Explore the lakes in the NC Smoky Mountains region for a serene and beautiful experience. Take part in water sports, hiking, or simply relax by the water. These lakes have something for everyone, and each has its unique charm and recreational activities, making them fantastic destinations for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains region. Here are four of our favorite lakes to explore in the Smokies.
Lake Santeetlah
Located in the Nantahala National Forest, Lake Santeetlah is known for its clear blue waters and scenic setting. It’s surrounded by lush forests and mountain terrains, offering a peaceful escape for nature enthusiasts. You can also find several hiking trails nearby, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Accessed through the charming small town of Robbinsville, the lake covers approximately 3,000 acres and offers a wide range of recreational activities. Its pristine emerald waters are perfect for boating, kayaking, paddle-boating, and canoeing. It’s also home to a wide variety of fish, including lake trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, crappie, and bream, making it an ideal fishing destination.
When not on the lake, hikers won’t want to miss the nearby Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, named for war hero and American poet famous for his iconic poem “Trees.” The protected, old-growth forest boasts ancient trees unique to the Appalachian Mountains. You’ll find majestic oak, basswood, beech, sycamore, and yellow-poplar trees, some with trunks measuring 20 feet in diameter.
The Cherohala Skyway, also known as the Cherohala Skyway National Scenic Byway, stretches 43 miles through the Cherokee National Forest. Rising a thrilling 5,400 feet, its numerous overlooks make it a popular place with motorists, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
Visitors to Lake Santeetlah Lake have numerous campgrounds to choose from, as well as rental vacation homes and cabins for those who prefer a less rustic experience.
Lake Glenville
Also known as Thorpe Reservoir, Lake Glenville in Jackson County is the largest, high-elevation lake in the eastern US, covering 1,470 acres. This stunning man-made reservoir near the town of Cashiers was created by damming the Tuckasegee River.
Reaching a depth of 130 feet, Lake Glenville offers a wide range of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, and water skiing. The lake is known for excellent fishing of bass, trout, bream, and catfish. There are several public access points and boat ramps scattered around the lake. It’s also an ideal location for the more relaxed canoeing, paddleboarding, swimming, and kayaking.
Lake Glenville is also known for the several waterfalls that flow into it. One of the most famous is Hurricane Falls, which can be accessed by boat. These waterfalls add to the natural beauty of the area and provide unique opportunities for exploration.
The lake is surrounded by beautiful homes and vacation rentals, making it a popular destination for those looking to enjoy the water and the mountains.
Lake Nantahala
Lake Nantahala is a picturesque reservoir surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest. This lake is a hub for water-based activities such as fishing, boating, and jet skiing. The cool, clear waters are ideal for swimming and paddling as well. The lake’s peaceful atmosphere and scenic beauty make it a perfect place to unwind and connect with nature.
Situated in the southwestern part of NC in Macon County near the Georgia border, Lake Nantahala was formed in 1942 when the Nantahala River was dammed to create hydroelectric power. It covers approximately 1,600 miles, 42 of which are shoreline. The lake’s cool, pristine waters make it an excellent spot for trout fishing, and it’s regularly stocked with both rainbow and brown trout.
The area around Lake Nantahala is home to diverse wildlife, including white-tailed deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and a variety of bird species. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy in this natural habitat.
The Nantahala National Forest surrounding the lake offers numerous hiking trails, which range from easy walks to more challenging backcountry routes. Camping facilities, including both campgrounds and dispersed camping areas, are available for those who wish to spend the night in this scenic wilderness.
Fontana Lake
Fontana Lake is a massive reservoir known for its stunning mountain views and abundant wildlife. The lake was created when Fontana Dam was constructed as one of several dams built in the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) system during the Great Depression as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal program.
Construction of Fontana Dam began in 1942 during World War II and was completed in just over two years in 1944. It was a significant engineering feat of its time, given the remote and mountainous location. The dam also serves as a key component of the TVA’s mission to provide electricity to the region.
Fontana Dam is an impressive structure, standing at a height of approximately 480 feet and stretching across the Little Tennessee River for about 2,365 feet. Fontana Dam has a visitor center that provides information about the dam’s history, construction, and the TVA’s mission.
Here, visitors can learn about the significance of this structure in the region’s development and conservation efforts.
The Appalachian Trail, one of the United States’ most famous long-distance hiking trails, crosses Fontana Dam. Hikers often use the dam as a starting or stopping point on their journey.
Fontana Lake itself offers numerous opportunities for various types of boating, including kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and power boating. There are several boat ramps and marinas available for visitors to launch their vessels.
The surrounding outdoors offer numerous hiking trails within the famous Appalachian Trail. Hikers and backpackers can explore the beautiful trails and wilderness that abut the lake. Choose to stay at one of the area campgrounds or just pack a picnic to enjoy along the banks of the emerald waters of Fontana Lake.
Exploring the Smoky Mountain Blueways
The Smokies offer an abundance of beautiful lakes, rivers, streams, and waterfalls to explore. We call these the Smoky Mountain Blueways, and you can learn all about them here.