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49-610: Nantahala Lake ( / ˌ n æ n t ə ˈ h eɪ l ə / ) is located in Macon County, North Carolina in the western part of the state. The lake is regulated and maintained by Duke Energy and is a major source of hydroelectric power to the region. Nantahala is located at 3,000 feet (910 m) in the Nantahala National Forest . The lake was created in 1942 by Nantahala Power to provide electricity for war effort. With 42 miles (68 km) of shoreline,

98-589: A $ 5,000 find to survey the forest. Between that time, the Forest Reserve Act was passed by Congress in 1891. Today, it may be known as the U.S. Forest Service, its name originating from President Benjamin Harrison. This act went on to protect national forests in the southeast by having the government purchase land to make them into national forests. Following the Forest Reserve Act, the Weeks Act

147-599: A child, welcomed his nephew to manage the trading post. Shortly after, John Bartram was appointed by King George III to be the royal botanist of the New World in 1765. Both John and William journeyed together to collect plants in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Following this expedition, Bartram was sponsored by John Fothergill to make a 2,400 miles journey across southeastern America, this being his most memorialized trip. Bartram's work promoted an interest in

196-717: A federally recognized tribe. The county was formed in 1828 from the western part of Haywood County . It was named for Nathaniel Macon , who represented North Carolina in the United States House of Representatives from 1791 to 1815 (serving as Speaker of the House from 1801 to 1807), and in the United States Senate from 1815 to 1828. Macon County's first courthouse was a brick building constructed by Colonel David Coleman in Franklin in 1829. In 1839

245-480: A female householder with no husband present, and 30.60% were non-families. 27.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.74. In the county, the population was spread out, with 20.30% under the age of 18, 6.10% from 18 to 24, 23.20% from 25 to 44, 27.90% from 45 to 64, and 22.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age

294-483: A few years. Highlands has been served by The Highlander newspaper since 1958. It was preceded by a newspaper of the same name that began in 1885 and ceased publication in 1887 due to financial hardship. Nantahala National Forest Colonists from South Carolina established a trade of deer hides with Cherokees from the Nantahala region, their homeland. This eventually lead to several signed treaties that left

343-694: A fire prevention ordinance enforceable by civil and criminal penalties, Franklin High School is a public high school serving grades 9–12, and is a part of the Macon County Schools district. Union Academy is an alternative public school in Macon County, North Carolina for grades 6–12. It is located near the South Macon Elementary school. Its name was changed from Union Alternative in 2006. Macon Early College

392-638: A passing vehicle. This water fall is just up the road of the Cullasaja River RV Park. Dry Falls , also known as Upper Cullasaja Falls, is a 65-foot (20 m) waterfall located in the Nantahala National Forest , northwest of Highlands, North Carolina . Dry Falls flows on the Cullasaja River through the Nantahala National Forest. It is part of a series of waterfalls on an 8.7-mile (14.0 km) stretch of

441-432: Is a 45-foot (14 m) waterfall located in the Nantahala National Forest , southeast of Franklin . With a short curve of roadway located behind the falls, it has the distinction of being the only waterfall in the state that one can drive a vehicle under. Bridal Veil Falls flows on a tributary of the Cullasaja River through the Nantahala National Forest. The falls flows over an overhanging bluff; visitors may walk behind

490-531: Is a high school that offers college classes located next to the greenway and public library of Franklin. Southwestern Community College (North Carolina) is a partner in the program. As of 2008, SCC was ranked 4th in the list of America's best community colleges. Macon Early College is one of the three high schools in the Macon area, coming into existence after the Franklin High School, but before

539-711: Is located in the far southwestern tip of North Carolina, within Cherokee and Clay Counties. Tusquitee is Cherokee for "where the waterdogs laughed," and the district is headquartered in Murphy, North Carolina . The district's features include the Hiwassee River , Jackrabbit Mountain as well as Lake Chatuge , Hiwassee Lake , Lake Appalachia . All the lakes on or bordering the Tusquitee Ranger District are managed by TVA . The highest point in

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588-520: Is located on the side of U.S. Highway 64 15.7 miles (25 km) southeast of Franklin, North Carolina and 3.1 miles (5 km) north of Highlands, North Carolina . There is a parking area on the side of the road, where visitors can park before walking the short path with stairs to the falls. Significant improvements to the parking area and trail were completed by the United States Forest Service in 2009. Bridal Veil Falls

637-563: Is one of the most popular whitewater rafting destinations in the nation. The river valleys were long occupied by indigenous peoples, some of whom built earthwork mounds about 1000 AD. Some are still visible in this region. It was part of the homeland of the historic Cherokee people, who had towns throughout the river valleys. The Cherokee in Western North Carolina are known as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians ,

686-915: Is the Cherokee word for "otter" because the lands adjoin four large mountain reservoirs and contain numerous streams. The Appalachian Trail winds through the Cheoah Ranger District after leaving the Nantahala Ranger District on its way to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park . The district also contains the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest and part of the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness . The Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest within

735-538: Is the last major waterfall on the Cullasaja River. The falls is a long cascade over the course of 0.2 miles (300 m). The height of the falls is given as 200 ft (61 m) in Kevin Adams' book, North Carolina Waterfalls and 250 ft (76 m) by NCWaterfalls.com. Google Earth gives a height (based on the elevation of the water at the top of the falls and the elevation of the plunge pool at

784-419: The 2020 census , there were 37,014 people, 15,921 households, and 10,250 families residing in the county. At the 2000 census , there were 29,811 people, 12,828 households, and 8,902 families residing in the county. The population density was 58 people per square mile (22 people/km ). There were 20,746 housing units at an average density of 40 units per square mile (15 units/km ). The racial makeup of

833-690: The Blue Ridge Parkway , that it acquired in 1981. The rugged and scenic Tuckasegee Gorge is within the Roy Taylor Forest. During the consolidation, all the lands of the former Highlands Ranger District within Transylvania County , were transferred to the Pisgah Ranger District . The 158,348-acre (247.4 sq. mi.; 640.8 km ) Tusquitee Ranger District is the forest's second-largest district, and it

882-655: The Hiwassee River below the Appalachia Dam . It is the home of many western NC waterfalls. The last part of the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway travels through this forest. The total area under management is 531,270 acres (830.11 sq. mi.; 2,149.97 km ). In descending order of land area it is located in parts of Macon , Graham , Cherokee , Jackson , Clay , Swain and Transylvania counties. The forest had initially spanned over Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. However, in 1936,

931-726: The United States Department of Agriculture . The forest is managed together with the other three North Carolina National Forests ( Croatan , Pisgah , and Uwharrie ) from common headquarters in Asheville, North Carolina . The Cheoah Ranger District has 120,110 acres (187.7 sq. mi.; 486.1 km ) in Graham and Swain Counties, and it is headquartered in Robbinsville, North Carolina . The district's name, Cheoah,

980-680: The United States Forest Service . Of the 239.31 square miles (620 km ) of USFS land, 71.56 square miles (185 km ) lie in the Highlands Ranger District and the remaining 167.75 square miles (434 km ) lie in the Wayah Ranger District. The county's largest natural water supply is the Cullasaja River . The Nantahala River also runs through the county, and flows into the Little Tennessee River . The Appalachian Trail winds through

1029-628: The 18th century. The Nantahala River flows through the Nantahala National Forest. William Bartram , son to John Bartram , is considered to be "America's first native-born naturalist-illustrator". He journeyed through eight colonies to document the botanical, geographical, and cultural discoveries he made throughout the four years of exploration. At the age of 21, Bartram left home in Philadelphia to live with his uncle at Cape Fear River in North Carolina. His uncle, after being kidnapped as

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1078-677: The Chattooga River. It is said that the most scenic portion of the trail is along Trimont Ridge in the Nantahala Mountains, where it crosses Fishhawk Mountains. During this time, Dr. Chase P. Ambler made a vow to protect the western mountains of North Carolina. He created the Appalachian National Park Association and fought to protect the land. His work lead him to write to Congress about land preservation in 1901. Congress responded with

1127-550: The Cherokee to give up their lands in present-day South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and North Carolina, occurring between 1721 and 1777. After the establishment of the new American government, the Cherokee were forced to give up further territory in other parts of North Carolina and lands in Kentucky and Tennessee with the Treaty of Hopewell in 1785. Despite their 30-year efforts, their land was offered to Revolutionary War veterans of

1176-800: The Nantahala National Forest, which was much of the original territories of the Cherokee. This purchase, though, had initially excluded Cherokee, Graham, and Swain countries that President Warren Harding's formed into the Pisgah National Forest in 1921. Later in 1929, President Herbert Hoover "transferred" lands to expand its boundaries by combining both the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests. The forest then faced major remapping in 1936. The terrain varies in elevation from 5,800 feet (1,767.8 m) at Lone Bald in Jackson County , to 1,200 feet (365.8 m) in Cherokee County along

1225-633: The Union Academy. The Franklin Press has been published weekly in Franklin since 1888. It is the oldest extant business in Macon County. The Press was preceded by four other Macon County newspapers: The Franklin Observer and The Western Carolinian (both of which began in 1860), the Macon Advance (started in 1877), and The Western Reporter (1880-1881). None of them lasted more than

1274-399: The bottom of the falls) of 137 ft (42 m). The falls can be glimpsed from vehicles on the road; however, getting a better view of the falls is not easy. The falls are located beside of a series of blind curves on Highway 64 with sheer rock cliffs above and below the road. There is only one small pull-off near the falls, but walking on the road puts visitors in danger of being hit by

1323-554: The colonists. The Cherokee were forced westward, which brings up the historical events of the Trail of Tears. This removal route was used between 1830 and 1850 and headed from Fort Butler in Murphy, North Carolina, to Oklahoma. However, present North Carolina still has a strong, pronounced population of Cherokee. The Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto explored the area in 1540, as did English colonist William Bartram (1739-1823) in

1372-416: The county was 97.18% White , 1.20% Black or African American , 0.28% Native American , 0.39% Asian , 0.02% Pacific Islander , 0.31% from other races , and 0.63% from two or more races. 1.52% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 12,828 households, out of which 24.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.50% were married couples living together, 8.00% had

1421-421: The curve of roadway behind the falls exclusively so that all traffic went behind them; however, this caused problems with icing of the roadway during freezing weather. Hwy. 64 has since been re-routed around the front of the falls. There is a parking area on the side of the road, where visitors can park and view the falls as well. In 2003, a massive boulder slid off the left side of the falls, blocking that side of

1470-548: The district is Tusquitee Bald (5,280 feet (1,609 m)) located in Clay County. Three wilderness areas are located within the Nantahala National Forest: These wilderness areas provide an opportunity for solitude in a rugged, natural setting. The Forest manages two Off-Highway Vehicle areas. The most famous being Tellico OHV area located in the Tusquitee Ranger District an additional OHV area

1519-736: The district is adjacent to the Cherokee Indian Reservation . This district's features include the 5,499-foot (1,676.10 m) Standing Indian Mountain , the Nantahala Gorge and Wayah Bald . Four long distance trails pass through the district: the Appalachian , Bartram , Foothills , and Mountains-to-Sea Trails. The district contains the 40,000-acre (62.5 sq. mi.; 161.9 km ) Roy Taylor Forest located in Jackson County, southwest of and adjacent to

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1568-492: The drive-under completely. However, in July 2007, that boulder was removed by a local developer. The road under the falls is now free of obstruction. Quarry Falls is a small waterfall (or perhaps large rapid in high water) located beside US Hwy. 64 southeast of Franklin. Known to locals as "Bust Your Butt," it is best known for the large, deep pool at the bottom, and is a popular place for swimming during warm weather. As of

1617-416: The falls and remain dry when the water flow is low. During periods of drought, the stream may nearly dry up, though visitors will get wet if the water flow is moderate or high. To avoid this, visitors may drive behind the falls. Bridal Veil Falls is located on the side of U.S. Highway 64 16.5 miles (27 km) southeast of Franklin and 2.3 miles (4 km) north of Highlands . Highway 64 originally used

1666-466: The first several feet of shore can become temporarily cloudy. Most of the shoreline plummets steeply into and beneath the water, limiting this effect. The Nantahala River is supplied with its water by Nantahala Lake. Water is released from the Nantahala Dam to create the [whitewater rapids] in the river. When the river is not being supplied, it is very calm but when the water is released from

1715-429: The forest was reorganized to follow the state boundaries of North Carolina. Several areas of old-growth forest have been identified in the Nantahala National Forest, totaling some 30,800 acres (125 km ). The Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness in particular contains nearly 6,000 acres (24 km ) of old-growth forest. The Nantahala National Forest is administered by the United States Forest Service , part of

1764-539: The lake it is considered 'on,' which is when kayaking and rafting occurs. Macon County, North Carolina Macon County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina . As of the 2020 census , the population was 37,014. Its county seat is Franklin . The Nantahala River runs through Macon County, flowing into the Little Tennessee River in Swain County . The Nantahala

1813-409: The lake offers recreational opportunities at Nantahala that include swimming, boating, skiing, and many other activities. Fishing aficionados will find largemouth bass , smallmouth bass , trout , catfish , and many different species of panfish . The lake water is very clear; there is almost no dissolved silt/clay. When daytime waves stir up the lake bed along the shoreline, however, the water within

1862-464: The land of its resources before selling to maximize profits and evade taxation. To the government's surprise, they were able to purchase over 850 acres from 359 private owners. However, with many unwilling to sell, private land remains scattered throughout the Nantahala. January 29, 1920, President Woodrow Wilson made the purchase of combined lands in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina to form

1911-646: The national forest was dedicated on July 30, 1936, to the American poet Joyce Kilmer with trees that are over 450 years old. The Nantahala Ranger District is the largest of the forest's districts, covering an area of about 250,000 acres (390.6 sq. mi.; 1,011.7 km ) in Macon , Jackson and Swain counties. It was formed in 2007 by consolidating the former Highlands Ranger District and Wayah Ranger District. The headquarters are in Franklin, North Carolina . Part of

1960-647: The poverty line, including 16.00% of those under age 18 and 11.80% of those age 65 or over. Macon County is governed by its elected Board of Commissioners and administered by the Board's appointed County Manager. Macon County is a member of the regional Southwestern Commission council of governments. As of 2024, Macon County has the lowest property tax rate in North Carolina – 27 cents per $ 100. The Macon County Sheriff's Office provides court security, jail administration, and protection of all county owned facilities for all of Macon county plus patrol and detective services for

2009-477: The region's greenery and significantly contributed to natural history literature. Within the most recent century, Bartram's work has contributed to increased public awareness of environmental preservation. Bartram Trail was created in his memory in the Nantahala Ranger District, where most of his travels occurred. The trail is not true to his exact path as a result of human development, but the trail spans from North Carolina's Cheoah River to Georgia's Russel Bridge at

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2058-418: The river that eventually ends with Cullasaja Falls . Dry Falls flows over an overhanging bluff that allows visitors to walk up under the falls and remain relatively dry when the water flow is low, hence its name. Visitors will get wet if the water flow is high. The falls has been called Dry Falls for a long time, but has also been known by such names as High Falls, Pitcher Falls, and Cullasaja Falls. Dry Falls

2107-546: The unincorporated parts of the county. Incorporated towns Franklin, pop 3,845, and Highlands. population 924, have municipal police departments. When requested, assistance is available from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, SBI. Macon County Emergency Services oversees contracts with the eleven volunteer fire departments that provide protection to Macon County residents and businesses and also provides for fire inspections. Macon County has

2156-516: The western end of Macon County. As of 2024, Macon County has 21,973 acres devoted to agriculture, with a total of 346 farms. Cullasaja Falls is a waterfall in Southwestern North Carolina east of Franklin . The waterfall is located on the Cullasaja River in the Nantahala National Forest and is part of the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway . Cullasaja comes from a Cherokee word meaning "honey locust place." The falls

2205-426: The western part of Macon County became Cherokee County . In 1851 parts of Macon County and Haywood County were combined to form Jackson County . A new two-story brick courthouse was designed by William Gould Bulgin and constructed by John Davis in 1881. The neighboring Clay County Courthouse was modeled after it. Macon County's historic courthouse was demolished when a new three-story modern neo-formalist courthouse

2254-412: Was 45 years. For every 100 females there were 92.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.40 males. The median income for a household in the county was $ 32,139, and the median income for a family was $ 37,381. Males had a median income of $ 28,113 versus $ 20,081 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 18,642. About 8.80% of families and 12.60% of the population were below

2303-425: Was built east of Franklin in 2022. According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the county has a total area of 519.67 square miles (1,345.9 km ), of which 515.58 square miles (1,335.3 km ) is land and 4.09 square miles (10.6 km ) (0.79%) is water. Of the land in Macon County, 239.31 square miles (620 km ) (46.1%) are federal lands that lie within the Nantahala National Forest and are administered by

2352-458: Was built in 1972 by architect Kyle C Boone. However, the former courthouse's cupola was saved and remains on display in a downtown park. Macon County's first hospital opened in Franklin in August 1923. In 1926, the first permanent hospital in North Carolina west of Asheville was built and named Angel Brothers Hospital. It was renamed Angel Hospital in 1940. A new $ 68 million Angel Medical Center

2401-477: Was presented to Congress in hopes to continue preserving forests with government funds being used to purchase both public and private lands. The Weeks Act, named after John Weeks, was signed by President William Taft to protect forests and has been named to be the most successful piece of conservation legislation by protecting over 20 million acres of land. In previous years, the lands were occupied and abandoned by logging companies. These companies had often stripped

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