This recreation area is named in honor of the Cherokee chief that gave his life to allow his people to avoid removal from their homeland during the 1838 crisis with the US military. Enjoy this area while reflecting on all the Cherokee people that were forced to leave this beautiful homeland or were killed as the price of progress. For more information on the Legend of Tsali, go to: http://www.telliquah.com/Tsali2.htm
I recommend that bikers take the Right Loop from the main parking area. Hikers will also find this a wonderful trail but may want to take the old mountain road to shorten the trek. The Windy Point Overlook is located at a northeastern extreme point high above Fontana Lake.
This area is especially beautiful early on a clear cold fall day. Fog from the water fills the valleys and surrounds the point on three sides. Sit cross-legged on the peak and imagine the many braves that have used this same point for a vista for prey, observation, and spiritual reflection. Enjoy the view of green pointed peaks mirrored by the water and framed by the mountains of the Smokies and the Blue Ridge beyond. If you are lucky enough to visit in October, an unsurpassed rainbow of color will also greet you and welcome your appreciation of an area enjoyed by so many in the past.
Look around the area and you will also find:
Exquisite Land of the Cherokee
Left Loop Vista at N 35.25.949 W 83.35.102
Mouse Branch Vista at N 35.25.290 W 83.36.785
More hilly trail fun on Thompson Loop
Fontana Lake access via Lemmons Branch
Whitewater Thrills on the Nanny!!!
Big Wesser Falls just northeast of NOC
Other Geocaches in the Nantahala Gorge
Your welcome to take in as many of these as you please and all I ask is that you log your visit on Geocaching.com!!!! Please leave the cache site the way you found it and, if you ride your bike, please keep it on the trail. Enjoy!!!!