Explore One of North Carolina’s Prettiest, Cleanest Lakes at Nantahala National Forest

Did you know that science has shown benefits to looking at big bodies of water? There's evidence that looking at water for only a few minutes can reduce a person's blood pressure and heart rate. Biologist Wallace J. Nichols wrote an entire book about the topic titled Blue Mind. It's no wonder, then, why so many of us love visiting lakes, rivers, and oceans. The wide open water, surrounded by lush green foliage and blue skies, is good for the soul. North Carolina is home to dozens of beautiful lakes; one of its cleanest and prettiest is Nantahala Lake. 

Nantahala Lake is in western North Carolina, about 90 miles southwest of Asheville. Cherokee lived in the area for thousands of years, and Nantahala is a Cherokee word meaning "land of the noon day sun." Nantahala Power Company created the 1,600-acre lake in the early 1940s to generate power for the Second World War. The community used the power to produce aluminum to make airplanes. Duke Energy now maintains the lake, which still generates significant hydroelectric power.

The lake has crystal clear waters and sits at a very high elevation, 3,012 feet. Low levels of dissolved silt and clay in the water contribute to its clarity. It is the lake with the second-highest elevation to the east of the Mississippi River. Nantahala National Forest, a massive 530,000-acre forest with hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, surrounds Nantahala Lake. The forest area has many places to stay, including cabin, home, and cottage rentals.

There are tons of things to do at Nantahala Lake, including boating, swimming, water skiing, and tubing. Many also visit the lake to fish for bass, catfish, panfish, Kokanee salmon, and trout. The lake supplies water to the Nantahala River, a popular spot to kayak, fly fish, and whitewater raft. Visitors can book a guided eight-mile trip through the rapids, mostly ranked Class I and II. There is one Class III rapid known as Nantahala Falls.

For more information about the area, visit the USDA Forest Service's site about Nantahala National Forest.

Nantahala Lake is near Franklin, North Carolina, a town of about 4,000 residents. Franklin has incredible restaurants, including Frida and Diego's Mexican Cuisine and Caffé REL, a five-star French restaurant in an unexpected place. There's also an observation tower with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains called Wayah Bald.

If you'd like to enjoy the clear waters of Nantahala Lake, consider booking a stay in this three-bedroom lakefront Airbnb. Kayaks and paddle boards are included with the rental, making it extremely easy to get out and enjoy the lake!