Escape to Lake Santeetlah for Untouched Terrain

In the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, 3,000 acres of shimmering, open water invite you to enjoy all of your favorite recreational pursuits away from the flocks of tourists and over-development that detracts from similarly beautiful destinations. No, this isn’t a dream – it’s Lake Santeetlah.

Surrounded by picturesque mountain peaks and the Nantahala National Forest, this man-made lake offers a refreshing opportunity to jumpstart your vacation with a little diversity. Simply add fishing, jet skiing, boating, kayaking, and swimming to your itinerary whenever you want to give your legs a break from all the nearby hiking adventures, and you can experience a more active and well-rounded getaway than you ever imagined.

While reeling in a variety of cold and warm-water fish species is a great way to relax and soak in the beautiful scenery, the picturesque terrain and accompanying trails of the Nantahala National Forest are just begging for exploration. Whether you want to tackle the Appalachian Trail or journey through the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest (which can lead to the stunning Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness Area), there is bound to be a path that suits your abilities.

No matter how many times you have conquered the rapids, an excursion down the Nantahala River is a requisite for any getaway in a Lake Santeetlah cabin rental. Offering some of the best whitewater rafting and kayaking in the North Carolina Mountains, there is no better way for beginners and experts to get their heart pounding in the most stunning of settings.