Nantahala Lake is just two hours north of Atlanta, yet it's worlds away from the busy city life ... a peaceful retreat in Western North Carolina's scenic mountains. At 3,100-foot elevation, the Lake has plenty of open water and quiet coves for excellent boating and fishing fun.

The area around Nantahala Lake has a rich American history. Original inhabitants included the Cherokee, who lived along the flat ground and in small high valleys. Then came settlers of Scots-Irish descent, who felt at home in these isolated mountains. Stage coach lines and timber companies brought development to the region. There were towns, farmers, small mills, schools and post offices.

In 1941-42, the Nantahala River was dammed and a lake was created to provide power for the huge Alcoa aluminum power plant in East Tennessee. Homeowners were displaced, and businesses and cemeteries moved to allow for the reservoir behind the dam. The old town of Aquone (Cherokee word for "where the streams meet") lies below the deep blue water.

Below the dam, the Nantahala River cascades down to the Nantahala Gorge and on into Fontana Lake. The cascades are excellent trout fishing waters, the Gorge is great for whitewater rafting. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails, scenic drives and quaint mountain towns.

Our NC mountain cabins are lakeside in one of those quiet coves, where a small creek empties into the lake. Walk to our country store (temporarily closed) and an informal restaurant.
Bring your own boat, or rent one from a local marina. We've got a ramp and dock, but if your boat is large, you'll have access just 2 miles away at Rocky Branch Boat Ramp. You can get a fishing license just next door. Andrews, NC is just 20 minutes away with movie theater, grocery store and more restaurants.

We're an easy getaway from Knoxville, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Charlotte and Greenville/Spartanburg.

Our small lake-front community and our cabins are perfect for families, fishing enthusiasts and others who love cool mountain breezes and starry nights.