5 Best Lakeside Towns in North Carolina
Whether you want to launch a boat and go fishing, set sail on your personal watercraft, or just enjoy water views from your hotel or cabin, you can do it all on one of North Carolina's beautiful lakes. The Tar Heel State has more than its fair share of crystal-clear bodies of water that you can play on all spring, summer, fall, and even into the winter in the southern region. These charming, small lakeside towns play the perfect hosts for weekend getaways and family vacations all year long. Pack a beach bag or hook up your boat trailer, and get ready to explore one of North Carolina's beautiful lakefront communities on your next trip.
Blowing Rock
The beautiful small town of Blowing Rock, which is located in the state's western region, is home to scenic lakes, including: Bass Lake and Trout Lake. The town was named after Blowing Rock Cliff, North Carolina's oldest travel destination, and draws in nature lovers from all over at all times of the year. While both lakes are easy on the eyes, Bass Lake is known more it's wildlife and hiking trails, while Trout Lake beckons to anglers looking for their next big catch.
Off the lakes, the Appalachian Ski Mountain is a popular attraction for skiiers and snowboarders during the winter months. If you want to hire a fishing guide to explore the lakes, check out the Speckled Trout Outfitters, Mountains to Coast, and Chetola Resort's Orvis Guides. Arts and culture enthusiasts won't want to miss the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM), which showcases the area's rich mountain heritage.
Davidson
Charming Davidson is a nature-loving traveler's paradise, no matter what time of year you're in town. The warm and welcoming community is nestled on the shores of Lake Norman, which has the distinction of being the largest man-made lake in both North and South Carolina. The lake is the heart of Davidson, and is the ideal watery playground for visitors who want to go fishing, boating, swimming, kayaking and canoeing, and have a idyllic waterfront picnic.
In addition to Lake Norman, Davidson is home to the the Lake Davidson Nature Preserve and its several scenic trails, including the Sterling Martain Trail, which is ideal for hiking, biking, birding, and viewing local wildlife. Outdoor lovers can also spend time at Plum Creek Park and Roosevelt Wilson Park, nature respites known for their relaxing green spaces.
Cashiers
Cute Cashiers, which was dubbed the "Heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains," is the quintessential North Carolina lakeside town. This scenic village sits on a Blue Ridge Mountain plateau, and offers one-of-a-kind views of a large portion of Jackson County below. Visitors come from all over to hike the local Whiteside Mountain Trails, which offers several lookout points and breathtaking picture backdrops.
Lake Glenville is the jewel of the town, and is the ideal spot to go swimming or fishing for bass and various other species of fish all year long. Signal Ridge Marina is the lake's only full-service marina, and rents out pontoon boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards for the adventurous. Young Harris Water Sports also rents boats and jet skis by the hour or day. For land-based outdoor experiences, check out the Cashiers Greenway Ramble, or Sliding Rock, a natural rock slide.
Banner Elk
There are many reasons to visit the beautiful mountain town of Banner Elk, and Wildcat Lake is at the top of the list. The 13-acre lake is situated in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, and makes the perfect summer vacation destination. Wildcat Lake boasts a soft, sandy beach, where water-lovers can relax in the sun or cool off on a hot day. It's also fun lake to launch a non-motorized boat, such as a canoe or kayak on. The comprensive May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is located just a few miles from the beach, and is home to more than 1,500 injured birds, waterfowl, reptiles, raptors, and small mammals, which you can view.
If you're visiting Banner Elk during the winter months, go skiing and snowboarding at both the Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain ski resorts, or warm up with a gourmet meal and drink at the Banner Elk Winery, Sorrento's Bistro, or Artisanal Restaurant. If you're visiting Banner Elk during the third weekend of October, don't miss the whimisical Woolly Worm Festival, an annual event.
Sylva
Sweet Sylva is a small, welcoming town located at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains. It's known for it's "all American" main street, which is liined with speciality boutiques, antique shops, cozy cafes and restaurants, and art galleries such as the Gallery 1 Sylva. Local Wolf Creek Lake beckons to tourists year-round, but especially during the warm summer months, when they can go kayaking, canoeing, wildlife-viewing, and fly-fishing for trout, walleye, and red-eyed bass.
The lakeside town of Sylva is situated in the Plott Balsam Mountain Range, and offers panoramic vistas from several lookout points, such as Wesner Bald Overlook and Pinnacle Park. When it's time to get off of the lake for a bit, explore the Nantahala National Forest, which is located just outside of town and offers several trails for hiking, biking, and bird-watching.
No matter what time of year you plan to visit the pretty and diverse state of North Carolina, you can't go wrong with staying in a lakeside town for a few days, weeks, or even months. The state's lakes offer opportunities for boating, swimming, or more adventurous activities such as paddleboarding, skiing, and jet skiing. They're also the perfect destinations for relaxing in waterfront lodging, or enjoying a meal overlooking the water.
