What does Nantahala mean in Cherokee?
land of the noon day sun
“Nantahala” is a Cherokee word meaning “land of the noon day sun,” a fitting name for the Nantahala Gorge, where the sun only reaches to the valley floor at midday. The Nantahala National Forest was established in 1920 under authority of the 1911 Weeks Act.
Is Cherokee National Forest free?
Dispersed camping is free and no permits are required. For visitors wanting to get away from it all, dispersed camping outside of developed campgrounds is allowed throughout Cherokee National Forest unless posted otherwise.
Where is the Cherokee National Forest located?
east Tennessee
Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of east Tennessee, the Cherokee National Forest is divided into northern and southern sections by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Is there a national forest in North Carolina?
North Carolina has four beautiful National Forests: Croatan, Nantahala, Pisgah, and Uwharrie. North Carolina’s National Forests are home to more than 5,700 miles of streams and 38,000 acres of lakes offering both warmwater and coldwater fishing.
Do people live in Nantahala National Forest?
It has a population of 1,711. “Nantahala” is a Cherokee word which means “Land of the Noonday Sun.” The area fits its name because in a few spots, the sun’s rays only reaches the floors of the Nantahala National Forest when it is directly overhead during the middle of the day.
Why is Cherokee National Forest important?
Part of the forest’s mission is to provide a safe habitat for these plants and animals as well as preserving watershed and wilderness areas and significant cultural resources, many of which date to the New Deal era and the impact of the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Can you RV camp in national forest?
You can go camping in National Forests, often for up to 14 days at a time. For those of you new to dispersed camping in your RV, this means you’re camped with no electrical, water, or sewer hookups. In some cases, there are official “primitive” campsites with pit toilets.
How much does it cost to get into Pisgah National Forest?
COST: It is free to access Pisgah National Forest. Individual attractions, such as the North Carolina Arboretum and the Cradle of Forestry do require admission. HOURS: The forest is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Some recreation areas may have their own hours.