Nestled In North Carolina's Forests Lies A Cozy Lake Town With Appalachian Mountain Views

You can find some of the best mountain towns in North Carolina. A few of these gems — like the serene and picturesque Lake Junaluska — even pair their mountainous scenery with stunning waterfront views. But for a vacation experience that packs Appalachian beauty, lakeside fun, and cozy forest vibes, there are few places more appealing than the town of Lake Santeetlah.

Centered around its namesake lake, this destination can be found just off U.S. Route 129, a stretch known in the Smokies as the Tail of the Dragon. Whether you approach Lake Santeetlah from Knoxville, Tennessee's McGhee Tyson Airport in the north or from Asheville Regional Airport to the east, you're likely to encounter this wild road's 318 curves. What awaits you at the end of that thrilling drive is a lakefront village where you can hunker down in a log cabin, hike through the wilderness, fish for rainbow trout, or spend hours boating across sparkling waters.

The best time to visit Lake Santeetlah varies depending on which of those activities you most want to explore. Located in a region beloved for its vibrant fall foliage, the town is an excellent place to escape for an autumnal vacation. Mild temperatures in September and October also make Lake Santeetlah welcoming for hikers. Meanwhile, warm summer weather can be inviting for travelers eager to get out on the water. That said, boaters and paddlers alike should know that this town sees its rainiest season between June and August.

Lake Santeetlah's eponymous body of water stretches across nearly 3,000 acres. Surrounded by Appalachian mountain views and serene shores free of crowded, hyper-developed tourist traps, the lake here is a dream destination for paddlers, rafters, boaters, and anglers. For boating, head on down to Santeetlah Marina, where you can find pontoon boat, paddle board, kayak, and canoe rentals. If you also want to cast a few lines on Lake Santeetlah, consider booking a sunset fishing boat tour with Carolina Bound Adventures. During this excursion, anglers have the chance to catch bass, trout, panfish, and walleye while enjoying golden hour on the water.

Swimmers, don't worry — Lake Santeetlah welcomes you, too. For a fun day in the water, visit Cheoah Point Beach, a sandy-shored inlet with nearby campgrounds, picnic tables, and forested mountain views. From Cheoah Point Beach, rafting enthusiasts seeking whitewater rapids can head to a put-in on the Cheoah River. Rapids range from Class III to IV, and there are even a few drops for thrill-seekers to look forward to.

Conveniently nestled in between the beautiful and iconic Nantahala National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Lake Santeetlah and its surrounding lands give hikers boundless opportunities to explore. Start with a trek along Lake Santeetlah Trail North Loop, a moderately challenging 3.3-mile route with views of the water and forest. When you're ready for more forest adventures, visit Nantahala National Forest's Cheoah District, where more than 250 miles of trails await. For an unforgettably scenic experience, hike this area between spring and mid-summer. This time of year ushers in some show-stopping wildflower blooms.

Another excellent hike to prioritize is Joyce Kilmer Lower Loop Trail, located within the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness. During this roughly 2-mile hike, sightseers can marvel at an old-growth forest full of towering hardwoods. Nearby, experienced hikers can challenge themselves to a more difficult journey along the approximately 13-mile Slickrock Creek Trail. Climbing thousands of feet in elevation, this path rewards those who tackle it with sky-high views and a stop by a lovely waterfall.