Outdoors Recreation

Western North Carolina Lakes

Camping at Lake James (Photo courtesy of NC State Parks)

Outdoors: Summer Lakes Make Us Feel Fine

By Frances Figart

For many of us, it doesn’t feel like summer is here until we’ve spent some time near, beside, on, or in some cool, inviting water. Some insist upon heading to the coast to dip their toes into the Atlantic. But for those who want to remain close to the mountains, the water activities revolve around our local lakes.

Western North Carolina is blessed with many lakes, the vast majority man-made, with most having public boating access. Most of the larger lakes are in the far western part of the state, with Lake James east of Asheville and Lake Lure to the southeast being the most popular exceptions.

Nestled below the Linville Gorge National Wilderness, Lake James is a major attraction of the Hickory Nut Gorge and a primary focus of Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina based in Morganton. “We led the efforts that expanded the state park there by nearly 3,000 acres and 30 miles of shoreline,” says Susie Hamrick-Jones, executive director of the trust, which has protected more than 9,000 acres in the lake’s vicinity.

A scenic hub for outdoor recreation, the ten-square-mile Lake James offers a large beach, picnic pavilions, and a lengthy shoreline with new boat-in campsites. Rock climbers and hikers gravitate to the gorge, while others enjoy boating and fishing in the lake and the Linville River. State gamelands created through the efforts of Foothills Conservancy adjoin Pisgah National Forest.

“There are 83 campsites ranging from lakeside remote boat-in-only sites to recently opened car-camping sites,” says Ed Phillips, director of tourism for the Burke County Tourism Development Authority. “Miles of mountain biking and hiking trails and the 600-foot-long sandy swimming beach make this a unique park in Western North Carolina.”

Not far away in Rutherford County, Lake Lure encompasses 720 acres and represents a stunning attraction. Close to the town of the same name, the lake itself is surrounded by the dramatic cliffs of Hickory Nut Gorge and offers boat tours, a sandy beach, and a lakeside greenway. The lake has served as the setting for several films including Dirty Dancing, and hikers enjoy the view from the top of nearby Chimney Rock, famous as a film location for The Last of the Mohicans.

Chimney Rock State Park’s 6,200 acres offer visitors the breathtaking World’s Edge, a series of cliffs delineating where the highlands rise up from the Piedmont plateau. Guests can go for a lakeside horseback ride or clip in to try either rock climbing or zip lining. Cyclists are excited about the new Buffalo Creek Park with a five-mile-loop biking trail that connects to Chimney Rock State Park.

Those seeking the serenity of a smaller lake need look no further than Haywood County’s Lake Junaluska, about half an hour west of Asheville. Near Waynesville and Maggie Valley, the 200-acre lake offers a retreat center with gardens, a beach, boat tours, golf, and hiking trails. “I love the fact that there are bird-friendly bushes and flowers where you can spot migrating birds,” says Jane Maurer of Clyde, who does part-time sales for The Laurel and frequents the lake. “It’s great to see people enjoying the duck-feeding station, designated fishing areas, and benches just for sitting quietly.”

With so many beautiful lakes in our region, it won’t take you long to find your favorite. Learn more by visiting helpful sites theblueridgehighlander.com and ashevilleguidebook.com.

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