Experience Mother Nature when you venture the Nantahala National Forest and Hiking Trails Nearby.
Spruce up your itinerary during your visit to Nantahala and add Birding to your hiking adventures! Bird watching, or birding, is a hobby consisting of the observation of birds in their natural habitats. What better place to view birds in nature than along the hiking trails of Nantahala National Forest!
Your experience may vary, of course, depending on the time of year you visit. During the winter months, most of the birds may have already migrated to a warmer climate. If you catch them during the spring or fall months, you may have a better chance to catch the return of native Nantahala birds as well as non-native birds who have decided to make a stop in the forest during their travels.
Ideal Nearby Trails to Visit for the Best Birding
All of the cabins and luxury yurts at stayNantahala are immersed in Mother Nature. You can relax in the comfort of your balcony and observe the beauty of the forest and may even see many of the forest dwellers, like birds, or you can venture around the area to explore what’s nearby.
If you’d like to go on a bigger adventure, pack your bag and some snacks for a day of exploration at one of the trails nearby.
Whiteside Mountain
Whiteside Mountain Trail is just shy of two miles in distance and is the ideal spot to catch a glimpse of the Common Raven, Canada Warbler and the endangered Peregrine Falcon that begins nesting in April. The best time to catch the Falcon is in March or mid-summer when fledglings begin honing their flying and hunting skills.
Glen Falls
Glen Falls is a two-mile trail that takes you into the beauty of the forest. You will actually encounter three large falls, each dropping over 50 feet! Glen Falls is a popular spot to go birding and is accessible all year-round. This pet friendly trail also welcomes visitors who love to hike, walk and go on nature trips so traffic can get a bit heavy at times.
Dry Falls Trail
Dry Falls Trail is less than a half of a mile located near Highlands, NC and just like Glen Falls, this spot is also frequented by visitors and locals who visit to go walking, etc. This trail features a beautiful waterfall that makes the short walk worth the wait!
Bartram Trail: Wallace Branch to William’s Pulpit
Spanning a little over 4 miles in length, Bartram Trail, is the longest hike on our list. Located near Franklin, NC, this trail also features a beautiful waterfall. The trail is open throughout the year, but experts suggest the best times to visit are between the months of March through October.
So, the next time you book your Nantahala vacation, be sure to visit one of the amazing trails nearby where you can enjoy the fresh, brisk air of the forest and observe the birds in their natural habitat!