MOUNTAIN WATERS SCENIC BYWAY

Located in the southwestern corner of North Carolina, this stretch of road, known as The Mountain Waters Scenic By-way, received its official designation as a National Forest Scenic By-way on July 1, 1993. The route itself, most of which lies within the Nantahala National Forest, passes through, or past hardwood forests, the Cullasaja Gorge as the road parallels the Cullasaja River, a beautiful mountain lake, rural countryside and several beautiful waterfalls. A good bit of this route is very similar to riding roads such as the Dragon's Tail or the Snake, with its hard curves and switchbacks in changing elevations. The thing that makes it special for me is the part where you can ride behind Bridal Veil Falls and walk behind Dry Falls (one of my top 10 favorite water falls), or stop and take a dip in the cool mountain waters near Cullasaja Falls. Be sure and bring your camera for this one.