An Autumn Drive on the
Mountain Waterways Scenic Bywayby Ellen SchofieldThe mountains of western North Carolina are a great destination in any season. However, autumn is an especially beautiful time to get out and explore because the fall foliage is breathtaking, the temperatures are comfortable a nd the air is crisp.We recently enjoyed a day’s drive on the Mountain Waterways Scenic Byway, which took us to Nantahala Lake, Wayah Bald and Rufus Morgan Falls. We started our drive on Junaluska Street in Andrews, which is also SR 1505/1401. Turning right onto SR 1310, we soon came 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, but we kept on driving, turning onto NF Road 69 for another 4.8 miles to a 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, we stopped 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 interpreted the history, giving us a glimpse of the forest ranger’s life in those days.
A scant 2.6 miles on SR 1310 took us to SR 388, the turn off for the trail to Rufus Morgan Falls.  Another two miles and we reached 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. We rated it tops among the many scenic waterfalls in the area.
Since we hiked through dense stands of rhododendrons to the falls, and because Wayah Bald is noted for its colorful displays of wild azaleas, we decided we must take anotherdrive next spring to enjoy the vistas in a different season.  From Rufus Morgan Falls, it’s a few miles drive on SR 1310 to Franklin, which has several sites of interest. Or, you can head west on US 64 to Hayesville, Murphy or Andrews. Either way, you will have enjoyed some of North Carolina’s best natural attractions with little pain to your pocketbook.
|
|
|
