Fires Creek Recreation Area, Nantahala National Forest

Fires Creek Recreation Area is part of the expansive Nantahala National Forest in western North Carolina. This area is defined by its rugged terrain, featuring dense forests and cascading creeks that are characteristic of the Appalachian Mountains. The Chattahoochee National Forest borders the Nantahala, providing an extended natural habitat for a variety of wildlife such as black bears, white-tailed deer, and numerous bird species. Rich in history, the area owes its name to the Fires Creek—a local waterway that settlers once relied upon. Today, visitors have numerous recreational activities to choose from, including hiking the lengthy Rim Trail that offers stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains, or taking a leisurely walk to the Leatherwood Falls, a popular spot for relaxation and photography. Besides hiking, the area is an ideal destination for camping, fishing in mountain streams, and exploring the natural beauty that abounds.