Nine Pristine Lakes in Western North Carolina

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The North Carolina Mountains are known worldwide for their splendor and serenity, but peaks and valleys aren’t the only gems in the region. The Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains also boast numerous beautiful lakes. 

Fontana Lake Surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the one-of-kind Fontana Lake is the largest lake in Western North Carolina. It was created in the early 1940s when the Little Tennessee River was impounded to create the Fontana Dam, which stands at 480 feet and is the tallest dam east of the Rockies. The waters of Fontana Lake are popular for all water sports as well as fishing. Unique to Fontana Lake are the boathouses floating atop the waters. greatsmokies.com

Lake Glenville Located in Jackson County, Lake Glenville is the highest lake east of the Mississippi and has been touted as a paradise for bass fishermen. It’s also a popular spot for water skiing, boating and other lake recreation. With 26 miles of shoreline, seven islands and three stunning waterfalls, Lake Glenville is a getaway in and of itself. For a truly special experience, the Pines Recreation Area offers swimming, a sandy beach, fishing pier, picnic tables and parking. discoverjacksonnc.com

Lake James is a large reservoir situated at the base of Linville Gorge and boasting more than 150 miles of shoreline. Surrounding the lake is the ever-expanding Lake James State Park, which offers boundless outdoor activities for adventurers, including biking trails, hiking, boating, kayaking and more. Authorized in 2015, the popular Fonta Flora Trail is an earthen trail connecting Morganton to Asheville. The trail includes a loop around Lake James. discoverburkecounty.com

Lake Julian Only minutes outside of Asheville, Lake Julian is a favorite for locals and visitors. It’s a wonderful place for day trips, picnicking, family reunions and other special events. Additional activities include canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and fun at the playground. In 2019, Lake Julian transitioned from a warm-water lake to a cold-water lake due to power generation changes at the adjacent Duke Power plant. While this changed the types of wildlife that live in the waters, it didn’t change the heart and soul of Lake Julian. buncombecounty.org

Lake Junaluska A beloved spiritual retreat for over 100 years, Lake Junaluska continues to offer peace and solace to all who visit. Nestled in the Smoky Mountains of Haywood County, visitors enjoy activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, or a trek around the walking trail. Lake Junaluska also offers boat tours, a swimming pool, basketball and tennis courts, picnic tables, shuffleboard and a playground. For inner peace, patrons enjoy solitude at Inspiration Point or the lighted cross that watches over the water. lakejunaluska.com

Lake Lure Nestled in the Hickory Nut Gorge, Lake Lure is surrounded by lush green mountaintops and granite cliffs. It’s one of the most popular man-made lakes in the region. Recreation around the lake includes water skiing, boating, fishing and canoeing. The town of Lake Lure is known as a destination for swimming, golfing, hiking, cycling, rock climbing and bird watching. Overlooking the lake, Rumbling Bald Resort and the Lake Lure Inn & Spa are both sought after retreats and social lodges. townoflakelure.com

Lake Santeetlah This picturesque lake is one of the most unspoiled lakes in Western North Carolina and is know throughout the country for its pristine beauty. Located in a remote area of the Nantahala National Forest, Lake Santeetlah offers miles upon miles of water fun and adventure. Visitors enjoy boating, water sports, swimming, camping and canoeing. townoflakesanteetlah.org

Lake Tomahawk Located in Black Mountain, Lake Tomahawk is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Tomahawk Dam, which creates the lake, was constructed in the early 1930s. Lake Tomahawk Park features amenities such as a pavilion, swimming pool, fishing pier, playground, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, public restrooms and a walking trail. The walking trail is just over half a mile and is the most used amenity at Lake Tomahawk. The pavilion offers 10 picnic tables and a charcoal grill. townofblackmountain.org

Lake Toxaway As the largest private lake in North Carolina, Lake Toxaway has 14 miles of shoreline at 3,010 feet elevation. Located on U.S. 64 between Brevard and Cashiers, and with stream-fed waters from high in the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests, Lake Toxaway is one of the cleanest lakes you’ll find. Historically, this destination has been a popular getaway for society’s elite. With the reopening of Greystone Inn in 2018, you no longer have to own real estate at Lake Toxaway to enjoy its waters. laketoxaway.com