the Nantahala River will be closed through May 8th. RELATED: Coronavirus confirmed in Great Smoky Mountains National Park employee, RELATED: Great Smokies closed to slow the spread of COVID-19, "A lot of discussion and consideration went into this decision. Exceptions include traveling to … A: The USDA Forest Service is taking steps to safely maintain operations as we respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic. To recreate responsibly outdoors, avoid congregating at parking areas, refrain from gathering in large groups and maintain a 6-foot distance from others, especially when passing other hikers. The Forest Service had already closed down developed campgrounds, several large developed day use areas, visitor centers and off-highway vehicle trail systems, which remain temporarily shut down. The trail is a 3.5 mile round trip trail Our top priority during this time is the safety, health, and wellbeing of our guests and staff. Whitewater Falls, the highest waterfall east of the Rockies, reopened on Friday in the Nantahala National Forest in Western North Carolina after wildfires closed public access last year. 1. For guests who choose to join us on an adventure, in our retail stores, at our resort or in one of our restaurants we welcome you with important changes. ProLogger Module 20 Now Online - Jul 31. Find Hotels Find Flights. We believe people understand the serious risks posed by facilities that draw large numbers of people into close proximity to each other. Visit one of 7 locations across the Southeast & Carolinas or our WNC Adventure Resort, to experience "One of the Best Outfitter's on Earth." It was almost empty when we went but … All NOC Adventure guests will be subject to a pre-trip screening that includes a contactless temperature check. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. Check-in. Rafting, zip lines, instruction, outdoor gear and more at NOC. Law enforcement and search and rescue operations may be limited due to COVID-19. NOC is offering limited retail availability via store.noc.com. ARMS RACE: As of Jan. 21, North Carolina health officials had administered 573,130 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, including 13,700 in Buncombe County. Increased frequency and depth of cleaning / sanitization in Retail, Food & Beverage, Lodging, bathrooms, public spaces, and office areas. Dismiss close travel advisory. A map detailing the highway routes to access Tellico Gap is available at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Man sentenced for harvesting ginseng in Nantahala National Forest By Joe Marusak and Mike Gordon - jmarusak@charlotteobserver.com mgordon@charlotteobserver.com February 06, 2014 11:39 AM In light of the risks associated with COVID-19, NOC is modifying its operations across all locations. Guests. Warm-weather visitors will find Nantahala National Forest an ideal place for whitewater rafting, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, and so much more. The US Forest Service is closing campgrounds due to the potential for spreading COVID-19. Nantahala Area SORBA Panthertown Workday Alert: On Saturday, November 14th from 9 am to 2 pm, we will be working with the Friends of Panthertown on the Rattlesnake Knob Trail in Nantahala National Forest's Panthertown valley. Nantahala Outdoor Center, © 2021 Nantahala Outdoor Center Governor Roy Cooper has extended the modified Stay at Home order for the entire state of North Carolina through Friday, Jan. 29, at the earliest. Our team will continue to look to state, federal, and international resources for guidance on appropriate steps and best practices such as social distancing. There are more than 27,000 acres of designated wilderness found in its hills, including Ellicott Rock, Joyce Kilmer/Slickrock and the Southern Nantahala … NOC’s Grove Park Inn Retail store will be closed through May 31st. Rafting, zip lines, instruction, outdoor gear and more at NOC. 5-day and Weekend Courses available for 2021! Visitors to NOC locations are required to wear face masks / coverings while inside buildings, traveling in NOC vehicles, and in other select areas where social distancing can be difficult. The Citizen Times is providing this story for free to readers because of the need for information about the coronavirus. "We realize our communities and our visitors place high value on the recreation opportunities the Forest has to offer," Allen Nicholas, National Forests in North Carolina Forest Supervisor, said in a statement. As a result of this evolving threat, Nantahala Outdoor Center has made the difficult decision to suspend most of our operations over the next 2 weeks. ASHEVILLE - Gorges State Park is set to reopen partially on May 13, according to North Carolina State Parks spokeswoman Katie Hall, and many … Site Menu Give Now. The accommodations is 21 mi from Highlands. Employees are required to wear face masks / coverings in all departments. In addition, visitors can help mitigate resource impacts while recreation sites are shut down by bringing home their trash (pack it in, pack it out), and by appropriately managing human waste by burying it at least six to eight inches deep and 200 feet away from water, trails and recreation sites. It borders the Pisgah National Forest, and … Hotels near Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina Mountains on Tripadvisor: Find 8,447 traveler reviews, 4,254 candid photos, and prices for 448 hotels near Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina Mountains, NC. Hood National Forest to 2021. NOC Wilderness Medicine / SOLO Southeast programs between March 18, Paddling School programs will not operate between March 16. The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is having a growing impact on families, individuals, and businesses across the United States. Closing roads to motorized vehicles seasonally helps reduce road maintenance costs. The area, part of the Pisgah National Forest, is riddled with miles of hiking and mountain biking trails where large crowds of people have been seen the last week in overflowing parking lots and not adhering to CDC coronavirus guidelines, which include maintaining a distance of 6 feet from everyone, and not gathering in large groups. Find more information and updates on the National Forests in North Carolina website. Guests should bring outdoor gear for adventure right outside the door. While the schedule varies from month to month, the river is generally "turned on" mid-morning and "turned off" late afternoon. Enjoy motor boating, bridle trails, … A.T. Shelters remain closed due to COVID-19. Now over 70 years later, Nantahala Village Resort continues to provide an opportunity for family and group getaways. Bent Creek Experimental Forest was crowded March 19, 2020, despite the worldwide coronavirus pandemic. The Chattooga is the premier Wild and Scenic River in the Southeast. NOC staff will proactively contact students effected by this cancellation with information on next steps. NOC Zip Lines require face masks that do not loop around a guest's neck (ear loops are permitted). Daily employee pre-shift health screenings, including a temperature check. We are operating under all current COVID-19 safety guidelines and ask that you follow all protocols. Hotels near Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina Mountains on Tripadvisor: Find 8,447 traveler reviews, 4,254 candid photos, and prices for 448 hotels near Nantahala National Forest … Wayah Bald – Nantahala National Forest; Cheoah Bald – Nantahala National Forest; Lovers Leap – Pisgah National Forest; The closures follow guidance from the CDC on COVID-19. Planned opening dates may change depending on weather. On March 12th the ICF in conjunction with NOC and the ACA made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Wildwater World Championships due to the European Travel Ban established by the United States. We will be performing corridor clearing with brushcutters and loppers and we need some volunteers! US Open, in collaboration with the Nantahala Racing Club, has been canceled for the weekend of March 28th. Whether you're seeking a secluded weekend in Nature's Paradise, or looking to experience the life of a beautiful small town with endless opportunities for adventure, we're sure you'll be coming back again and again to Franklin & Nantahala North Carolina The Nantahala National Forest is the largest in land mass, and the westernmost of North Carolina’s four national forests. We have always viewed the outdoors as a means to disconnect, relax, recreate, and recharge. Franklin Cabin in Nantahala National Forest! Observable landforms include Wayah Bald, the Nantahala Gorge, and Clingmans Dome among others. Wildwater World Championships in late April have been canceled based on the European Travel ban established in early March, 2020. ORTEGA NATIONAL PARKS (5) Burkes Outlet (5) Brio Italian Grille Cherokee (5) State of North Carolina (4) KFC (4) ... jobs in Nantahala, NC. Your favorite NOC brand gear and accessories, available at your fingertips. They are currently exhibiting or have exhibited flu-like symptoms within 24 hours. Created in 1920, the wild and scenic Nantahala National Forest is the largest of the four national forests in North Carolina, covering just over half-a-million acres. We are taking the following precautionary measures across the entire company: Should staff or guests have questions or concerns regarding their current health we ask them to seek advice from a medical provider in accordance with recommendations from the CDC before arriving at Nantahala Outdoor Center. Find Hotels Find Flights. Voted "the Best Place to Learn” by Outside Magazine. ... 2020, be sure to consider the risk of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and associated government measures. In the interim, we are doing our best to provide affected staff and families with the support and resources that are available to us as a small business. Closing roads to motorized vehicles seasonally helps reduce road maintenance costs. This site uses cookies and similar technologies to analyse traffic, personalise content and ads, and provide social media features. Stay tuned for confirmed dates later this year. Start planning a Group In the meantime, the outdoors is a big open place. Guests can "tame the dragon" or ride the "skyway" as the county has the best "twisties" for the motorcyclist or sports car enthusiast. To recreate responsibly outdoors, avoid congregating at parking areas, refrain from gathering in large groups and maintain a 6-foot distance from others, especially when passing other hikers.