Town of Lake Santeetlah is your gateway to outdoor adventure.
In the western-most reaches of North Carolina, cradled by the Great Smoky Mountains and Nantahala National Forest, is located the Town of Lake Santeetlah.This small town of 200+ private homes sits on a peninsula surrounded by Lake Santeetlah. It is a small town of friendly folk, families, retirees and remote workers. A small selection of lakefront and lake view vacation rentals of various sizes are available to rent online.
This is your gateway to outdoor adventure. The location provides exceptional recreational opportunities.
Wander forest trails and mountain ridges.
There are over 250 miles of hiking trails in the Cheoah District of the Nantahala National Forest. Springtime forest trails are a carpet of wildflowers. Mid-June native flame azaleas are ablaze atop Hooper Bald — an easy stroll from the Cherohala Skyway. Also in June, synchronized and blue ghost fireflies are a special sight among the ancient trees of Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. Waterfalls are to be discovered within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Join through-hikers on the nearby Appalachian Trail. Lesser known trails, Benton MacKaye and the Bartram, are also nearby.
This part of North Carolina is famous for its scenic mountain drives.
Motorcyclists and sports car enthousiests travel from across the nation and Canada to experience the Cherohala Skyway, Highway 129 Tail of the Dragon and Moonshiner 28. The Cherohala Skyway rivals the Blue Ridge Parkway for beautiful vistas.
White-water thrills abound.
Year-round kayaking and rafting is available through the Nantahala River Gorge, which is less than an hours drive from Lake Santeetlah. Monthly Cheoah River release from Santeetlah dam offers more experienced paddlers the challenge of Class IV and V rapids. Tapoco Inn is a wonderful spot to enjoy lunch and a cold drink while watching the kayakers.
On the lake is the place to be.
Considered to be one of the “11 Most Beautiful Lakes in the US” by Travel+Leisure, the pristine waters of Lake Santeetlah are perfect for all forms of flat-water sports. The lake has 76 miles of forested shoreline. The surrounding mountains dip right down to the waterline. This is a favorite backdrop for Malibu wake boats to film their promotion videos. Kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and pontoon boats are on the lake year-round.
The lake has a variety of fish including bass, walleye, crappie, bream, and trout. Santeetlah Marina offers boat rentals, docking and gas. Approximately a mile from the town is Cheoah Point Recreation Area, which has developed swimming, camping, and picnic facilities as well as a boat ramp.
What are your bucket list adventures? Lake Santeetlah is your outdoor gateway.
For more information: http://www.townoflakesanteetlah.org
Download the Graham County Visitor Guide:
