ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — With sunny skies and mountain views as a backdrop, day-trippers are heading to nearby lakes for quick getaways and cool relief. From fishing and boating at Fontana Lake to swimming at Lake James, these close-to-home escapes offer the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Lake James
- Distance: 50 minutes east
- Highlights: A 6,800-acre lake within Lake James State Park, ideal for fishing, motor boating, kayaking, wakeboarding and hiking.
Fontana Lake
- Distance: 1.5 hours west
- Highlights: North Carolina’s deepest lake, offering boating, fishing and access to the Appalachian Trail.
Lake Powhatan
- Distance: 15 minutes south
- Highlights: Located within Pisgah National Forest, this lake provides swimming, fishing, hiking and mountain biking opportunities. (No motor boating)
Lake Julian
- Distance: 15 minutes south
- Highlights: A family-friendly lake with fishing piers, paddleboarding, picnicking areas and a playground. (No motor boating)
Lake Junaluska
- Distance: 30 minutes west
- Highlights: A serene lake offering paddleboarding, walking trails, a public pool and spiritual retreats. (No motor boating)
Lake Glenville
- Distance: 1.5 hours southwest
- Highlights: The highest-elevation lake east of the Mississippi, featuring boating, fishing and scenic waterfalls.
Lake Toxaway
- Distance: 1.5 hours southwest
- Highlights: A pristine lake surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering boating, fishing and hiking opportunities.
Lake Santeetlah
- Distance: 2 hours west
- Highlights: A remote lake known for its crystal-clear waters, ideal for kayaking, fishing and camping. (No motor boating)
Nantahala Lake
- Distance: 2 hours west
- Highlights: A scenic lake within the Nantahala National Forest, offering boating, fishing and camping experiences.
Lake Glenville
- Distance: Approximately 1.5 hours
- Activities: Trout and bass fishing, boating, hiking and nearby waterfalls
- Why go: It’s the highest lake east of the Mississippi! Clear, cold water = great for fishing.
Bear Lake (aka Bear Creek Lake)
- Distance: Approximately 1.5 hours
- Activities: Fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking and camping.
- Why go: Less crowded than others, beautiful and quiet.
