Nantahala Lake (How to Explore and the Best Things to Do There!)

Nantahala Lake is one of the most beautiful places we’ve visited in North Carolina.

Tucked away in far Western NC, with 42 miles of shoreline, this is a quieter alternative to its nearby counterparts like Fontana Lake, Lake Lure, and Lake James.

At an elevation around 3,000 feet, Nantahala is one of the highest lakes on the East Coast. It’s more remote and less developed (at least for now), which is just a part of why we love this place.

We haven’t even mentioned the clear water, the unique fishing opportunities (including freshwater kokanee salmon), and other ways you can enjoy Nantahala Lake, and you’ll learn more about it below in this guide.

Here’s how we’ve organized this NC travel guide:

• Where is Nantahala Lake?
• The History of Nantahala Lake
• Getting There and Visiting Today
• Where to Stay (+ Nearby Camping)
• The Best Time to Visit Nantahala Lake
• Things to Do at Nantahala Lake
• Where to Eat
• Nearby Adventures
• Nantahala Lake FAQ

Read More: The NC Bucket List

Where is Nantahala Lake?

Nantahala Lake is in Macon County (Topton, Franklin, and Highlands), near the western end of the county where it meets Swain County (Bryson City) and Cherokee County (Andrews and Murphy). The lake’s elevation is 3,012 feet, with 42 miles of shoreline.

Duke Energy manages and maintains Nantahala Lake, and its shoreline is a mix of private homes and cabins, in tandem with the US Forest Service and the NC Wildlife Resources Commission protecting it from commercialization.

It’s about a 5-hour drive from Durham (add another 30 to 40 minutes from Raleigh), and here’s a quick breakdown of towns and cities near Nantahala Lake:

• Andrews (30 minutes away)
• Franklin (45 minutes away)
• Bryson City (1 hour away)
• Highlands (1 hour 20 minutes away)
• Asheville (2 hours away)
• Chattanooga, Tennessee (2-1/2 hours away)
• Gatlinburg, Tennessee (2-1/2 hours away)
• Atlanta, Georgia (3 hours away)
• Greenville, South Carolina (3 hours away)
• Charlotte (4 hours away)

Read More: NC Tripping’s Western North Carolina Map

The History of Nantahala Lake

Before there was a Nantahala Lake, the area was occupied by indigenous people, and the Cherokee were the last known Native Americans here. In the 1830s, the Cherokee were removed during what many of us know as the Trail of Tears.

The Cherokee people were replaced soon after by White settlers, who were displaced 100 years later to make way for the lake.

In 1942, Nantahala Lake was created after a long-delayed damming project by the then-Nantahala Power Company—which was eventually absorbed by today’s Duke Energy.

The Great Depression had stalled the damming of the Nantahala River for over a decade, but the United States had just joined World War II and quickly needed as much electricity as possible to keep up with production needs.

This “new” lake would provide the necessary power to smelteries in Tennessee, which produced aluminum for wartime airplanes.

As Nantahala Dam’s completion neared, the Town of Aquone (also a major stagecoach stop), multiple communities, lumber mills, and even railway systems were abandoned. Gravesites, schools, businesses, and bridges were also relocated as part of the lake creation effort.

After the war, Nantahala Lake served many purposes. In the early 1970s, the Army Green Beret and Special Forces used the lake as a training ground. Even they found time to enjoy it.

Marci Spencer’s important book on Nantahala National Forest covers this history and much more of the background in this guide. You can find her incredibly useful book (understatement) in many local bookstores.

Read More: National Forests in North Carolina

Getting There and Visiting Nantahala Lake Today

Lakes End Marina Address: 17838 Wayah Rd, Topton, NC (828-321-3001)
Choga Boat Access Area Address: 3097-3099 Big Choga Rd, Topton, NC
Rocky Branch Boat Ramp Address: 106 Old Rocky Branch Rd, Topton, NC

Since its creation, Nantahala Lake has grown into a popular destination for fishing, boating, and swimming.

People come here to enjoy the beautiful water, swim and fish in peace and quiet, and watch the morning fog roll off the mountains and give way to blue skies.

You can easily see parts of Nantahala Lake while driving along the scenic Wayah Road. Hikers of the legendary Bartram Trail can see Nantahala Dam.

There are two public boat landings, privately owned homes, cabins (see next section), and primitive camping on public land owned by Nantahala National Forest.

Read More: The Best Lakes in North Carolina

Where to Stay

You don’t have to worry about limited options when looking for a place to stay at Nantahala lake and nearby.

Stay Nantahala Cabins and Yurts (17838 Wayah Rd, Topton, NC) has cabins and even luxury yurts in a variety of locations, depending on how secluded you want to be and how close to the lake.

We were hosted at Stay Nantahala’s Cozy Lakefront Cabin while working with the Franklin & Nantahala Tourism Development Committee.

The Cozy Lakefront Cabin is one of a few options within walking distance of the Lake’s End Marina and the Lake’s End Grill and Cafe.

The Yurts are a bit further down Wayah Rd toward Andrews, but I understand if you have a hard time deciding because how often does one get to stay in a luxury yurt?

Camping Near Nantahala Lake

As we mentioned, there are plenty of campgrounds and camping spots near Nantahala Lake. These include:

• Group Camps
  • Appletree Group Campground (Forest Service Road 711)
  • Winesprings Horse Camp (Forest Service Road 308)
• Dispersed camping spots (primitive, no power or water) are on these Forest Service Roads and others along Wayah Road.

The US Forest Service has maps available here to help you find camping spots in Nantahala National Forest and elsewhere. Official Government Links change for a variety of reasons, so please let us know if these don’t work.

If you do camp in Nantahala National Forest, please be “bear aware” and follow Leave No Trace principles so the next person can enjoy our public lands.

The Best Time to Visit Nantahala Lake

Any “best time to visit” answer depends on who you ask. We at NC Tripping can find something to enjoy about any season in any place in North Carolina.

However, if you prefer swimming and getting in the water, summer will be the best time to visit. Anglers will love fall and spring, since there aren’t as many boats disturbing their potential catches.

It’s hard to discourage anyone from visiting during fall, as the foliage that makes up our mountains transform into a variety of bright colors before most shed their leaves. Of course, this means many visitors will come from as far as possible to see Nantahala Lake and chase the fall colors.

If you like the ultimate peace and quiet (with the caveat of cold, potentially more dangerous roads, and less colorful landscapes), then winter at Nantahala Lake would suit you just fine.

Things to Do at Nantahala Lake

Now that you know the history and when to visit, let’s look at the best things to do at Nantahala Lake.

Fishing at Nantahala Lake

In the 1960s, the NC Wildlife Commission stocked the lake with kokanee salmon, and their descendants still provide anglers with a rare catch in the southeast. Along with those freshwater salmon, anglers can catch walleye, bass, trout, and panfish.

There are numerous coves to fish, and we saw people catching multiple fish at the docks next to the marina.

Lakes End offers a guided fishing charter, booked through the Lakes End Marina. More fishing info and rental info can be found at the Lakes End website.

Note: A valid North Carolina fishing license is required to use “any type of bait or gear” to fish NC’s public waters.

Boating & Watersports

If you have your own boat, all you have to do is bring it to one of the two public boat accesses at Nantahala Lake:

Choga Boat Access Area Address: 3097-3099 Big Choga Rd, Topton, NC
Rocky Branch Boat Ramp Address: 106 Old Rocky Branch Rd, Topton, NC

If you arrived at Nantahala Lake with no boat, no problem! The Lakes End Marina has many rental options:

• Pontoon boats
• Jet skis
• 1- and 2-person Kayaks
• Canoes
• 2-person sailboats
• Stand-up paddleboards (SUP)

While driving the boat or jet skis, we didn’t feel like there was too much traffic on Nantahala Lake. The secret is starting to get out, but peak solitude can be found in the morning, mid-week.

We drove up and down the lake for a few days and really need to go back and “research” the area more. In the meantime, here’s what we’ve uncovered so far:

• Check the weather each day and remember that clouds will quickly turn into sun and vice versa. Afternoon and late-morning rains are common during summer.
• The local people working at the marina will likely have better intel about the weather outlook.
• Ask someone at the marina about the Nantahala Lake waterfall. You won’t be able to kayak there easily, but a Jet Ski or Pontoon Boat will get you there in about 5 to 10 minutes.
• Quick Directions to the Nantahala Lake Waterfall by Boat
  • Pass the island after leaving the “No Wake Zone.”
  • Turn left at the big fork.
  • Turn into the first big cove on the right.
  • Directions to reach the waterfall vary, but you can hear it from the cove.
  • Visit the Waterfall at your own risk.
  • If you don’t visit the waterfall, don’t worry because there are many more nearby on Wayah Rd and throughout Western NC.
• The Jet Skis can get up to 50 miles per hour, but we were comfortable with about 35 mph before the nerves took over.

UTV Tour with Noon Day Adventures

Speaking of tours, we thoroughly enjoyed a UTV tour of Nantahala National Forest.

Noonday Adventures offers tours ranging from 2 hours to 4 hours, and you’ll either share a UTV with others or have the vehicle to yourself.

The tour will start with you driving along Wayah Road before veering off onto a scenic Forest Service Road. Highlights of our tour included a scenic overlook, waterfalls along Wayah Road, and more.

To book a UTV Tour, visit the Marina (you saw that coming, right?) and ask about availability. You might need a few days lead time so call in advance (828-321-3001) if you can.

Where to Eat at Nantahala Lake

The marina will handle any rental questions, including boats, kayaks, and tours (UTV, etc.). Lake’s End Grill and Cafe (17838 Wayah Rd, Topton, NC) is open for lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Sunday, though hours and opening days can be subject to change.

The closer to the weekend, the busier this restaurant gets. Honestly it’s hard to go wrong with anything on their menu, but blackened trout or some other tasty freshwater fish is something we’ll always recommend.

On the days that Lake’s End Grill and Cafe is not open, you have a fully equipped kitchen, towels, soap, shampoo, and coffee.

In the past, we’ve stayed at rentals that didn’t come with towels or even linens, so it’s nice to know that we didn’t have to remember those things for our trip to Nantahala Lake, along with everything else.

Andrews is the closest town for groceries but you can stop in Franklin if you’re traveling from Asheville or elsewhere to the east.

Read More: Day Trips from Asheville

Hiking & Nearby Trails

There are some beautiful hikes very close to Nantahala Lake and a few others that are within a short drive. Here are a few we think you should check out:

• The Appalachian Trail: The AT runs along Nantahala Lake and through many parts of Nantahala National Forest as it traverses from Georgia to Maine.
• The Bartram Trail (named for famous naturalist William Bartram) is a 115-mile long trail that starts in Georgia and passes through South Carolina before running through our mountains. You can see Nantahala Dam from this trail and its highest point is Wayah Bald (5,342 feet), where the Bartram Trail meets the Appalachian Trail.
• Wayah Bald Tower: At Wayah Bald, there’s a decommissioned stone lookout tower. You can hike or drive there, and enjoy ever-changing views of Franklin, mountains in the distance, and more.

• The Rufus Morgan Trail (pictured above, guide coming soon): The Rufus Morgan Trail is on an unnamed Forest Service Road not far from the turnoff for Wayah Bald Tower. The half-mile out and back (or 1 mile loop) trail and waterfall are named for local legend Rufus Morgan, an Episcopal minister who developed and maintained 55 miles of the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina.
• Further away from Nantahala Lake, we’ve enjoyed hikes to Wesser Bald Fire Tower and Big Laurel Falls (guide coming soon), and there is so much more to explore in this wild and wonderful region.

Other Adventures Nearby

Did you think we were finished exploring the area around Nantahala Lake? Think again.

Here are some more adventures that await along Wayah Road and nearby.

• Roadside Waterfalls: If you drive upstream along the Nantahala River on Wayah Road toward Nantahala Lake and Franklin, you’ll see many beautiful waterfalls and cascades.
  • Upper Nantahala Cascades (pictured above) is one of the biggest and most beautiful along Wayah Road. It’s about 6 miles from the marina and the pull-off is on the left. If you’re coming from US 19/US 74, the pull-off is on the right and easier to access from the sometimes busy Wayah Road.
  • Whiteoak Creek Falls (sometimes Whiteoak Falls) is another beautiful waterfall that you should seek out, just off Wayah Road. About 0.3 miles upstream from Upper Nantahala Cascades, you can see this waterfall by pulling off at Old River Road and parking. Use caution if you want a closer look, as you’ll be walking on often slippery rocks that don’t forgive mistakes.

• The Mountain Waters Scenic Byway: If you’re on Wayah Road near Nantahala Lake, then you’re already traveling along the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway. This 61.3-mile National Forest Byway travels through Nantahala National Forest and meets the NC Waterfall Byway at US 64. Nantahala Lake, Wayah Bald Tower, and the Rufus Morgan Trail are along this route. Additional Mountain Waters Scenic Byway Attractions include:
  • Bridal Veil Falls (the roadside one)
  • Cliffside Lake
  • Dry Falls
  • More Mountain Waters Scenic Byway Route Information here

Nearby Towns & Day Trips from Nantahala Lake

You’ll likely pass these nearby towns and day trips while heading home or on your way to Nantahala Lake.

Andrews

Downtown Andrews to Nantahala Lake: 30 Minutes

Andrews was our main stop for groceries after arriving at Nantahala Lake. The downtown is lined with local shops and is also home to the popular Andrews Valley Rail Tours, North Carolina’s first rail bike experience.

This Cherokee County town is also home to a small airport (Western Carolina Regional Airport), so if you want to avoid the drive, bring your plane and land near Nantahala Lake.

Franklin

Downtown Franklin to Nantahala Lake: 45 Minutes

Franklin is an adorable mountain town that’s a popular Appalachian Trail stop. Outdoor 76 is where many AT hikers go to relax, recharge, sort gear, do laundry, and more. They offer Thru Hiker Services at this location and their second in Clayton, Georgia.

Lazy Hiker Brewing serves from a variety of taps and a food truck outside that’s always serving something delicious.

Don’t forget to stop by the Scottish Tartans Museum, an excellent place to learn about tartan and Highland dress and heritage. Ruby City Gems & Minerals is another great stop in downtown Franklin, primarily a jewelry store with a unique gem museum in the back.

If you’re hungry, Gracious Plates on Main will fill you up with farm-to-table creations for lunch and dinner. Brooklyn Bagels, 828 Cafe (multiple locations), and Not Just Donuts! have your breakfast needs, and we still can’t decide which one is best.

We’ve barely scratched the surface with Franklin and have a more in-depth guide coming soon!

Bryson City

Downtown Bryson City to Nantahala Lake: 1 hour
Nantahala Outdoor Center to Nantahala Lake: 30 minutes

Sitting near the North Carolina-Tennessee border, right before the Tuckasegee River runs right, Bryson City is definitely one of our favorite North Carolina mountain towns!

Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Bryson City is well-known for hiking and river recreation.

Hike to waterfalls via the easy Deep Creek Loop, go whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River from the Nantahala Outdoor Center, ride the scenic Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, or get lost on the Road to Nowhere—there’s endless fun in Bryson City! 

Highlands

Downtown Highlands to Nantahala Lake: 1 hour 20 minutes

The outskirts of Highlands are known for spectacular waterfalls, but the downtown of Highlands is equally beautiful! Spend a luxurious weekend at The Old Edwards Inn and roam the charming shops.

Be sure to stop by the scenic Lake Sequoyah and of course, the many natural wonders surrounding Highlands.

Don’t forget to visit Dry Falls, an accessible waterfall that you can walk behind. It’s one of many falls along the famed Waterfall Byway. That scenic route is another reason we rank Highlands among the best mountain towns in NC!

FAQ Section

Ready to Plan Your Nantahala Lake Vacation?

We always regreeted not digging deeper into Nantahala Lake the first time we passed it while driving on Wayah Road many years ago. Thankfully, we were given a chance to return and explore Nantahala Lake in great detail, and there are no regrets.

Have you ever visited the wonderful Nantahala Lake and its surroundings? We’d love to hear your thoughts on this place.

Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to subscribe to our email newsletter, where we send updates on places like Nantahala Lake every week!

---

More Things to Do Near Nantahala Lake

We’ve featured Nantahala Lake and its surroundings in many of our NC travel guides. Here are a few to keep you exploring this beautiful region.