Each year, thousands enjoy the thrill of a rafting or kayaking trip down the Nantahala. The last eight miles of the river is one of the nation's most popular whitewater venues.
Yet when you venture up the mountain above the Nantahala Gorge, there's an entirely different Nantahala — a scenic mountain river with world-class trout fishing and, at 3000 feet elevation, a crystal clear lake with boating, fishing and all kinds of fun.
Nantahala Lake is one of the cleanest and most pristine lakes in North Carolina. The lake is located within the Nantahala National Forest and sits at an elevation of 3,012 feet. The 1,605-acre lake is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers an amazing view of western North Carolina.
Nantahala Lake is part of the Little Tennessee River Basin which is a fertile region for support of wild trout and a diversity of other fish. The Little Tennessee River basin begins in Georgia and includes most of Graham, Macon, Swain and Jackson counties. The basin encompasses a 1,797-square-mile area that includes four major tributaries—the Cullasaja, Nantahala, Tuckasegee and Cheoah rivers
The Nantahala Dam impounds the lake in the middle of the Nantahala River; it stretches 1,042 feet across and reaches 250 feet in maximum height. The project was constructed by the Nantahala Power & Light Company in 1942 and was created for hydroelectric generation. It is also used for flood control. Lake Nantahala empties into Nantahala River which in turn drains into Lake Fontana and then into the Little Tennessee River.
Fishermen and women come to Lake Nantahala from all over the country to enjoy trout, bass, catfish, walleye, crappie and sunfish.
"Nantahala" is the Cherokee word for "Land of the Noonday Sun." The Cherokee called the area Nantahala because the gorges and some areas of forest are such that only the noonday sun can penetrate the depth and thickness of them. Lake Nantahala is serene with stunning views of the surrounding peaks and North Carolina wildlife. There are no municipalities in the immediate area. This makes Nantahala ideal for those wanting a getaway lake experience with breathtaking nature scenes, views of native wildlife, beautiful sunsets, and quiet waters.
Nantahala Lake is a great place for a vacation cabin. There are secluded cabins and large vacation houses for rent on or near the lake, but the lake's shoreline is not saturated with residences. According to National Forest rules, only 5% of the surrounding lake land may be developed which makes Lake Nantahala a cozy and private place to live for those looking for a true mountain lake retreat.
Vacationers and visitors enjoy boating, fishing, swimming and camping on Lake Nantahala. Thousands of visitors per year come to the area for whitewater rafting which is a booming industry on the Nantahala River. Kayaking, canoeing, and paddling on the river and in Nantahala Gorge are other popular attractions and complement water activities on Lake Nantahala. The Nantahala National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee National Forest, and Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest offer dynamic wildlife opportunities. There are miles of hiking trails throughout the surrounding Appalachian forests and mountains. As a matter of fact, the Appalachian Trail passes just a few miles to the east of Lake Nantahala. Snowboarding and skiing can be found at the Cataloochee Ski Area in nearby Maggie Valley. Adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains you will find the home and lands of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. Drama, Cherokee arts, dance, storytelling, a museum, and Cherokee village are just a few of the possibilities for immersing yourself in the culture of one of the nation's oldest group of inhabitants.
Lake Nantahala is located near Franklin, Asheville, and the Highlands-Cashiers area and is only about 2.5 hours from Atlanta, Georgia. All cities offer a wealth of heritage, novelty, arts, and entertainment. Franklin is known for its gem mining opportunities. You may also satisfy your curiosity at the Scottish Tartans Museum or Wilderness Taxidermy. With so many sites of interest, you equally have many options for dining and lodging and will not be disappointed.