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Natural Heritage Trail

Nantahala River Bogs

NC Division of Tourism, Film & Sports Development Photo by Ron Ruehl

The Nantahala River Bogs Natural Area in the Nantahala National Forest is one of the few "fens," commonly known as bogs, remaining in the North Carolina mountains. The Nantahala wetland habitats host numerous species of rare, threatened, and endangered plants and animals, including the bog turtle, and are critical to their survival.

So much of the region's high elevation Nantahala bog land has been drained for farms, ponds, and pastures that the bogs themselves are becoming rare and endangered. Once nearly 5,000 acres of Nantahala River bogs existed in the mountains. Today only 500 acres remain. The Nature Conservancy, the US Forest Service, and other organizations are working to protect and restore these valuable mountain wetlands.

The Nantahala River Bogs Natural Area includes five wetlands, several of which support bog turtles. These turtles have been placed on the "threatened" species list by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as they could likely become endangered within a few years. Bog turtles are easily distinguished from other turtles by the large, conspicuous bright orange, yellow or red blotch found on each side of the head. Adult bog turtle shells are 3 to 4½ inches in length and range in color from light brown to ebony.

Nantahala River Bogs Hours of Operation
The Nantahala River Bogs Natural Area is open 24/7.

Nantahala River Bogs Admission Fees
The Nantahala River Bogs Natural Area does not require an admission fee.
*Prices are subject to change without notice & from what is listed on this website.

Nantahala River Bogs Location
The Nantahala National Forest is located in the far southwestern counties of North Carolina. Maps and information about the Forest and its bogs can be obtained by contacting:

US Forest Service Supervisor's Office
160A Zillicoa St.
Asheville, NC 28802
(828) 257-4200
www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc