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Nantahala Gorge: US 19/74, Nantahala Gorge, North Carolina
Photo: Thomsonmg2000

Drives North Carolina The Smokies

Nantahala Gorge: US 19/74

US 19, US 74 · Almond → Topton

Sweeping14.1 mi20 min2,200 ft climbHigh point ≈ 2,700 ftOne way
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The drive

US 19/74 runs up the Nantahala Gorge from Almond to Topton, a 14.1-mile drive of about 20 minutes. At Andrews the four-lane road ends and US 19 reverts to two lanes through the gorge. The road is scenic and somewhat curvy, and it overlaps nearly all of the 43-mile Nantahala Byway.

The Nantahala River's rafted section is about 8 miles of Class II and III rapids from the Nantahala Powerhouse to Wesser, where the Nantahala Outdoor Center is based. The Forest Service permits twelve commercial outfitters. Guided trips run March through October, and the river is busiest in summer.

Along the way

  1. Almond (NC-28)
  2. Wesser (Nantahala Outdoor Center)
  3. Topton (US-129)
Elevation
2,200 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 2,700 ft
AlmondTopton
Curves
Mostly gentle, with one twisty stretch
AlmondTopton
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Summer weekends bring rafters and kayakers to the river, mostly in late morning and early afternoon from June through August.
  • Wayah Road meets this road at Beechertown.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check NCDOT DriveNC: traffic and road conditions.

Questions about this drive

How long does US 19/74 through the Nantahala Gorge take?

US 19/74 from Almond to Topton is 14.1 miles and takes about 20 minutes.

When is the Nantahala River busiest?

Guided rafting trips run from March through October, and the river is busiest in summer, especially late morning and early afternoon from June through August.

What you get in the app

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Nantahala Gorge: US 19/74, from Almond to Topton