Scenic Drives
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US-74 (w/US-19/129) Nantahala
Gorge - US-74, leading east from Murphy, is 4 lanes.
Ah, a freeway, you say. Don't hold your breath. It soon
becomes two-lane and, as you climb the mountain, curvy
two-lane. But the sight you are about to see on the other
side the mountain will be worth the drive.
For the next twenty miles you'll be in the famous Nantahala Gorge -
the wild river (one of the most popular world-class
white-water rafting spots in the USA). Early spring (during
snow melts and spring rains) the gorge becomes ferocious but
- unless there has been a long-term drought - the gorge is
usually very much alive. You may find it interesting to stop
in one of the parking areas (parking space is very dear so
don't try to be too picky) and watch the kayaks manuver
through the rapids. Most of them are so good they make it
look easy: it isn't.
The Nantahala River and US-74 part company at Wesser. A little
beyond Wesser NC-28 West splits off to the left and, just
before reaching Lauada, you will cross the Little Tennessee
River. These two rivers join just north of here and then
form Fontana Lake. NC-28 West would take you to
Fontana Lake
and, if you wish, on into Tennessee. Continuing a little
further on US-74 to Lauada, NC-28 East will takes you over
the mountains to Franklin if you wish a different, very
beautiful route back to US-64.)
Just east of Lauada you will rejoin the 4-lane divided highway -
which it remains all the way to Asheville. This 4-lane
highway is often overlooked as one of North Carolina's
scenic highways - especially in autumn when the colors are
really spectacular.
Note: You can put the section of this route between the
Robbinsville turn-off of US-129 (start of the
Santeetlah
Lake route) and the Fontana turn-off of NC-28 (start of
the Fontana
Lake route) which allows you to make a nice loop through
some of the most scenic mountain land in the United States.
Driving time for the entire loop (depending upon pauses to
enjoy the scenery) is about 2 to 2½ hours.
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