Western North Carolina is home to many trout streams with a variety of features, below we’ve listed several spots along the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail. Enjoy!
• Scott Creek: It stretches for about 10 miles from Balsam down to Sylva and primarily offers hatchery-supported fishing for brown and rainbow trout. It includes North Fork Scott Creek and Buff Creek, both known for their scenic beauty.
• Small Streams (Moses Creek, Mull Creek, etc.): These small streams are located in eastern Jackson County, below the Blue Ridge Parkway. They provide opportunities for wild trout fishing, particularly brook and rainbow trout, in a mountainous terrain with several waterfalls.
• Cullowhee Creek: This stretch runs from Tilley Creek to the confluence of the Tuckaseegee and offers hatchery-supported fishing for rainbow, brown, and occasional brook trout. It’s notable for flowing through the Western Carolina University campus.
• Tanasee Creek: Spanning about 2-3 miles, this scenic stretch in the Nantahala National Forest is perfect for wild brown trout fishing. Access is available at the bridge on Tanasee Creek Road.
• Panthertown Creek: Located in Panthertown Valley, this entire stream is designated for catch-and-release, single-hook, artificial lure fishing for brook trout. The area is known for its stunning landscapes.
• Raven Fork (Cherokee Trophy Water): Starting at the Blue Ridge Parkway bridge, this stretch is known as the Cherokee Trophy Water, offering catch-and-release fly fishing for golden, rainbow, brown, brook, and Donaldson trout.
• Whitewater River: Flowing into Whitewater Falls, the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi, this river provides opportunities for wild trout fishing, including brook, brown, and rainbow trout.
• Scotsman and Fowler Creeks into the Chattooga River: These streams flow into the Chattooga River and offer wild trout fishing for brown and rainbow trout, with access available in the Nantahala National Forest.
• Tuckasegee River (Accessible Fishing Pier): This stretch of the river is wheelchair-accessible and offers delayed harvest fishing for brook, brown, and rainbow trout. It has a fishing pier with nearby handicap parking.
• Tuckasegee River (East Laporte Park to NC 107 Bridge): Spanning about 2-3 miles, this stretch is ideal for hatchery-supported fishing for rainbow, brook, and brown trout. East Laporte Park provides picnic tables and public restrooms.
• Savannah Creek: Approximately 10 miles in length, it flows into the Tuckasegee River and offers hatchery-supported fishing for rainbow and brown trout.
• Tuckasegee River (NC 107 Bridge to Dillsboro Park): This 4- to 5-mile stretch is perfect for delayed harvest fishing, and you can catch brook, brown, and rainbow trout. It’s known for the “Tuckasegee Slam.”
• Greens Creek: Stretching about 3-4 miles from the Macon County line to Savannah Creek, this creek offers wild trout and hatchery-supported fishing, mainly for rainbow trout.
• Tuckasegee River (in Dillsboro): This stretch covers approximately 1 mile from Dillsboro Park through town and offers hatchery-supported fishing for rainbow and brown trout. There are lodging options nearby.
• Lower Tuckasegee River (Barker’s Creek Bridge to Whittier): This 8- to 10-mile stretch provides opportunities for hatchery-supported and undesignated fishing, with a focus on larger-sized rainbow and brown trout. Smallmouth bass can also be found here.
• These fishing spots cater to various preferences and skill levels, offering both stocked and wild trout in beautiful mountain settings. Please note that specific regulations and access points may apply to each location.

Wildlife Photography
Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area in North Carolina is a great spot for wildlife photography. It’s a big area with forests, bogs, waterfalls, and streams. There, you can find many different animals and birds like deer, bears, turkeys, hawks, and owls. You can also see amphibians and reptiles around the creeks and ponds. The mix of woods and meadows gives you different settings for your photos. It’s quiet, so animals act natural, making it easier to photograph them. Panthertown Valley is a top choice for wildlife photographers looking to capture the beauty of the Appalachian wilderness.

Mountain Biking
Mountain biking in North Carolina has experienced significant growth in popularity over the years. The state offers diverse terrain, a variety of trails, and a favorable climate for outdoor enthusiasts, making it an attractive destination for mountain bikers of all skill levels. For intermediate riders, the Auger Hole Trail offers a 4.2-mile journey through picturesque woodlands in Brevard. For those seeking more advanced terrain, the Blackrock #447 trail in Cashiers presents a thrilling 1.5-mile ride with breathtaking views. Nearby, in the Panthertown Valley, you can explore the Deep Gap #449 trail, an intermediate 1.0-mile route, and the Devil’s Elbow #448 trail, which spans 2.0 miles and offers an enjoyable experience for intermediate riders. Another intermediate option is the 2.7-mile Flat Laurel Creek Trail located in Brevard. For a shorter ride, Granny Burrell Falls #486 in Cashiers offers a 0.4-mile trail. If you’re up for an expert-level challenge, the Horse Pasture / Bootleg trail in Sunset covers 12.0 miles of demanding terrain. In Cashiers, the Panthertown Valley boasts an extensive network of intermediate trails spanning 19.0 miles in total. Riding Ford #450, an intermediate 0.9-mile trail, is also within the Panthertown Valley. Further afield, the Snaggy Creek Trail in Cullowhee stretches an impressive 23.0 miles, offering a longer biking adventure. Lastly, the WCU Trails in Cullowhee provide 7.0 miles of intermediate-level routes that are highly regarded by mountain biking enthusiasts in the area. Please keep in mind that trail conditions and ratings may change, so it’s advisable to check current information and use proper safety precautions while biking.

Hiking
There’s no shortage of hiking trails in Western North Carolina; here are a few of our favorites…
Panther Ridge Trail, spanning about 4 miles, offers a moderately challenging hike through scenic forests. For a shorter adventure, try the 2.5-mile Raven Rock Loop Trail, featuring serene woodlands. Families can enjoy the easy 3-mile Sapphire Valley Ski Resort Loop, circling the picturesque resort. Frozen Falls Trail is a quick and easy 1-mile hike leading to a lovely waterfall. Glen Falls Trail, around 2 miles, leads to cascading waterfalls and provides scenic viewpoints. Don’t miss Whitewater Falls Trail, a moderate 1.9-mile hike to one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern U.S. For panoramic views, tackle the 1.5-mile Bearwallow Mountain Trail to the summit with an open meadow. These diverse hiking options cater to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.

Ski Sapphire Valley
Sapphire Valley offers an enjoyable day trip for skiing enthusiasts, featuring two slopes suitable for various skill levels and equipped with modern snowmaking technology. You can easily rent ski equipment on-site if needed, and there are ski instruction options available for both beginners and those looking to refine their skills. The slopes offer stunning mountain views as you ski, and the resort provides a comfortable lodge for warming up and dining. Additionally, Sapphire Valley often includes a tubing hill for added winter fun, making it an ideal family-friendly destination with a focus on safety.Rock Climbing & Bouldering
Western North Carolina has numerous rock climbing and bouldering options catering to all skill levels, from novices to experienced climbers. These outdoor adventures are set against the backdrop of beautiful forests and mountains. Laurel Knob, near Cashiers, is a standout climbing spot managed by the Carolina Climbers Coalition and known for its remote setting and advanced climbing challenges. Cedar Rock in Pisgah National Forest presents a wealth of climbing routes for different skill levels, and its west-facing main cliff makes it an excellent choice for climbing on warmer winter afternoons or cooler summer mornings. Whiteside Mountain, also located near Cashiers, offers some of the Eastern US’s most demanding rock walls, known for their exposure and challenging routes, making it an ideal destination for experienced climbers. Looking Glass Rock, located in the Pisgah National Forest’s Davidson River area, is a prominent climbing crag featuring a vast exposed granite dome with various routes and pitch lengths suitable for climbers of all abilities. Just a 15-minute drive from Downtown Brevard, this crag offers some of the region’s most renowned multi-pitch routes, including classics like Odyssey and The Nose.Kayaking & Rafting
Western North Carolina boasts an array of thrilling river adventures perfect for kayaking and canoeing enthusiasts of all levels. Among the options, the easily accessible French Broad River in Transylvania County offers great paddling opportunities, while the renowned Green River nearby caters to seasoned paddlers. You’ll also find exciting paddling stretches on the Whitewater, Horsepasture, Tuckasagee, Nantahala, Thompson, Mills River, Cullasaja, Davidson, and Pigeon Rivers within driving distance. Simply research your chosen river’s water levels and embark on a paddling adventure that matches your skills!
Also, when the weather get’s warm rafting and tubing become a refreshing adventure. The French Broad, Davidson, and Mills rivers offer fantastic rafting and tubing experiences nearby. Rent tubes from a local outfitter and set out on the water with your family for a refreshing and enjoyable outing.
Stand up paddleboarding, or SUP, is a growing activity in our region. For a SUP excursion, head to the French Broad River or explore the smaller lakes in Transylvania County. If you’re up for a drive, the stunning Lake Jocassee in the upstate of SC is a perfect destination.Snorkeling…Yes, Snorkeling
Believe it or not, snorkeling is also on the adventure menu in Western NC! Grab a wetsuit, grab your goggles and snorkel, and dive into the thriving underwater ecosystems of our abundant streams and waterways. Coming soon is the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail, a collection of carefully chosen snorkel sites located in the mountain rivers of North Carolina. This innovative education project will connect publicly accessible river locations where you can safely snorkel and discover the underwater world. Each site will feature an educational sign with safety tips, species descriptions, and trail information. Bring your snorkeling gear, consider a wetsuit for added comfort in our cool mountain waters, or enlist a river snorkeling guide to lead your adventure!

Hunting
Hunting is a time-honored sport still popular in the Nantahala National Forest. Outside of developed recreation areas hunting is permitted throughout the forest. While the U.S. Forest Service manages the habitat in the national forest, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission regulates both hunting and fishing. State licenses are required. Many game animals, including white-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey, ruffed grouse and gray squirrel, thrive in these forests. If you’re planning a new hunt, please contact the following Ranger districts for more specific locations. (Cheoah Ranger District, Nantahala Ranger District, Tusquitee Ranger District)