Top 3 Perfect Substitute National Forests

I just spent the weekend in the Fires Creek area thanks to this article. It is gorgeous and very difficult hiking. My 17 year old son, one of his friends and this 50 year old dad hiked the Far Bald Springs Trail to the Rim Trail and then the 0.1 leg of Chunky Gal to the summit of Tusquitee Bald. We spend the night there at 20 degrees with a 40 mph wind. the view to the east was awe inspring. We spend the next day going clockwise on the rim trail to Potrock Bald and then counterclockwise to a rocky outcrop on the West side of Signal Bald. The view was spectacular including Clingman's Dome on the horizon to the NW. We hiked back to Tusquitee Bald for another night but not before our search for water resulted in an unsuccessful difficult wandering off trail and a mile back tracking of Far Bald Springs Trail. The trails are very steep. You need excellent ankle support and conditioning for these trails, but the experience is worth all the pain. Buy the trail guide.

I've been visiting the Nantahala National Forest for about ten years now and i much prefer it over the crowded GSMNP. You can go for miles without running into anyone and the views of Fontana Lake are some of the best. If you like GSMNP, but not the crowds and loud tourists that come along with it, you should definitely check Nantahala NF out. It's a little ways away, (about 10 mi.), but for rafting, kayaking and hiking gear, go to Nantahala Outdoor Center in Wesser. From Bryson City, take US 19 South towards Robbinsville. The road will narrow and begin to twist more. NOC will be on your right. NOC has a few restaurants there too. the one that overlooks the water is the best.