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Located on Lake Santeetlah (one of the prettiest mountain lakes in NC), the Cheoah Point Recreation Area is a great base for exploring Nantahala National Forest and Joyce Kilmer Memorial Park. Im writing this at 7:45 PM in the middle of June, still waiting for the temperature outside to fall below 80. A lake visitor favorite is Laurel Fork Falls. Its an urban park with many sports grounds, hiking trails, and a dog park. Watch out for those hissing geese too. Elk River Road But to reward you for your efforts, Schoolhouse Fallsis a stunning waterfall you can walk behind. The City of Asheville maintains the park, so restrooms are available, and the area is well-maintained. It is part of the Table Rock State Park that offers more than just lakeside fun. However, heavy crowds are common on weekends. At the same time, areas likeTsaliare managed by National Forest Service and offer a remote experience with campgrounds, boat ramps, and dozens of miles of hiking. Lake Julian is located at 406 Overlook Extension in Arden, NC 28704. Located near popular Bryson City, it includes public access swimming and facilities clearly marked along NC Hwy 28. We encourage anyone who loves the Blue Ridge region to learn about theLeave No Traceprinciples ofresponsible environmental stewardship. Top 10 Best Lakes Near Asheville, North Carolina. With over 26 miles of shoreline and 1,470 acres of land, beachgoers and water sports lovers are sure to find something here. Hunt-Fish Falls is formed by Wilson Creek which drains Grandfather Mountain, and it is popular with those in the know. The water can stay chilly, especially in the . Locals store their kayaks and boats here. For something more relaxed, wade or hike about 1/4 mile down the river to the tranquil Hidden Falls. This is a massive, deep body of water with lots of space to get a real swim in. There are multiple parking lots along the lake. The Lake Lure attractions are endless: Enjoy a picnic, walk along the boardwalk, and head to the beach (which charges for admission). Let us know if you see it. Its a traditional recreational lake where everything is possible. Lake James State Park is about 50 miles from Asheville NC, just north of Marion off of I-40 and east of Morganton. What makes Nantahala Lake unique is the population of Kokanee salmon that was planted back in the 1960s and still thriving today. Lake Powhatan Recreational Area 4.0 (41 reviews) Unclaimed Lakes, Campgrounds Edit Open 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM See hours See all 30 photos Write a review Add photo Location & Hours 375 Wesley Branch Rd Asheville, NC 28806 Get directions Edit business info Other options to consider Sponsored Watauga Kayak Tours & Outfitters 16 The largest lake in the western part of the state with 238 miles of shoreline, Fontana Lake is nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, offering gorgeous views and all the usual lake activities like swimming, fishing, and boating. The most popular of all the swimming holes near Asheville is Sliding Rock. However, the common issue is that few of them have public access. The open swim dates change year after year, so youll have to check their website to see when to visit. Top 10 Best Swimming Lakes near Enka, Asheville, NC - Yelp Situated in the middle of a gorge, the area also has some great views when you arent hitting the water. Unfortunately, there are no camping options, and you will have to travel for a couple of miles to find one. Reviews on Swimming Lakes in Asheville, NC 28815 - Lake Julian Park, Lake Powhatan Recreational Area, Charles D Owen District Park, Azalea Road Dog Park, Bent Creek Experimental Forest, Asheville East KOA, Creekside Mountain Camping 19 Best Lakes Near Asheville NC to visit in 2023 7 Great Lakes Near Asheville - RomanticAsheville.com As the name implies, this swimming hole features a slick, natural water slide that shoots participants 60 feet down a rock face and into a pool that's 6 to 8 feet deep. The park is great for afternoon walks and day family trips. Lake Toxaway, NC 28747 We are accepting new partners for added promotional opportunities. Recreation Services/Buncombe County stocks Lake Julian with bass, bream, and catfish, perfect for fishing. Today, drive along scenic Lakeview Drive until it abruptly ends hiking under its large tunnel and neighboring trails. Lake Glenvilleis a 1,462-acre reservoir southwest of Asheville. Another way to enjoy the lake is to visit the highly-ratedBeaver Lake Bird Sanctuaryon the eastern side. Its an all-in-one destination for long-term stays, vacations, and romantic retreats. Lake Louise Park totals about 15.5 acres of land with a 5-acre, man-made lake with a fountain at its heart. Lake Junaluska 9. Wakeboarding, kayaking, fishing, and even scuba diving are all available. There are restrooms, parking, and information at Lake Lures Welcome Center at 2932 Memorial Hwy. 828-898-5465. This is one of the best lakes around Asheville for those requiring a diversity of trails by length and difficulty as well as activities for everyone. Adding a business to Yelp is always free. Cheoah Point has a campground, boat launch, and a designated swimming area with a beach and a beautiful picnic shelter. Of course we visited in winter so the lake was frozen.more, I was impressed with the size of the lake which is tucked away off a busy area of south Asheville.more, There is a beautiful gravel walking trail that goes along the Swannanoa River + the two lakes.more, We used Lake Lure Adventure Company on a recent trip to Lake Lure this July.more, Please keep your dog leashed when outside the dog park part, even if "he likes to swim in the lake".more, There is also a campground located here and a small lake to walk around, or swim in during the warmmore, I have enjoyed other lake beach parks across America which were well maintained, beautiful cleanmore. Enjoy water skiing and tubing along with paddle boarding, fishing, and of course, swimming. Only Sliding Rock and the beaches at Lake Lure and Lake James have lifeguards. One of the best lakes in Asheville, NC, Beaver Lake is a must for bird-watching, sunsets, picnics, and a quiet stroll. Situated next to and connecting with The North Carolina Arboretums Hard Times Trail, get a taste of the Pisgah National Forest. And see the view of the lakefrom atop Chimney Rock nearby. And the familiarity of the state parks system makes it an easy choice, especially for first-time visitors. Look for the parking area near a bridge close to the campgrounds. Apart from a range of hotels and lodges, it offers a campground with cabins and RV hookups, open between April and October. You can access the reservoir by visiting Lake Julian Park on the northern shore. Swimming is allowed at Lake Adger, however, it doesnt have a designated swimming area. The lakes flat and wide perimeter trail is about .55 miles and is stroller-friendly. If you think you're going to swim in the pond, think again" more 2. Lake Junaluska is located at 91 North Lakeshore Drive in Lake Junaluska, NC 28745. When her pointy Italian nose isnt stuck in a book, Christine is adopting all of the kitties, getting lost in the forest, and drinking an ESB. Walk or drive across the dam and learn about the construction during the 1940s in the Tennessee Valley Authority Visitor . However, public motorized boating is prohibited, meaning that jet skiing and wakeboarding are out of the question. Discover and explore some absolutely gorgeous lakes near Asheville in the North Carolina mountains. Nobody puts Baby in the corner. But there are some lengthier hiking trails in the area, including one that leads to a second waterfall just across the border in Tennessee. Explore moving, retirement and real estate options in Asheville and Western North Carolina. There are no campgrounds, lodges, or restaurants around. Elk Park, NC 28622 Lake Julian Park 3.3 (7 reviews) Although not as wild, its a versatile location, perfect for families or romantic getaways. (no hook-ups) phone (704)652 . Just 10 minutes from Asheville, head over to Weaverville. Lake Norman 5. Top 10 Best Swimming Lakes near Asheville, NC 28815 - Yelp The massive water park features everything from giant water slides and wave pools to large play structures and a 3-acre kid's area! Although its modest in size, the calm atmosphere will make you want to spend a few days here. It's also home to the 480-foot high Fontana Dam, the highest east of the Rockies. Lake Powhatan 3. Overall, Rutherford County is stunning with major cabin vibes. In front of the falls is an amazing boulder-strewn pool of clear mountain water that is a ridiculously cool place for North Carolina mountain swimming at its finest! Wildcat Lake is about 75 miles from Asheville. Hi! Pisgah Forest, NC 28768 Beaver Lakeis a small 65-acre reservoir north of Asheville. Other alternatives are to use one of the private marina resorts or simply launch from one of the public boat ramps like Black Bear Ramp, for example. Its a popular recreation spot featured inNational Geographicand a set to the 1987 hit Dirty Dancing. Find the best places to tube down a river on a hot summer day, including the French Broad River through Asheville, Deep Creek in the Smoky Mountains and Green River Gorge - with rentals and read more. Find a bathhouse and picnic tables. It holds a whopping five state records in South Carolina, more than any other lake there. 828-733-9573. Of course we visited in winter so the lake was frozen. 15 Stunning Lakes near Asheville, NC for Swimming, Fishing, Kayaking Yet, public boat ramps like Rocky Branch and Choga are more primitive but free to use. Perhaps the best way to enjoy it is to visit Lake James State Park. Extend your hike to a 5- read more, This popular summer swimming hole in Banner Elkincludes a white sandy beach, swimming pier and fishing dock. It offers boat rentals and services. In addition to being a beautiful NC swimming hole, it has the works as far as amenities go, including concessions, picnic tables/shelters, and public restrooms. This setting looks deceptively tropical, but it is often shut down in the wintertime due to snow and ice. Enjoy from the parking area or take the steps down for an up-close look. Still, this charming lake isnt about water sports and blasting jet skis. What did people search for similar to swimming lakes in Asheville, NC? Still, the park offers boat rentals, launching ramps, and a designated swimming area. It has a fishing pier, a launching ramp, and a small parking lot. Skinny Dip Falls Near Cashiers in Nantahala National Forest is a beautiful 25-ft. waterfall that cascades into a family-friendly pool with a small, sandy beach. One has a large rock to jump off of, and the other has a beach-esque area that slowly transitions to deeper water. Parking at the sanctuary and around the lake is free. Spend some time in Chimney Rock Village. Tubing companies provide read more. Its the prime example of a recreation lake with tons of activities on offer. The 20 Best NC Swimming Holes for Summer (2023) - Blue Ridge Mountains Today we are discussing where is the closest beach to Asheville NC. Share it with us so your neighbors can learn about it too! The hardest part is, Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is the fastest growing watersport in the world for good reason: Its easy to learn, fun, refreshing, awesome core, Note: The following was adapted from Outdoor Parents, Outdoor Kids, By Eugene Buchanan, which is available on the authors website. Say hello to the swans who are sometimes butt-up in the water and nearby, drop into Maggie Valley or Waynesville. Lake Fontana is part of the southern border of the Smokies and the northern border of the Nantahala National Forest. While most people visit DuPont to hike, it's also one the Asheville area's best places for mountain biking. Theres a 3-mile hike to Wildcat Falls (6 miles round-trip) using the Big Fat Branch Trail and Slickrock Creek Trail. Lake View Park on the northern shore is where you can purchase permits to use the lake; daily or annual options are available. Lake Santeetlah in the far western part of North Carolina is surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest on 80% of its 76-mile shoreline. Unfortunately, there is no access for swimming here, although its allowed at Bear Creek Lake. Membership or Day Pass Pools Aloft Asheville | Seasonal, daily | 51 Biltmore Ave. | $15 per day | Have a glamorous day at this rooftop hotel pool + purchase drinks from the bar. It, Welcome to the wonderful world of paddlesports, where water whisks you away into a magical paradise and pastime you can pursue forever with family, Just because Old Man Winter is rearing his balaclava-covered head, doesn't mean you have to hang up your paddle. It may not be worth it for some, but its a small price to pay for a weekend on a gorgeous lake. The shorter hike to Hunt-Fish Falls is 1.4 miles roundtrip and begins on Pineola Road. DISCLOSURE: Some of the links on itiswild.com are affiliate links. Find professional companies that provide rafting guides, so no experience is necessary. North Carolina Swimming Holes Stay on the trails! Lake Junaluskais a 200-acre reservoir 30 minutes drive from Asheville. Read on to find the lake for your needs. The only problem here is which area to choose and what activity to do; the options are limitless! This trail has some significant creek crossings but is easy to navigate. Youll even find accessible ramps and trails leading up to some of these shaded picnic areas. Azalea Road East READ MORE:North Carolina Wildflowers Guide (& Where to See Them in Western NC), Nantahala National Forest Near Lake Toxaway NC. Located 47 miles east of Asheville. Level Contributor 5,503 posts Located about 4 miles off I-40, Photo Credit by @_genna_webber_ on Instagram. Around the beach, enjoy showers and changing rooms. Turtleback Falls Located in the Great Smoky Mountains, you can drive or walk the Appalachian Trail across the dam for a unique perspective (featured in the movie A Walk in the Woods). Directions. READ MORE: The 15 Best North Carolina Mountain Towns to Visit. Lake Tomahawk 14. Along with the lake, Lake Tomahawk features a gorgeous 16.3-acre park with tennis courts, a playground, facilities, and a walking trail with small footbridges. From pools to swimming holes: 20+ swimming spots to cool you down Admission is free. Nestled in the Hickory Nut Gorge, the lake is surrounded by lush mountain tops and sheer granite cliffs. Lets get started! It starts in Gorges State Park and crosses intoPisgah National Forest. Lake Arrowhead Beach is located in the Lake Arrowhead Park of Luray, VA and is known for its shady wooded beauty. Stay on marked trails, take only pictures, pack out your trash, and be considerate of others who share the trails and parks you explore. Lake Glenville is a lot of fun.