Here’s a detailed list of prominent lakes in the 18-county region of western North Carolina, along with interesting facts about each:
Read here for a short description of lakes surrounding the beautiful WNC landscape. To get started on your real estate journey involving lakes with Dwain Ammons and Allen Tate Beverly Hanks, simply call (828) 273-9848 for a consultation. If a phone call is not convenient, you can also reach out via the secure contact form for prompt assistance.
1. Lake Lure (Rutherford County)
- Size: 720 acres
- Facts: Known for its starring role in the movie Dirty Dancing, Lake Lure was created in 1927 when the Rocky Broad River was dammed. It features a sandy beach and is famous for its annual Polar Plunge in winter.
2. Lake James (McDowell & Burke Counties)
- Size: 6,812 acres
- Facts: Constructed in the early 1900s for hydroelectric power, Lake James has 150 miles of shoreline and is part of Lake James State Park. It was a key filming location for The Last of the Mohicans.
3. Lake Toxaway (Transylvania County)
- Size: 640 acres
- Facts: This is North Carolina’s largest private lake, and its original dam broke in 1916, draining the lake completely. It was refilled in the 1960s and is now surrounded by high-end homes.
4. Nantahala Lake (Macon County)
- Size: 1,605 acres
- Facts: A high-altitude lake, created in 1942 to supply power for war efforts, Nantahala is one of the least developed lakes in the region and remains popular for fishing, especially for kokanee salmon.
5. Fontana Lake (Swain & Graham Counties)
- Size: 10,230 acres
- Facts: Created by Fontana Dam, the tallest dam east of the Rockies, this lake is bordered by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offers secluded views. It supplies water for the Tennessee Valley Authority.
6. Bear Creek Lake (Jackson County)
- Size: 476 acres
- Facts: Also known as Bear Lake, it was created in 1943 by Alcoa for aluminum production during World War II. It is now managed for recreation and offers scenic waterfalls accessible only by boat.
7. Lake Glenville (Jackson County)
- Size: 1,470 acres
- Facts: The highest elevation lake east of the Mississippi River, Lake Glenville was created in 1941 and boasts three waterfalls accessible by boat, making it a unique draw for visitors.
8. Lake Junaluska (Haywood County)
- Size: 200 acres
- Facts: Founded as a Methodist retreat in 1913, this lake hosts the Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center and is popular for paddleboarding and scenic walking paths.
9. Santeetlah Lake (Graham County)
- Size: 2,881 acres
- Facts: Built by the Alcoa Company in 1928, this lake is highly regarded for its pristine water quality and is surrounded by the Cheoah District of the Nantahala National Forest.
10. Lake Adger (Polk County)
- Size: 438 acres
- Facts: Created in 1925, Lake Adger has 14 miles of shoreline and is a prime location for fishing and boating, though it remains a quieter, lesser-known lake compared to others in the region.
11. Apalachia Lake (Cherokee County)
- Size: 1,070 acres
- Facts: Created in 1942 by the TVA, this lake is unique for having no development along its shores, allowing for a remote and quiet experience for visitors who seek solitude and excellent fishing.
12. Chatuge Lake (Clay County)
- Size: 7,050 acres (partially in NC)
- Facts: A reservoir that straddles the North Carolina-Georgia border, Chatuge is renowned for bass fishing and has over 130 miles of shoreline, offering varied terrain and wildlife habitats.
13. Lake Hiwassee (Cherokee County)
- Size: 6,090 acres
- Facts: Created in 1940 by the TVA, Lake Hiwassee features steep, forested slopes and is adjacent to the 13,000-acre Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge, making it popular for observing migratory birds.
This list highlights lakes central to outdoor recreation, historical significance, and natural beauty, showcasing the diversity of water bodies throughout western North Carolina.
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Allen Tate | Beverly-Hanks’ leadership in the western North Carolina luxury lakefront real estate market is the result of decades of dedication, growth, and a steadfast commitment to excellence.
Whether you’re looking to buy a luxury home, sell a large acreage, or explore other real estate opportunities around lakes, the firm’s comprehensive services, local expertise, and global reach make it the ideal choice for navigating the region’s lakefront real estate landscape.
Reach out today to learn how Allen Tate | Beverly-Hanks and their dedicated waterfront home and land brokers like Dwain Ammons can help you achieve your real estate goals in western North Carolina. Get help now with a free consultation (828) 273-9848.
Allen Tate Beverly Hanks Hendersonville (Parent Office) 512 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792 Phone: (828) 273-9848 & Lake Lure Office 1518 Memorial Hwy, Lake Lure, NC 28746 Phone: (828) 273-9848
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