Swim Cool Clear Water with Family Near Franklin Together
Why Rent On Lake Nantahala
Lake Nantahala occupies a high mountain cove in the Nantahala National Forest in western North Carolina, its clear water backed by the southern Appalachian ridges in a setting that combines the intimacy of a mountain cove lake with the extraordinary outdoor programming of one of the most densely active outdoor recreation corridors in the eastern United States. Trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and kokanee salmon populate the lake in a combination unusual enough to draw anglers who understand the significance of finding Pacific kokanee reproducing naturally in a southern Appalachian reservoir. A lakefront cabin here puts your family inside the Nantahala National Forest at the center of all of it.
Fishing, Swimming, and Mountain Cove Boating
The lake’s no-horsepower-restriction status allows full boating, and the combination of open water for powerboating and wooded coves for kayaking gives families a varied on-water experience throughout the day. Swimming in the clear, cold mountain water is a singular physical pleasure that mountain cove lakes produce reliably and that their warmer, lower-elevation counterparts cannot replicate. Fishing for the lake’s unusual kokanee salmon alongside the more familiar trout and bass species gives anglers a compelling reason to be on the water before breakfast.
The Nantahala Outdoor Center
The Nantahala Outdoor Center in Wesser, a short drive from the lake, is one of the most comprehensive outdoor recreation facilities in the eastern United States, with whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River, zip lining, mountain biking, flat-water kayak instruction, and dining all operating from a campus that has been developing its outdoor expertise since 1972. A day at the NOC adds a white-water dimension to a Lake Nantahala vacation that no amount of on-lake programming can duplicate.
Glen Falls, Dry Falls, and the Waterfall Country
The highlands surrounding Lake Nantahala are among the most waterfall-dense landscapes in the eastern United States. Glen Falls near Highlands drops in three stages through a narrow gorge with a trail system that accesses all three tiers. Dry Falls on US 64 allows visitors to walk behind a 75-foot cascade in a setting that surprises adults as thoroughly as it delights children. The Great Smoky Mountains Railway out of Bryson City and Dillsboro adds a scenic excursion dimension to the week.
A High Mountain Fishing Lake in a National Forest
A vacation rental or cabin near Lake Nantahala gives your family a private, deeply forested base inside the Nantahala National Forest with kokanee salmon and trout fishing, Nantahala River whitewater, and the region’s extraordinary waterfall landscape all within range. Properties with mountain and lake views, full kitchens, fire pits, and covered decks suited to cool Appalachian evenings make this one of western North Carolina’s most distinctive and rewarding lake rental destinations.
- Surface area (mi)
- 4.04
- Max depth (ft)
- 250
- Elevation (ft)
- 2204.72
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 42.25
Popular activities
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Hiking
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Lake Nantahala has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Yes, swimming is allowed in Lake Nantahala. The lake provides a calmer and more serene environment for swimming compared to the surrounding rivers and streams, especially during times of high water levels. It is a safe and clear spot for swimmers.
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Lake Nantahala is a popular destination because it offers various recreational activities. The lake, located at 3,000 feet in the Nantahala National Forest, provides opportunities for boating, swimming, skiing, and fishing for several species including trout and bass. Additionally, the nearby Nantahala River is known for its whitewater rapids, appealing to rafting and kayaking enthusiasts.
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In Lake Nantahala, North Carolina, you can catch largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, trout, salmon, catfish, and various species of panfish, walleye, crappie, and sunfish. The lake is also the only place in the Southeast to find freshwater Kokanee salmon. These fish species make the lake a diverse and attractive spot for anglers.
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There is no public beach at Lake Nantahala. The lake has public boat launching areas, such as the Rocky Branch ramp and the Choga public access area, but it does not have a designated public beach. The shoreline is mostly private homes, cabins, and areas managed by the US Forest Service and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
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Towns near Lake Nantahala include Franklin, Andrews, and Robbinsville. These towns are located in the surrounding areas of Nantahala National Forest. Franklin is about 18 miles east of the Nantahala Community.
