Running Branch Lodge (cabin) Nantahala,rafting,zipline,Wifi, dtv, firepit,stream

We welcome you to stay at our beautiful Lodge. The lodge is located in the heart of Nantahala mountains, Topton North Carolina. Secluded but yet close to main roads, Murphy, Franklin, Cherokee, Bryson City, Andrews are all within 45 minutes or less.
Within just a few miles you can enjoy zip lining, white water rafting, kayaking, hiking, and mountain biking. Nantahala Outdoor Center, one of the largest White Water Outfitters is just 9 miles from the lodge. If you want to venture out you can visit a local Brewery, Winery or take a trip on the Great Smokey Mountains railroad, enjoy a ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you want a little change just down the road you have the Harrahs Cherokee Valley River Casino.
There's something for everyone to enjoy!

The lodge is a non smoking 2 bedroom 2.5 bath
It has a queen bed in master, 2 twin in spare room,
A Couch and a loveseat.
Can accommodate 5 guest easily but if you have more just let us know.
Pet friendly but need to know in advance.
You can enjoy BBQing on the grill or roast marshmallows over the fire pit.
Listen to the branch right off the porch with 2 waterfalls.

Motorcycle accessible. Paved road.

There is a cleaning fee.

Information about Nantahala and things you can do.

Nantahala and Nantahala National Forest is in the Western part of North Carolina. The Lake is located at about 3,000 feet, making this a nice cool spot at any time of the year.


RENT A BOAT
Lands End Marina, in the town of Topton, is the only boat rental facility on the lake. Here you can rent pontoon boats, ski boats, kayaks, paddleboards, and other watercraft. If you’ve already got your own watercraft, you can just rent dock space or equipment for your boat.

WHITEWATER RAFTING
Raft a nine-mile stretch of world-class rapids on Nantahala River Gorge. Nantahala Outdoor Center has rafting, kayaking and canoeing excursions through class II and III rapids. If you’d rather do a calm raft ride along the river, they can also provide trips for first-timers.

The Outdoor Center also has a couple of restaurants, ziplines, paddleboards and other awesome things for adventure seekers.

GO FISHING
This area is well-known for its many fly fishing streams and trout fishing. In Lake Nantahala, you’ll have the opportunity to catch trout, bass and catfish in the clear water of the lake. Don't forget about fishing licenses here.

LEARN HOW TO FLY FISH
One thing I keep saying I’m going to learn when we’re in North Carolina is to fly fish! It just seems so very peaceful, doesn’t it? The Nantahala Fly Fishing Company is the best place to get your experience. They offer half day clinics, full day private lessons, and 2-day fishing trips.

HIKING
There are hundreds of hiking trails in Nantahala National Forest. Find a trail based on your ability. See all trails in this area.

If you’re hiking in the Forest, be sure to know your physical limits and bring with you:

Extra food and water
Many areas in the forest do not have restrooms, so you will need hand sanitizer and supplies needed for waste products
Bear whistle and spray
Insect repellent
Sunscreen with at least and SPF of 50
First Aid Kit
A Backpack to hold everything you’ll need
Walking Stick
Thermal Socks
Hat to keep the sun off your face and neck
Layers of clothing… a tank top, long sleeve shirt, a sweatshirt/fleece and a windbreaker are all good to have with you! Mornings and evenings can be quite chilly, but the days can get very hot.
Phone and portable chargers. Although many places in the forest will not provide service, it’s good to have your phone on you just in case.

HORSEBACK RIDING
Horsing Around the Barn in the town of Franklin offers lessons, pony rides and several different trail rides. The rides range from 1.5 hours to a full day ride into the mountains.

PLAY GOLF
There are several golf courses in Nantahala National Forest. See all courses in Nantahala and book your tee time here.

THE BILTMORE ESTATE
Take a Drive to The Biltmore Estate in Asheville. The Biltmore is a historic house museum that was built for George Washington Vanderbilt II between the years 1889 and 1895. It’s the largest of all privately owned houses in the U.S. This beautiful French Chateau style house has over 178,000 square feet

Take a tour of the house, the gardens & grounds, and do some wine tasting at the winery. If you want to splurge a little, you can spend a night or two. See their website for all visitor information.

CHEROKEE
The town of Cherokee is the capital of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, one of three Cherokee tribes in the U.S., and the only one in North Carolina. It’s right at the southern entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and a great place to learn about the Cherokee tribes.

Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama show is the story of the Cherokee Indians that takes place nightly from June through mid-August.

The Oconaluftee Indian Village is a living history village that portrays 18th century Cherokee life on the mountainside above the town. At the village you can work alongside the villagers as they make pottery, weave baskets and hull canoes. You can even participate in a dance with them. The Village is open from late April through early November.

One must stop in the town Cherokee is the Museum of the Cherokee. Here the story of the Cherokee people, their history and culture is brought to light.

Then for those looking for more excitement, you can always do a little gambling at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.

BRYSON CITY
Bryson City sits at the southern border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This laid-back town has very few tourists, but tons of things to do!
Take a ride on the steam powered Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. The Railroad takes you from their depot in Bryson City and through beautiful western North Carolina.
See the train schedule and check out all of the different events, such as the “Uncorked” wine & dine tour and the “Polar Express” that comes complete with hot cocoa!

TAKE A THRILLING DRIVE ON THE TAIL OF THE DRAGON
Now, if you’re really, really enjoying those windy roads, head over to Tail of the Dragon at Deal’s Gap!!

WATERFALLS
The forest is a great place for chasing waterfalls!

Upper Whitewater Falls: Whitewater Falls is near the town of Cashiers and is one of the highest falls east of the Mississippi. To access the Falls, you must take a steep one mile trail.
Glen Falls is a moderate hike in Highlands. It’s a 2-mile round trip hike on well marked trails where you’ll find 3 levels of falls. Be careful of the tree roots and elevation changes down and back up to the parking area.
Bridal Veil Falls is also in Highlands. This is one you can see from the highway, and, in fact, you can drive your car behind the falls.
Dry Falls is in Highlands. At Dry Falls you have the benefit of a dedicated parking lot and a manmade and very well kept path to the falls. Dry Falls is a lot of fun because you can walk behind them, but be sure to bring something to keep you dry!
Dill Falls, a 50 foot waterfall, is a short hike from the road. You can see both the Upper Falls and the Lower Falls by taking 2 separate trails that are a one mile round trip from the very same parking lot.
Silver Run Falls has a nice swimming hole among its beautiful waterfall setting. This is just outside of the town of Cashiers. These falls are a good option if you don’t want to hike because they’re right off the road. Parking is provided in a small patch of gravel nearby.
If you don’t mind a slightly difficult hike on a 1.6 mile loop trail, Rufus Morgan Falls is a beautiful spot in Franklin.
Cullasaja River Gorge is on Route 64 in Highlands. It’s a twisting, turning road with sheer cliffs and lots of beautiful waterfalls and rapids. Take your time and admire this beautiful stretch of road. There are plenty of pull-offs in case someone impatient gets behind you.
Rainbow Falls in Cashiers are really pretty 150 foot falls. There are boulders at the foot of the falls and they are surrounded in the summer by wildflowers and lush woodland. When the sun is shining through the falls, you’ll see rainbows per its name.