The little Tennessee, Nantahala, Oconaluftee and Tuckasegee rivers flow through the North Carolina Smoky Mountains and dump into Fontana Lake at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

These rivers, the lakes along the way and their watersheds encompass the Nantahala National Forest and two National Park units which create the “infrastructure” for the largest and most visited outdoor recreation area in the Southeastern United States.

This system called the Great Rivers and Great Lakes of the Great Smokies creates the Smoky Mountain Blueway Trails that offer visitors a unique experience in outdoor water sports of many varieties.

Pristine waters offer Class A Trout Streams, white-cap rapids challenge the kayaker and rafter and still waters provide a serene experience for viewing flora and fauna throughout the region.

kayaker on the cheoah river

Cheoah River

The Cheoah River is located in the extreme southwestern corner of North Carolina, near Robbinsville. Twenty miles long, the Cheoah is one of the most physically demanding rivers in the world. On release days, sections of the Cheoah offer challenging Class IV and V rapids, the perfect challenge for the most adventurous paddlers. With its unique features and exciting rapids, paddlers agree that the Cheoah will become one of the crown jewels of the whitewater world.

nantahala river in the nc smoky mountains

Nantahala River

The Nantahala offers river rafting and kayaking through family-friendly rapids and is also a popular spot for the amateur and Olympic paddler. As one of America’s most popular whitewater runs, it features eight miles of Class II rapids before splashing through the exciting Class III whitewater of Nantahala Falls. The Nantahala is also recognized as one of the area’s premier trout streams. So good, in fact, that Trout Unlimited included it on their list of the Top 100 Trout Streams in the U.S.
tuckasegee river in the nc smoky mountains

Tuckasegee River

The Tuckasegee, known as the “Tuck,” originates in Jackson County and runs through Cullowhee, Webster, Dillsboro and Bryson City on its way to Fontana Lake. A popular river for tubing, floating, canoeing, rafting and kayaking, it’s best known for fishing. With many areas as wide as many western rivers, the Tuck offers plenty of room for back casting. It’s such a popular area for fishing, that Jackson County Chamber of Commerce produced its own fly-fishing map for the Tuck. If you’re looking for an exhilarating way to experience fly-fishing, make sure and check out a float trip on the Tuck.
Lake Glenville in the nc smoky mountains

Lake Glenville

The highest-elevation lake east of the Mississippi, Lake Glenville, is a reservoir located eight miles from Cashiers, North Carolina. Like the mountains that meet its shore, the lake’s bottom plunges steeply to eighty feet or more, creating one of our deepest lakes. With over twenty-six miles of pristine shoreline, Lake Glenville’s waters have become a tourist destination for kayakers, canoe paddlers, water-skiers and pleasure boat enthusiasts. Encompassing 1,450 acres and surrounded by cliff sides, it’s the perfect cool retreat for the Southeast’s hot summers.
lake santeetlah in the nc smoky mountains

Lake Santeetlah

Only an eight mile hike from the Appalachian Trail, the Santeetlah Lake is perfect for rustic outdoor enthusiasts. More than fifty primitive campsites are scattered around the lake and require neither permits nor fees. The lake is home to a variety of fish including smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, bream and lake trout, so catching dinner shouldn’t be a problem. With seventy-six miles of shoreline and over two hundred miles of hiking trails in the Cheoah District, working up an appetite shouldn’t be a problem, either.
little tennessee river in the nc smoky mountains

Little Tennessee River

The Little Tennessee and its immediate watershed comprise one of the richest archaeological areas in the Southeastern U.S. The Little Tennessee drains portions of three national forests—Chattahoochee, Nantahala and Cherokee, and provides the southwestern boundary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Known to avid fisherman for its smallmouth bass, this river is a popular spot for canoeing, fishing and floating. Travelers and locals alike enjoy the town of Franklin’s Little Tennessee Greenway as it winds along the river.

oconaluftee river in the nc smoky mountains

Oconaluftee River

The Oconaluftee, considered sacred waters by the Cherokee, is a beautiful, freestone river that drops 2,000 feet over 10 miles. Also known as the “Luftee,” this majestic river flows through Cherokee before joining the Little Tennessee on the way to Lake Fontana. Wading, tubing and canoeing are all popular activities found on the river. However, it’s most famous for its abundant and healthy rainbow, brook and brown trout. In fact, it holds the North Carolina Record Brown Trout weighing in at 15.9 pounds.

fontana lake in the nc smoky mountains

Fontana Lake

Fontana Lake forms part of the southern border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and part of the northern border of the Nantahala National Forest. Short of a multi-day hike, Fontana Lake provides the only access into the most remote areas of the National Park, including Hazel Creek. The lake is used by boaters, floaters and flat-water kayakers looking for an out-of the-way experience. Also frequented by avid fisherman, some say that Fontana Lake offers the best smallmouth bass fishing in the United States. On a clear day, hikers can view the lake from the observation tower on Clingmans Dome, creating breathtaking views.
nantahala lake in the nc smoky mountains

Nantahala Lake

Nantahala Lake sits above the Nantahala Gorge and is known for its scenic beauty, crystal clear waters and excellent fishing. Its beauty beckons to water-lovers looking to do some swimming, boating, skiing and many other activities. Meanwhile, anglers catch largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, trout, catfish and many different species of pan fish. The lake is also the only place to find freshwater Kokanee salmon in the Southeast.

The Blueway Pledge

I pledge to respect the rights of property owners and will never trespass on private property. I will never litter and will always leave the rivers and lakes in better condition than I found them.

For Your Safety

  • Use caution any time you get on the water.
  • Wear your Life Jacket regardless of boat type or difficulty of water.
  • Water release schedules often change without notice due to unanticipated changes in weather conditions and power system requirements. Check release schedules online before heading out.
  • Rivers can rise rapidly due to steep topography.
  • Please be aware of river conditions and be prepared for quickly changing weather conditions. Spring and Summer thunderstorms can happen out of nowhere.

Leave No Trace

Your personal commitment to ethical river and lake use is the most important factor in maintaining the outdoor’s character. Take pride in leaving no trace of your presence here.

  • Plan ahead and prepare
  • Travel and camp on durable surfaces
  • Dispose of waste properly
  • Leave what you find
  • Minimize campfire impacts
  • Respect wildlife
  • Be considerate of other visitors
  • Respect private land

© Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics:

Proper Disposal of Waste

Improper human waste disposal creates one of the most disgusting conditions on the water. Human feces must be deposited in a six-inch-deep hole and covered with soil. No toilet use may occur within 100 feet of a camp or water source or within sight of a trail. Defecating behind a shelter or near a spring creates very unhealthy conditions. All toilet paper, sanitary napkins, and tampons must be packed out. Do not bury them.