The Nature Conservancy in North Carolina - Bonas Defeat Gorge/Balsam Area

Bonas Defeat Gorge/Balsam Area

Bonas Defeat Gorge Map

LOCATION:
Mountains
Jackson County

SIZE IN ACRES:
39,000

INVOLVEMENT IN ACRES:
NA

Tuckaseegee River Gorge, Bonas Defeat (© TNC)

TOPOGRAPHICAL MAP:
Balsam Area: Hazelwood, Lake Toxaway, Sam Knob, Sylva South, Tuckasegee
Bonas Defeat Gorge: Big Ridge

Topographical maps are available by contacting:
NC Geographical Survey.
1612 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1612.
(919) 715-9718
www.geology.enr.state.nc.us/

ACTIVITIES & AMENITIES:
Hiking

OWNERSHIP & ACCESS:
Nantahala National Forest
Highlands Ranger District
2010 Flat Mountain Road
Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 526-3765

SITE INFORMATION:
If you are a hardy hiker looking for a challenge, Bonas Defeat and the Balsam Area (also known as the Roy Taylor Forest) should be on your list. This property borders the south side of the Blue Ridge Parkway for nine miles just west of NC 215 near Tuckasegee. Apparently Bonas was a hunting dog who met his fate while chasing a deer over a 400-foot cliff on this property in the 19th century.

The Balsam Area contains outstanding natural features including high peaks, 70 miles of trout streams, valley gorges, eight waterfalls, and outstanding views. As elevations in this tract vary from 2,500 feet to 5,500 feet, two distinct ecosystems occur here: the Appalachian oak forest and the southern Appalachian spruce-fir forest at the highest elevations.

One of the most rugged parts of the Blue Ridge region, this area contains the headwaters of four creeks which drain into the Tuckasegee River, along with four peaks over 5,000 feet. Many potholes, cascades, and large boulders distinguish the streambeds in Bonas Defeat's rocky gorge. Cove and hemlock forests dominate the slopes of the gorge. Several northern species, such as the northern saw-whet owl, northern flying squirrel, and New England cottontail reach the southern end of their range here.

The trails in this area are primitive and are close to private property, so be sure to bring your topo maps.

CONSERVATION HIGHLIGHTS:
Over half of this land was owned by the Mead Corporation and then sold to a development company for summer homes. The downturn in the economy in the late 1970s made this opportunity less attractive, leading to its sale for conservation. The Nature Conservancy purchased this area in 1981 on behalf of the U.S. Forest Service for $13.4 million as an addition to Nantahala National Forest.

DIRECTIONS:
To Bonas Defeat Gorge: Take NC 281 south from the town of Tuckasegee toward Wolf Creek Reservoir. Take Gray's Ridge Road just north of Wolf Creek Baptist Church. This is a rough gravel road that is one to two miles long with a turnaround. Park as far up the road as possible, making sure to not block any driveways. The hike: cross the river to the south on the metal-covered bridge, and turn left upstream at the powerhouse. Follow the Tuckasegee River upstream to the dam spillway for Tanasee Reservoir, on the left. Walk up the spillway and take the access road to the west to the ridgetop. Continue west down the access road, returning to the powerhouse. This hike is only two to three miles, but will take at least half a day due to the rugged terrain. Please do not take side trails, as they are on private property. During periods of heavy rain or when water is released in the gorge, flash flooding occurs, so do not attempt this hike if it's raining. You must call Thorpe Powerhouse and ask about the schedule for water release in the gorge at (828) 293-5137.

To the Balsam Area: The Balsam Area can be viewed from the Blue Ridge Parkway. A short asphalt walkway leads to an observation deck at mile 433.8. A short unmarked trail around Tanasee Bald and Herrin Knob starts at the Blue Ridge Parkway picnic area at mile 423.5.