OverviewSome of the Below information is from the Graham County page by Tom Livingston.
Graham County Page
Challenging - - that's the best word to describe the 39 miles of Tsali Trails, rated as "more difficult." Suited for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, the 4-loop system offers a variety of landscapes. You can climb 1-foot wide rugged paths or travel flat, well-beaten roads. The four trails -- Right Loop Trail, Left Loop Trail, Mouse Branch Loop Trail, and Thompson Loop Trail -- meander through mixed pine and hardwoods on a peninsula stretching into Fontana Lake.
Hikers may travel the trails on any day, but mountain bikers and equestrians, the primary users, are kept separated by alternating use of the trails. A schedule is posted at all trailhead and displayed on this page.
Right Loop Trail
Length: 11.0 miles
Highlights: Single track, views of Lake Fontana, creek crossings, shorter 4 and 8 mile loops possible.
Left Loop Trail
Length: 11.9 miles
Highlights: Longest Tsali trail, single track, creek crossings, views of the Smokes and Fontana Lake at the overlook.
Mouse Branch Loop Trail
Length: 9.0 miles
Highlights: Single track and old logging roads, potential views of wild turkey, deer, and grouse in forest wildlife openings, old home sites.
Thompson Loop Trail
Length: 7.7 miles
Highlights: Single track, potential views of wildlife, overlooks, stream crossings, old logging roads, old home sites.
A look back in time
The Tsali Recreation Area is named for a Cherokee man who hid in this area in 1838. The U.S. Government has ordered the Cherokees to move to Oklahoma -- a tragic removal that's known as "The Trail of Tears". Exasperated by the brutality to his family, Tsali and others escaped to these mountains.
Tsali was coaxed to surrender by a promise to allow the others to remain in the area. Tsali voluntarily came forward as a sacrifice for his people. As a result, he, his brother, and two older sons were shot and killed.
Today the Eastern Band of the Cherokee live on ancestral Cherokee land about 12 air miles east of the Tsali Recreation Area.
Forest management in the works
National forests are managed for many uses, including outstanding recreation, wildlife habitat, wood products, and clean water. Watch for signs of forest management.
The pine forest here is threatened by southern pine beetles. To control the beetles, infested trees are cut and removed. A ring of healthy pines around the infestation are also removed to create a buffer.
You will discover many grassy openings created for wildlife on the Tsali peninsula. These small plots were cleared and seeded with orchard grass and clover. Some animals benefiting from these openings are wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, rabbits, songbirds, and butterflies.
Getting ThereThe Tsali Recreation Area is about 17½ miles from Robbinsville in the northeast corner of Graham County. From Robbinsville, travel east on State Highway 143 until you reach the junction with Highway 28. Turn right at the stop sign and proceed south on Highway 28 for approximately 8.4 miles. The entrance to the Tsali Recreation Area will be on the north side of the road and is well marked with signs. About 1½ miles from the entrance there is a parking area and it is a short walk to the various trailheads. The parking area has restrooms and an information bulletin board. There is boat ramp access to Fontana Lake, shore fishing, water skiing, camping, horse trails, mountain bike trails, picnic tables and hiking trails. Schedules for the use of the trails by equestrians and mountain bikers is as follows:
Red TapeThompson Loop Trail and Mouse Branch Loop Trail
Hiking - seven days a week
Horseback Riding - Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
Mountain Biking - Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
Tsali Horse Trail (Right Loop and Left Loop)
Hiking - seven days a week
Horseback Riding - Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
Mountain Biking - Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
Proper safety equipment should be used by mountain bikers and horse riders at all times. For everyone's enjoyment these trails are designated as mixed use or joint use trails. NOTE: Hikers may use any trail at any time, but you may wish to select a trail not in use by mountain bikers. Be sure to exercise caution and yield when necessary to mountain bikers and equestrians.
SPECIAL NOTE: Mountain bikers and horse riders must pay a daily use fee
For current fee schedule: Contact the district office at the above address or call 828-479-6431 or FAX 828-479-6784.
External Links
MTB WNC Tsali Info.
Graham County Tsali Page
The Legend of Tsali
Tsali Brochure CampingTsali Campground:
Showers, flush toilets, and 42 campsites are offered at this campground. Bikers and hikers can head straight from the tent door to the trails. A separate camping fee is charged.
Dispersed Camping:
You may camp anywhere on forest land, except in designated wildlife fields and in trailhead parking lots. Along entrance road (FR 1286), camp only at designated sites. Please leave your campsite clean by packing out all trash when you go. Campfires are permitted, but a stove is recommended. Live trees may not be cut; use dead or downed wood. Be sure your fire is dead out when you leave. Bury all human waste and toilet paper.
Accessible Facilities:
Restrooms located in the lower loop and nearby camping units are accessible.
Parking:
The trailhead parking lot is for day trail use. Facilities include a restroom, bike-washing station, picnic tables, and information board. Information boards provide the most up-to-date information. The upper parking lot is reserved for horse trailers.
Hunting:
The Tsali area is known for its deer, grouse, small game, and turkey. Hunting seasons begin in September and end in February. Turkey season opens the second Saturday in April and runs for 4 weeks. Check with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) at 919-662-4381 for information on regulations. While on the trails during gun deer season, mid-November to early December, please wear hunter orange for safety. NOTE: For safety and enjoyment, hunters may wish to hunt areas not in use by mountain bikers.
Boating and Fishing:
No fee is charged to use the boat launch and ample parking is available. Lake fishing is permitted year-round. For information about fishing licenses, contact the NCWRC at 919-662-4370.
More Information:
Call the Forest Service's Cheoah District Ranger Office at 828-479-6431 for more information Images |
