Topton is part of the geographic area of Nantahala Gorge. The Valley River rises near present-day Topton and then flows into the Hiwassee River. Different nature themes offer options for choosing the focus of your stay: trails at Appletree Group Campground, the nearby section of the Bartram Trail, and the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway. The larger Nantahala Gorge area also offers opportunities for whitewater rafting and fly fishing.

Hiking at Appletree Group Campground

Appletree Group Campground provides access to eight hiking trails totaling 32 miles. One trail described in detail is the Appletree Trail: It is 2.2 miles long, rated especially difficult, climbs 1,640 feet, and connects to four other trails. When planning a hike, you can consider trail length, difficulty rating, and elevation gain as distinct factors. Check current trail and facility conditions before your trip.

At nine miles one way, the London Bald Trail is considerably longer than the Appletree Trail. It climbs to a high elevation and passes through forest with a fern-covered floor. The nine miles refer to one direction. Its elevation and fern-covered floor provide a different route description from the explicit difficulty rating of the Appletree Trail.

Bartram Trail: Route and History

A 6.5-mile section of the Bartram Trail runs near Appletree Group Campground; the entire trail is 71.1 miles long. The 6.5 miles refer to the nearby section, not the total length. The Bartram Trail also has a historical connection: Its route lies near the expeditions of William Bartram, an American naturalist known for his botanical studies in the late 18th century.

Scenic Byway and Mountain Streams

From Appletree Group Campground, you can explore the 61-mile Mountain Waters Scenic Byway. Check road conditions before driving. Rainbow trout, brook trout, and native brook trout live in the cold mountain streams near the campground. If you plan to fish, check current fishing regulations and license requirements in advance, as these may change.

Nantahala Gorge and Whitewater

The geographic area of Nantahala Gorge also includes the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. This area offers opportunities for whitewater rafting and fly fishing. The lower section of the Nantahala River can be run in your own watercraft or through local whitewater outfitters. River conditions and outfitter availability vary; take both into account when planning.

Group Sites at Appletree Group Campground

Appletree Group Campground has four group sites. Sites A and D each accommodate up to 25 people, while sites B and C each accommodate up to 50. Check current reservation availability and seasonal operations before including the sites in your trip plans.

Discover more destinations: Franklin, Highlands

Return to the main travel overview: Macon County.