How long is the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway?
Usa, north-america
103 km
91 m
easy
Year-round
Cruising the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway in western North Carolina is an absolute must-do! This fully paved route stretches for 64 glorious miles, winding its way from Highlands (nestled in the southern Appalachian Mountains) all the way to Almond. You'll be tracing along U.S. 64, old U.S. 64, SR 1310 (Wayah Road), and U.S. 19, soaking in the views.
Heads up though – some sections are a bit narrow and seriously twisty, so keep your eyes on the road! And definitely fill up the tank before you go. Speaking of thrills, the drive past Cullasaja Falls is unforgettable, but it has a *major* drop-off with limited space to pull over. Those falls are gorgeous, but respect the power of nature: wet rocks are super slippery.
This byway is open year-round, but keep in mind that winter weather can bring temporary closures and maybe even require chains or 4WD.
But enough about the details, let's talk about the *views*! Prepare to be blown away. You'll be winding through the Nantahala National Forest, passing hardwood forests, dramatic river gorges, and charming countryside. Waterfalls galore! Plus, tons of spots for recreation. Honestly, this drive is like a highlight reel of the most incredible scenery the Nantahala National Forest has to offer. Don't forget your camera; this is one road trip you'll want to remember!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 103 km
- Max Elevation
- 91 m
- Difficulty
- easy
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