This photo was taken in the Autumn of 1999 from an overlook point above the Nantahala River in Western North Carolina. The mist is created by the very cold Nantahala River and the warmer moist air above it. More details about the area below. ____________________________ In the heart of western North Carolina, the Nantahala River Gorge joins other wilderness and natural areas to create a vast recreational paradise. With its close proximity to Asheville NC, Atlanta GA, Knoxville TN and Greenville SC, this area is a prime recreation and vacation destination. Sandwiched between the Cherokee National Forest, Pisgah National Forest and the Great Smoky Mtn National Park, the Nantahala River Gorge is a part of the Nantahala National Forest, Wayah District, which includes other notable areas such as Joyce-Kilmer Memorial Forest / Slickrock Wilderness Area, Ellicott Rock Wilderness and the Southern Nantahala Forest. This heavily forested area is perfect for outdoor activities; including whitewater rafting, canoe and kayaking, waterfalls, hiking, mtn. biking, horseback riding, fishing, camping / backpacking. As well as, serious shopping for antiques, and genuine Native American goods in Cherokee NC. The surrounding areas have main streets filled with eclectic shops, restaurants and plenty of activities to fill your time when you are not in the woods, or on the river. The Nantahala River, the heart of this area, is formed at the base of a hydroelectric dam. Water is routed to the river through two circular tubes, from the upstream side of the dam. The water originates from the bottom of Nantahala Lake. As a result, the Nantahala River is a cool 50 degrees year-round. The river flows down hill, along Hwy 19, headed toward Fontana Lake. Fontana Lake, an enormous lake with just under 12,000 acres of surface area, is held suspended in place by Fontana Dam, the highest dam east of the Rockies, which holds back 30 miles of water. The Appalachian Trail, which meanders for 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine, crosses the Fontana Dam.