Located in western North Carolina, this byway offers a year-round visual experience. The first part of this 61.3-mile route travels through the Cullasaja Gorge, paralleling the Cullasaja River. Along this roadway, you'll see beautiful waterfalls, such as Bridal Veil Falls, Dry Falls, and Cullasaja Falls. See hardwood forests, deep gorges, and rural countryside for picnics along the way.

If you enjoy the water, canoeing, boating, rafting, fishing, swimming, and numerous other water sports await you. For an adventure, try whitewater rafting at the Nantahala River Gorge, or for a more peaceful experience, visit Fontana Lake for a fun-filled day of fishing, water skiing, or boating.

There are also plenty of places to see by foot, such as the Rufus Morgan trails and the Cliffside Lake trails. Mountain Waters Scenic Byway offers both a scenic and recreational experience for those who want to enjoy the rural mountains of North Carolina.

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