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Location: Graham County, North Carolina, 10 miles southwest of Robbinsville, Nantahala National Forest, Cheoah Ranger District
USGS Topographic Maps: Big Junction, McDaniel Bald, Santeetlah Creek, Marble
Snowbird Creek is a designated study river for possible inclusion in the Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The roadless area encompasses the entire upper watershed of the creek, including major tributaries, Sassafras Branch and Meadow Branch. The Bemis Hardwood Lumber Company logged the valley in the early 1940's using a logging railroad that changed from standard to narrow gauge at Junction. Because of its low value at the time, most of the hemlock was left, and the watershed is now marked by magnificent specimens. Some large American chestnut trees remain at the upper end of the valley.
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Approximate size:
8,969 acres
Roadless Acreage:
8,504 acres |
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Above Middle Falls the creek contains a reproducing population of native brook trout. Hooper Bald, one of the largest in the southeast, lies adjacent to the upper boundary of the area. Near the top of the area is McGuires, site of an old hunting lodge, and the pens from which the Prussian wild boars escaped into the neighboring mountains.
A main trail runs up Snowbird Creek using the old logging railroad bed. It requires multiple wet crossings. After several days of rain or after heavy summer rainstorms the crossings can be impassible. A branch railroad bed trail runs up Sassafras Branch passing the high Sassafras Falls. Several trails climb out of the valley, but hikers should inquire at the district ranger station about recent maintenance. Cherohala Skyway traverses the ridge at the head of the watershed.
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Unusual Plants and Animals
* Salamanders include the Junaluska and the Hellbender.
* Live American chestnut trees were found in the dry ridges along Laurel Top, Dillard Top, and Pantherflat Top. An old trail exists along this ridge.
Aquatics
This is a well-known trout fishing area. |
