Winding Stairs Road is a picturesque one-way road near Topton, North Carolina, Carolina Outfitters Rafting, and the Nantahala River. It’s a beautiful and scenic drive, especially in the fall when all the trees have donned their multicolor coats. Turn onto the road where commercial rafting puts in at the river, continue on toward the Nantahala Community, then take a left onto Wayah Road. Pavement soon gives way to gravel at the end of Queen’s Lake, and the winding mountain road begins. Sometimes you can see the road below you, when not hidden by foliage, thus giving the road its name. Watch for bicyclists and hikers. Winding Stairs is a fun multipurpose road with numerous switchbacks.
Queens Lake (Duke Energy reservoir). Great place to picnic or do a little fishing.
Queens Lake (Duke Energy reservoir)
View of highway 19/74 from about the mid-way point.
End of Winding Stairs Road where it meets the Nantahala River
