Map of TSALI Trail System - Nantahala National Forest
Tsali multi-use trails were built in the early 1990's. At the time, they were the first designated mountain trails in the area. The USFS-Nantahala National Forest manages this property and campground/boat launch on the edge of Fontana lake near Almond, NC. This is a fee area. In 2024 it was still $2.00 per person. The on your honor system is located in the main parking lot.
SAFETY
The main trails are directional. And the trails rotate use with horses/hikers on alternate days of the week. Seasonally this schedule adjusts days of the week. Check out their website for these details and also check the trail head kiosk. Downed trees are not uncommon. The trails have steep drop offs into the lake at spots. There are sometimes downfall and the visual ahead is only 5-10 feet visability in some of the thicket areas. Avoid after heavy or extended raining. Bring water.
OVERVIEW
Multi-use area shared with hikers, dog walkers, horses, runners and mountain bikers. The trails are quite flowy with some moderately long climbs. There are pit toilets and a bike wash at the parking lot. If you roll-out early to the trail head before the other users (8am or so) you are likely to see quite a bit of wildlife on the trails...and you'll clear all the spider webs as a service!
ROUTES
Thompson Loop and Mouse Branch trails are located across the road. You'll start on a gravel access road that will lead to the directional trail heads. These routes are short. Many folks will do both of them finishing on Thompson Loop which ends close to the parking lot.
Left and Right loops are longer routes right out of the main parking lot. These trails are not directional. In other words, you can ride them either direction. Of the two, the left loop seems most flowy clockwise with great views of the lake.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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