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Location: Mitchell and Yancey Counties, NC, 25 miles northwest of Burnsville, Toecane Ranger District, Pisgah National Forest
USGS Topographic Maps: Chestoa, Huntdale
This area lies within the steep and scenic gorge of the Nolichucky River as it winds from North Carolina into Tennessee. There is a companion Mountain Treasure area in Tennessee. The Nolichucky River corridor occupies the central portion of the areas in both states.
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Approximate size:
5,644 acres
Old growth acreage:
745 acres |
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A State Natural Heritage area includes most of the gorge and extends to the rim. This wildland area is home to the very rare Virginia spiraea, which the federal government lists as threatened, as well as other unusual plants such as necklace sedge and bleeding heart. A large area of verified old growth (460 acres) stands on the slopes on the north side of the gorge; numerous candidate sites await further investigation. Almost the entire area is recognized in USFS Large Old Growth Patch 21.
A railroad line runs along the river in the gorge. The best form of protection is probably National Wild and Scenic River designation in combination with protection for the upper slopes of the gorge. The Nolichucky River through the gorge in North Carolina and Tennessee is very popular for rafting, kayaking, and other white water sports. The Forest Service recommended National Wild and Scenic River designation for the river in March 1994.
Surrounding lands outside the wild and scenic study corridor deserve protection and complement the lands closer to the Nolichucky River. Some of these lands have been logged in the past, but are still contiguous to the core wild area and should be given protected status. The Appalachian Trail runs through the Tennessee portion of the Nolichucky Gorge area. |
