3-Hour Nantahala Scenic Driving Tour

Follow a Lost Forest expedition guide through Nantahala National Forest in your own vehicle, staying connected throughout the drive. This easygoing outing trades the tour bus for mountain roads and keeps walking to a minimum.

• Explore lesser-known backcountry roads with stops kept part of the adventure
• Discover forest scenery, creeks, waterfalls, overlooks, and historic places
• Enjoy mountain exploration with only short walks at selected stops

Itinerary

Meet Your Expedition Guide Meet at the designated starting location for a quick orientation. We'll go over the route format, vehicle spacing, radio communication, and what to expect along the way.

Head Into the Backcountry You'll follow your guide in your own vehicle as we leave the pavement behind and travel deeper into the Nantahala National Forest. Stay connected by radio as we share information about the forest, history, wildlife and interesting features along the way.

Hidden Scenic Stops Throughout the expedition we'll stop at hand-picked locations featuring mountain streams, waterfalls, forest scenery and other hidden gems. The Scenic Run keeps walking to a minimum, with short walks where needed to experience the best locations.

Explore & Discover Take time for photos, enjoy the surroundings and discover places you probably wouldn't find on a typical drive through the mountains.

Complete the Wilderness Run We'll continue through changing mountain terrain before finishing our expedition at the designated ending point. We'll finish at our final hand-picked destination, where you'll have time to take in the surroundings before concluding your Lost Forest experience. Your guide will provide directions for your onward journey.

What's Included

• Professional expedition guide
• Two-way radio
• Guided route through Nantahala National Forest
• Cold bottled water and refreshments
• Fresh coffee and matcha
• Trail snacks
• Backcountry support and emergency gear

Important details

• Ages 6+ only; children must stay under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian
• Drivers need a valid driver's license and a registered, insured vehicle in safe operating condition that is suitable for mountain roads
• Vehicle suitability is subject to the guide's safety assessment and current route conditions
• Requires safely entering and exiting your vehicle and walking short distances on uneven, rocky, muddy, or slippery natural surfaces; travelers with limited mobility may participate with assistance from their own party
• Use factory-installed seat belts while the vehicle is moving
• No alcohol, illegal drugs, or impairment before or during the expedition
• Follow guide directions, maintain safe vehicle spacing, and use the provided two-way radio as instructed
• Sign a liability waiver before participating
• Arrive 15 minutes before departure with a full fuel tank; fuel is not included
• Routes and stops may change for weather, road conditions, closures, or other safety concerns