Andrews, North Carolina has everything a visitor can possibly want in a North Carolina mountains vacation destination. Andrews, located in Cherokee County, is located in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest, and a stone's throw away from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Andrews is a living time capsule. Horses are still a viable means of transportation, and residents look out for their neighbors. Andrews is a picture postcard for small town life set in a rugged mountain setting. Of course, the surrounding area, filled with natural wonders, provides outdoor lovers an endless playground of opportunities. You can spend your days hiking, horseback riding, white water rafting, fly fishing, swimming, boating, snow skiing, and just about anything else you can imagine!
A rich cultural heritage permeates the mountains of North Carolina. For an up-close and personal view of how creative the people of Cherokee County are, visit the John C. Campbell Folk School, located in Brasstown, a bit south of Andrews. The school is dedicated to the teaching of traditional music, mountain crafts, and local mountain folklore. The 372 acre campus has been put on the National Register of Historic Places. During your visit, you might get to see classes in basket weaving, blacksmithing, pottery, carving, and even cloth spinning. A gift shop, selling crafts made by the local artists, has an itinerary of the day's activities. On the weekends, local performing artists can be seen in concert or in dance recitals.
For some serious outdoor fun, visitors need look no further than the Nantahala National Forest. The term "Nantahala" is taken from a Cherokee word meaning "land of the noonday sun." This is an appropriate title, given the fact that some of the deep valleys only receive sunlight when the sun is directly overhead. With over 500,000 acres, the Nantahala is the largest of North Carolina's four national forests. Literally hundreds of hiking, equine, and mountain biking trails await those looking for a good trek through the woods. The Nantahala River supplies kayakers and white water rafting enthusiasts plenty of excitement. Anglers can hook bass, sunfish, walleye, and catfish in Lake Chatuge.
More outdoor fun can be found in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a one-stop-shopping area for active fun. If you even remotely like hiking, the park has over 850 miles of trails offering treks that fit all abilities. Experts and novices alike will want to hike the Appalachian Trail, which winds its way throughout the area. One of the most popular hikes in the area is the 0.5-mile trek to Clingman's Dome. The observation tower at the top of the trail offers successful hikers a stunning view of the surrounding area. On a clear day, 7 states are visible from the Dome, the highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains.