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Location: Macon County, NC. 10 miles northwest of Franklin, Wayah Ranger District, Nantahala National Forest
USGS Topographic Maps: Wesser, Wayah Bald, Alarka, Franklin
This high altitude area is characterized by dense old growth Chestnut Oak forest. In the fog, or when laden by rime ice, the trees present a fairyland appearance. FS 7114 penetrates the area from Kyle to the west, and ends at the ridge crest. The eastern portion of this road, down Burningtown Creek, has been closed and abandoned. The bed of FS 7114 is the most likely route of the Cherokee trading path from Cowee Town, capital of the Middle Cherokee, to Tellico, largest town of the Overhill Cherokee.
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Approximate size:
12,522 acres
Old growth acreage:
1,846 acres |
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Burningtown Creek, a tributary of the Little Tennessee River, mainly drains the east side of the area. Several small streams run off the west slopes, all adding their waters to the Nantahala River. Four central peaks --Burningtown Bald, Copper Ridge Bald, Tellico Bald and Black Bald, all over 5,000 feet in elevation -- indicate that in pioneer days these were large cattle pastures.
The Appalachian Trail bisects the area, on a north-south axis. The Cold Spring Shelter Trail serves hikers along this portion of the Trail. Burningtown Creek, a tributary of the Little Tennessee River, mainly drains the east side of the area. Several small streams run off the west slopes, all adding their waters to the Nantahala River.
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Forest Communities
Rocky Bald-Black Bald: Northern Hardwood and High Elevation Northern Red Oak.
Burningtown Bald: Rich Cove (small patch only) and High Elevation Northern Red Oak.
Upper DeWeese Creek: Rich Cove, High Elevation Northern Red Oak, and Dry Oak.
Unusual Plants and Animals
* The NCHNP lists several amphibian and bird hotspots in this delineated area.
* This area is definite black bear habitat (as witnessed near Burningtown Bald by Rob Messick).
* Rich Cove forest in Upper DeWeese Creek has thick herb cover and high diversity. |
