Fly & Drive guide
Fly into AVL, drive to Nantahala National Forest
Your route
AVL
Asheville Regional Airport
Nantahala National Forest
About 2 h 23 min · 101 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
01Flights to AVL
Compare fares into Asheville Regional Airport.
Find flightsPartner link · Aviasales · Photo: abdallahh from Montréal, Canada · CC BY 2.0
02Car at AVL
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Nantahala National Forest. Compare rental companies in one search.
Compare rentalsPartner link · EconomyBookings · Photo: JustAnotherCarDesigner · CC0
03Store extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storagePartner link · Radical Storage · Photo: Romain COUPY · CC BY-SA 4.0
04 · First night near Nantahala National Forest
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
04Hotels near Nantahala National Forest
Compare hotels and lodges on the way in, with free-cancellation filters.
Search ExpediaPartner link · Expedia · Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0
04Cabins & homes near Nantahala National Forest
Whole homes and cabins for families or groups who want a kitchen and space.
Search VrboPartner link · Vrbo · Photo: NPS · Public domain
Before you land
Reservations
Regional Activity Permits and River Access Reservations
Commercial rafting on the Nantahala River and campsites at popular spots like Tsali or Standing Indian require reservations via Recreation.gov or private operators. Permit requirements vary by activity, including specific rules for dispersed camping. Always verify current forest road closures on the official US Forest Service site before travel.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
May – October
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Nantahala National Forest?
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from AVL to Nantahala National Forest?
Roughly 2 h 23 min (about 101 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Nantahala National Forest?
Commercial rafting on the Nantahala River and campsites at popular spots like Tsali or Standing Indian require reservations via Recreation.gov or private operators. Permit requirements vary by activity, including specific rules for dispersed camping. Always verify current forest road closures on the official US Forest Service site before travel.
