Lake Glenvilleis a 1,462-acre reservoir southwest of Asheville. our latest advice & deals in your inbox! } Its a well-developed mountain retreat centered around the Methodist Church community. Sports & Courts Athletes of all ages will appreciate the community tennis and basketball courts and playgrounds. Located near Cashiers less than 70 miles from Asheville, Lake Glenville is a reservoir that sits at the highest elevation of any lake east of the Mississippi at nearly 3,500 feet above sea level. These campsites are available on a first come first serve basis. There are no campgrounds, lodges, or restaurants around. Pavilions are available for rent for $50 a day. Tuckasagee is the closest town, and Asheville is about 85 miles away, making it a great place for a day trip or a fun weekend getaway. Weve rounded up 13 lakes within a two-hour drive from Asheville that you can head to next weekend or anytime. Lake Lure is home to filming locations for Dirty Dancing, The Last of the Mohicans, and Thunder Road just to name a few. This includes any kind of stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes even. Signal Ridge Marina (located on NC Highway 107) rents a variety of Bennington pontoons and tritoons for you to explore the lake complete with several waterfalls. A boating annual permit is $10 for residents, and $100 for non-residents to enter the lake area, no fuel motorized crafts are allowed. Please be aware that some trails arent suited for elderly people or young children. This is also a swimming lake in Asheville with a little beach.. Also, you can try water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing; its a no-limits lake. Although the land around the lake is private, Wildlife Resources Commission maintains a public access area on the western shore. You will even find a beautiful little bird sanctuary on the property! Wakeboarding, water and jet skiing, and tubing are all allowed and popular here. The Lake Lure attractions are endless: Enjoy a picnic, walk along the boardwalk, and head to the beach (which charges for admission). Its the prime example of a recreation lake with tons of activities on offer. The address for Lake Lure Flowering Bridge is 3070 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure, NC 28746. Those planning to sunbathe, read and swim can stake a claim on the 700ft-long swimming beach, which is in the Paddy's Creek Area of the state park. Lake Glenville is pristine reservoir near Cashiers and sits at the highest elevation of any lake east of the Mississippi. A three-mile hike from Gorges State Park will bring you to a magnificent 150-foot-high waterfall in the forest. Lake Louise is extremely close to Asheville, being only a 15-minute drive away. 20 Classy & Fun Bars In Asheville, NC (2023), Montford Park Players Shakespeare In The Park (Asheville): 9 Best Things To Know. Lake Lure (photo at top) has been the movie location for Dirty Dancing and other films. To enjoy the lake, consider booking a luxurious stay at the lakes resort, renting a luxury cabin, or even buying one of the lakes private homes. Located as you enter Downtown Weaverville from Asheville, find multiple paved parking lots for Lake Louise. There are many vacation rentals around Lake Lure if you want to stay the night. Lake Santeelah is loved for its gorgeous location, situated right in the middle of the Nantahala National Forest, almost 2 hours from Asheville. Related:279 apartments proposed near banks of Lake Julian in South Asheville. Fishing can be excellent, too. Its the best option when coming here for the first time. You can also take the perimeter trail around the lake for a longer route. Lake Junaluska is a small 200-acre lake, but it's big on beauty and amenities including a 2.6-mile trail around the lake and lakefront hotels and cabins. Just a warning that in peak traveler season, this area will turn into a parking lot. We especially enjoy Waynesvilles Boojum Brewing, and they have gluten-free bread for their burgers. So, if you are visiting WNC and looking to relax, what are the best lakes near Asheville? Some options sit within urban parks with just fishing and kayaking to offer. Its an all-in-one destination with campgrounds, beaches, launching ramps, and trails for hiking and biking. Motorized boating is prohibited here, which suits kayakers and anglers who like to remain undisturbed. 28 in Fontana, N.C. One of the furthest Asheville lakes on this list, Lake Glenville is about a 1.5-hour drive from the city near Cashiers in Jackson County. You can enjoy swimming, boating, jet skiing, fishing, sailing, water skiing, and more on Lake Hickory! Explore the homes with Waterfront that are currently for sale in Asheville, NC, where the average value of homes with Waterfront is $480,000. Bear Creek Lake is a solid option, especially if youre into fishing or water sports. Read on to find the lake for your needs. Its easy to see why. With 76 miles of shoreline and only about 50 permanent residents, its the perfect spot if youre looking for privacy. may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. Theres even a baby waterfall along Reems Creek. Lake James State Park has many miles of beautiful hiking trails as well. Beaver Lakeis a small 65-acre reservoir north of Asheville. Lake Glenville is a great, clean little reservoir thats a little under an hour and a half away from Asheville. Resorts, marinas, and RV parks around the reservoir offer a wide selection of accommodation for long and short-term stays. Its a truly wild place, best suited for day trips. It is $10 per vehicle, or $25 for large vans, and $50 for buses or motor coaches. Each morning, a free hot breakfast provides the perfect start to your day, and free coffee and WiFi are always available for guests. MLS ID #CAR4020249, OLIVETTE REALTY LLC. Around the lake, find benches, a hidden picnic table, a mostly flat, dirt walking path, a Free Little Library, and trees for hammocks and blankets. These lakes house biking and hiking trails along with camping, fishing, and boating. Boating and swimming are prohibited. But as a lake destination, its not that versatile. Its best suited for events, weddings, and romantic retreats. Or, explore nearby Morganton. This massive lake feeds tons of water to power the generators that power the surrounding region! And the best thing is, its just a stones throw away. Swimming is also not permitted in the lake. The campground covers steep terrain and many of the campsites overlook the lake. When it comes to activities, there are practically no limits at Lake James. 1. Its an outdoor playground like no other. Reserve your camping spot, check out the trails, and see what else to do around Lake Powhatan on Adventure Pisgah. Head to Charlottes Lake Norman, and if you are lucky, you might just catch Normie. If you are enjoying these lakes around Asheville, see where to have a picnic. No motorized boats are allowed on the lake. Watch out for those hissing geese too. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The nearest no-limits option is Lake Lure (#2 on the list). Surrounding the lake, you can find lots of beautiful hiking trails, shops, museums, and dining spots. During the warm weather, its a buzzing place with a hectic atmosphere. Located near Maggie Valley and Waynesville, the retreat center there welcomes visitors to see the gardens, take a boat tour, hike their trailsor play a round of golf. Some may argue that Lake James is one of the prettiest lakes in North Carolina. RV and tent camping is available, and lakeside villas offer rooms for rent. We are constantly updating articles with new finds. Its a versatile destination with tons of activities and gorgeous views. Lake Powhatan Campground. Its a traditional recreational lake where everything is possible. Located in the gorgeous North Asheville neighborhood, enjoy a more residential area filled with restaurants, the Botanical Gardens at Asheville, and grocery stores perfect for stocking up for that picnic. Dogs are unfortunately not allowed here, however, they do hold a few dog days during the summer. In todays article, get ready to explore the world of lakes near Asheville NC! 10 Best Lakes Near Asheville, NC 1. Or, take a hike on the High Falls trailhead just 1.4 miles round-trip, it passes both the 60-foot-tall First Falls and the 150-foot-tall High Falls which spills down a series of rocks into a pool. The reservoir has a wide selection of recreational areas, marinas, resorts, and public parks. Swim beach is located at Pines Recreation Area. Lake Junaluska is a census-designated place, founded in 1913. Protip: Grab a loaner life jacket if you didnt bring one and need it. } Directions: Coming from Asheville, about 25 miles: From I-40 West, take exit 27 onto US 19-23. During the summer months, there are 75 campsites that are good for tents and RVs to park with hookups. Bryson City NC / Swain County Chamber of Commerce, North Carolina State Parks and Recreation, 14 Best Hotels for Watching 4th of July Fireworks, 9 Water Parks in the Wisconsin Dells Your Kids Will Love, Top 13 Spa Retreats in the U.S. for Couples, Top 14 National Parks to Visit This Summer, 13 Best Swimming Holes in the U.S. for Summer, 13 Best Hilton Hotels & Resorts in the World, Top 10 Water Park Resorts in Phoenix & Scottsdale. Admission is free but they are sustained by donations. Each lake has something special, whether it be somewhere hidden in the mountains, a prime spot for fishing, or maybe it is the best place for swimming! Best Hiking TrailWNC WaterfallsGuide Of AVL Things To Do. Its Ashevilles hidden gem and a green island of wildlife. Lake Tomahawk park features many amenities such as a fishing pier, restrooms, and a pavilion that includes picnic tables and a charcoal grill. Lake Louise Park allows catch-and-release fishing with a valid NC fishing license. 9 Gorgeous Beaches near Beaufort, NC (within 1 hour), Great Smoky Mountains National Park in July, Great Smoky Mountains National Park in December. Lake Tomahawk 14. In the summer, pay admission to access the lakes beach or enjoy the view from a picnic table with a charcoal grill. Accessibility: There is one designated accessible space in the partially paved parking lot off of Merrimon . With any of these rentals or purchases, you have full lake access and access to the lakes country club. Admission is $10 per adult, $9 for seniors, and $8 for ages 4-12. Its also a fantastic spot for a romantic lakeside wedding. Popular activities include paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and evening cruises. The largest private lake in North Carolina has 14 miles of shoreline at 3,010 feet elevation.