Graham County: Trails, Forests and Water

The Appalachian Trail runs through Graham County. It crosses Fontana Dam and then enters Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Graham County borders the park. Alongside this route, forests, lakes, Cherokee culture, and designated driving routes shape the area’s diverse travel interests.

Trails, Forests, and Waterfalls

Graham County is home to Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, Slickrock Wilderness Area, and Nantahala National Forest. Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest is home to trees up to 450 years old. The Joyce Kilmer National Recreation Trail is two miles long and consists of two loops.

Near Junaluska Memorial is the Medicine Trail: It is about a quarter-mile long and has a gentle to moderate incline. Check access conditions before your visit. The Bartram Trail is designated a National Recreational Trail and climbs 3,000 feet from the river to Cheoah Bald. The route details differ: For the Medicine Trail, consider its length and incline; for the Bartram Trail, its elevation gain.

The Spirit Ridge Trail on the Cherohala Skyway is paved and accessible; check current trail and road conditions in advance. Preserved sections of the Great State Road are still visible. The wooded Yellow Creek Falls Trail leads to a scenic waterfall on Yellow Creek. Check the trail length and access in advance.

Lakes, Activities, and Practical Information

You can go boating on Fontana Lake, which offers 27 miles of water to explore. Fontana Dam is 480 feet high. A 90-minute Historical Lake Tour aboard the Miss Hazel travels along Eagle Creek. Since availability, schedules, and reservations may change, check tour dates before planning.

The Fontana Dam Visitor Center is located off NC 28. It is open daily from May through October; confirm current dates and hours before your visit.

Lake Santeetlah has 76 miles of mostly undeveloped shoreline and is 75 percent forested. The Santeetlah Lake Trails are used by mountain bikers and horseback riders. Tsali Recreation Area also offers mountain biking and horseback riding, with a trail system comprising four loops.

Visitors can kayak on the Cheoah. Big Snowbird Creek offers opportunities for fishing for native trout. In addition to trails and drives, activities on the water and along the creek offer different travel interests.

Cherokee History and Regional Culture

The Junaluska Memorial and Museum displays Cherokee artifacts and contemporary Cherokee art. The Junaluska Museum also shares the history of Junaluska and the Snowbird Cherokee through educational programs, interactive exhibits, and traditional demonstrations.

The Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center helps preserve southern Appalachian culture through music programs, festivals, classes, and other events. Its program includes culinary workshops for adults; dates and registration details vary. The Stecoah Artisan Gallery provides more than 100 local and regional artists from a range of disciplines with a platform for sales and marketing. The artists who participate may change.

The area’s building history is also part of its cultural offerings: The Grand Stage at Stecoah Valley Center was built in 1926 and is located across from a restored log hall. The annual Harvest Festival includes a pie contest and traditional heritage demonstrations. Check the dates and program for your travel dates.

Scenic Drives for Trip Planning

The Cherohala Skyway is a designated National Scenic Byway connecting Tellico Plains and Robbinsville. The paved, two-lane road is more than 40 miles long. These details provide practical information about the route’s course and road surface.

The Tail of the Dragon is one of the named motorcycle and sports car routes in the Graham County area. When planning a drive, check current road conditions and drive carefully.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Robbinsville, Harnett County, Orange, Edgecombe County, Currituck County, Lenoir, Pender, Mitchell County.

Return to the main travel overview: North Carolina.