North Carolina whitewater, Nantahala River Macon Clay county, Highway 64 to Nantahala Lake section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS I-II+(III)     12.74 miles   The beautiful scenery of Macon/Clay County and the water flowing gracefully down Nantahala River have people coming here. The Highway 64 to Nantahala Lake stretch of Nantahala River in Macon/Clay County is 12.74 miles long and has been rated as a class I-II+(III) section by American Whitewater. There are so many stretches to paddle in this river system, the Highway 64 to Nantahala Lake stretch is just one of many. There aren’t any hotels right     nearby but if you're willing to drive a short distance then no problem but do book a room before you come because it is a very popular destination. Some people prefer whitewater rafting and some kayaking, either way there are lots of good rivers for that around here. Whitewater rafting and kayaking in North Carolina is often easier than elsewhere, so you'd better keep in mind that lots of rivers in this state are good for beginners. This section is long enough for an overnight trip if you take your time, so go ahead and pack your camping stuff. The wild scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains is great. You can pitch a tent or park your RV at a nearby campground.   A good workout and spending some quality time in nature will make you glad you came. The put-in is not too far from Cornelia, there's a road map further down the page with more info on that. Briefly about the general area: Nantahala River is a spot with many visitors from Topton. Nantahala River is near Nantahala National Forest which is a pretty place, and why not take a refreshing hike along the Thorn Mountain Trail. At this river you will always have a good time. A journey to Big Oak Gap is always fun; Nantahala River is right by the Rufus Morgan Trail. For the period of the summertime months at Nantahala River temperatures are commonly in the 80's, and through the night it cools down to the 60's. Nantahala River, Highway 64 to Nantahala Lake road map Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.     Map Detailed Map Stats Stats for this river stretch Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Nantahala River.   Whitewater Near Nantahala River: Nantahala River, Macon/Clay County, 4 miles away       Class I-II+(III) - 12.74 miles long (Highway 64 to Nantahala Lake) Nantahala River, Macon County, 6 miles away       Class II(III) - 4 miles long (Kimsey Creek to US 64) Whiteoak Creek, Macon County, 6 miles away       Class IV-V+ - 2 miles long (Above Nantahala Cascades) Tallulah River, Towns/Rabun County, 7 miles away       Class I-II(III) - 5.5 miles long (GA/North Carolina State Line to Tate Branch Campground) Nantahala River, Macon/Swain County, 7 miles away       Class III - 3.2 miles long (Route 1310 Bridge to Highway 19) Nantahala River, Macon County, 8 miles away       Class IV-V - 0.7 miles long (FS Road 327 to 1310 Bridge) Whitewater Outfitter - Carolina Outfitters Whitewater Rafting, Cherokee County, 10 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Whitewater Outfitter - Appalachian Rivers Raft, Cherokee County, 10 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Nantahala River, Macon/Swain County, 10 miles away       Class II+(III) - 8 miles long (Power Plant to Wesser) Tallulah River, Rabun County, 10 miles away       Class V - 3 miles long (Tate Branch Campground to Coleman River)   Ski Areas Near Nantahala River: Sky Valley, Georgia , 19 miles away, 210 foot drop, 2 lifts, 5 runs Scaly Mountain, North Carolina , 21 miles away, 225 foot drop, 4 lifts, 10 runs Ober Gatlinburg, Tennessee , 33 miles away, 600 foot drop, 3 lifts, 8 runs Cataloochee, North Carolina , 43 miles away, 740 foot drop, 4 lifts, 10 runs Wolf Ridge, North Carolina , 89 miles away, 700 foot drop, 5 lifts, 20 runs   Marinas Near Nantahala River: Chatuge Cove Marina, Hayesville , 12 miles away Boundary Waters Resort & Marina, Hiawassee , 16 miles away Anchorage Marine, Clayton , 17 miles away Yacht Club Mermaid, Hiawassee , 17 miles away Fontana Village Marina, Fontana Dam , 19 miles away   Hotels Near Nantahala River: Nantahala Cabins, Bryson City , 12 miles away Lake Chatuge Lodge, Hiawassee , 15 miles away Holiday Inn Express & Suites HIAWASSEE, Hiawassee , 15 miles away Microtel Inn & Suites By Wyndham Franklin, Franklin , 15 miles away Quality Inn Andrews, Andrews , 16 miles away   Campgrounds Near Nantahala River: Wine Springs, Topton, 2 miles away Siler Bald Shelter - Appalachian Trail, Topton, 2 miles away Wayah Shelter - Appalachian Trail, Topton, 4 miles away   Trails Near Nantahala River: Thorn Mountain Trail, Macon , 0 miles away Rufus Morgan Trail, Macon , 4 miles away Rartram Trail, Macon , 5 miles away Hurricane Creek Trail, Macon , 9 miles away Wesser Creek Trail, Swain , 9 miles away   Public Lands Near Nantahala River: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg - TN , 33 miles away Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina , 8 miles away Moccasin Creek State Park, Georgia , 16 miles away Black Rock Mountain State Park, Georgia , 18 miles away   Golf Courses Near Nantahala River: Ridges Golf Course, Hayesville , 10 miles away The Ridges At Mountain Harbour, Hayesville , 10 miles away Mill Creek Country Club, Franklin , 10 miles away   Lakes Near Nantahala River Nantahala Lake, Macon , 5 miles away Chatuge Lake, Clay , 14 miles away Lake Burton, Rabun , 19 miles away