Rumor has it that the Nantahala area is probably one of the most under-rated national parks in the States, leaving plenty of secluded space for guests to play around. Anyone considering time to “cool off” in the shade together (or to catch a bit of sun on the water) would love the privacy and natural beauty of the Nantahala Forest, undeniably.

Growing up on an island, I was not fortunate enough to escape the palm trees for a bit of shade as often I wished. However, I have been through the Nantahala National Forest now in every season, and each one has been prettier than the last. The place is uniquely perfect, as the topography is phenomenal. The changing seasons paint a different portrait every day, giving the land itself a life found in few other places.

Rustic cabin rentals or secluded camping sites set a backdrop for the perfect getaway; no phone service, campfires, a canopy of trees, the birds, animals, private lakes, river, waterfalls [the imagery just keeps going]. Nantahala is one space where how much credit you have left on your Visa or Mastercard won’t matter a bit… there is no where here to spend it, and the area itself is priceless.

The gorge and corresponding highway itself is stunning for a recreational drive any time of day or year… only the city lights of New York (or a beautiful harbor view from a pool from one of the private rooftop bars in Charleston) can mirror the memory colors of a fall sunset for me. Sunrises are even more dramatic.

If you need more thrills, white water is chilly… well, actually beyond blue-toes… so plan your summer wetsuit for rafting as you feel comfortable. Hiking trails are gentle to ridiculous, making it well worth the trip no matter what your outdoor levels. However, bouldering for bio-exploration is just the best, especially when you get hot and can drop down to cool off in the river!

For driving enthusiasts (sportscars or motorcyclyes), hairpin turns are a blast, but be careful not to over or underestimate the curves; the cliffs are steep and help is far. Keep the speed low to fun, as there are so many deer who would like nothing more than to make a good impression on your too-fast transportation. Besides, the park rangers are pretty serious when it comes to traffic regulations.

When considering how to spend your life, city life is wonderful: the best, absolutely. However, camping is almost better than the Ritz at times for me, and can bring a whole new meaning to “Rock/Star” power. [Who doesn’t love a rocky forest backdrop and stargazing though the middle of the night?] A full moon really lights up the scenery and makes night exploration lively. There are one or two great places tucked away to have a meal (especially Carolina BBQ), so though it is rough, you are not completely without.

If you meditate or do yoga, you will find the perfect vantage points here. Being one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, steeped with so much native culture and American frontier history, certainly offers a distinct advantage in setting for those needing to find their own space, center themselves, unwind, and balance.

Vacationing here is very “Granola”, and there is something positive to be said about abandoning creature comforts for a while and reclaiming yourself. WELL WORTH THE TRIP.