Discover Topton: Trails and Nature

Topton is part of the geographic area of Nantahala Gorge. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is also located there; activities in this area include whitewater rafting and guided fly fishing. The Valley River provides another point of reference: its source is near present-day Topton, and from there it flows on to the Hiwassee River. If you’re looking for a hotel in Topton, hiking, river activities, and a drive along Mountain Waters Scenic Byway can each shape your travel plans in different ways.

Trails Around Appletree Group Campground

Appletree Group Campground in Topton provides access to eight trails totaling 32 miles. The individual routes vary in length, elevation gain, and trail character. Appletree Trail is 2.2 miles long, rated especially difficult, and gains 1,640 feet in elevation. It also connects with four other trails. The difficulty and elevation-gain details complement the trail length and help you assess a hike using more than just the number of miles.

London Bald Trail is a 9-mile one-way route. It climbs to a high elevation and passes through forest with a fern-covered floor. Alongside the details for Appletree Trail, this offers a longer one-way distance and a distinct sense of the landscape to help you plan. Check current trail and facility conditions before you travel.

Bartram Trail and Natural History

A 6.5-mile section of the 71.1-mile Bartram Trail runs near Appletree Group Campground. These two distances describe different scales: the section near the campground and the entire trail. The trail is also connected to the expeditions of William Bartram, an American naturalist known for his botanical studies in the late 18th century. For those interested in natural history, planning a hike here also offers a historical connection to the region.

Scenic Byway and Water Activities

From Appletree Group Campground, you can explore the 61-mile Mountain Waters Scenic Byway. A drive offers a different focus than a hike; check road conditions before setting out. This lets you consider a trip along the Scenic Byway and trails accessible on foot as different ways to plan your day.

Whitewater rafting is available on the lower section of Nantahala River, either with your own watercraft or through local outfitters. River conditions and outfitter availability vary. Rainbow trout, brook trout, and native brown trout live in the cold mountain streams near Appletree Group Campground. If you’d like to fish there, be aware that regulations and license requirements can change, and check the rules in effect before your trip.

Group Sites and Travel Planning

Appletree Group Campground has four group sites. Sites A and D each accommodate up to 25 people, while sites B and C each accommodate up to 50. Capacity therefore varies by site and matters when planning for a group. Check current reservations and seasonal operations separately.

When looking for hotels in Topton, you can first consider which of the options described will shape your stay: a trail with information about elevation gain and difficulty, a longer one-way route, a drive along the Scenic Byway, or activities on the water. This helps you tailor your search to your travel plans without treating the different routes and experiences as a single type of outing.

Discover more destinations: Franklin, Highlands

Go to the main travel overview: Macon County.