Western North Carolina Prominent Lakes

June 2, 2025

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Avery County

  • Wildcat LakeA 13-acre lake in Banner Elk, popular for swimming and fishing.

  • Land Harbors LakeA 41-acre lake in the Linville Land Harbor community.

  • Coffey Trout LakeA small lake known for trout fishing.

  • Grandfather Mountain LakeLocated near Grandfather Mountain, offering scenic views.

Buncombe County

  • Lake JulianA 300-acre public lake in Arden, offering fishing, paddleboats, and picnic areas.

  • Beaver LakeA 50-acre lake in Asheville’s Lakeview Park neighborhood, known for its walking trails.

  • Lake PowhatanLocated in the Bent Creek area, popular for camping and swimming. Buncombe County Government Wikipedia

Burke County

  • Lake JamesA 6,510-acre lake with 150 miles of shoreline, offering boating and fishing opportunities.

  • Lake RhodhissA reservoir on the Catawba River, popular for boating and fishing.

Cherokee County

  • Lake HiwasseeA 6,090-acre lake with 180 miles of shoreline, surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest.

  • Apalachia LakeA 1,064-acre reservoir known for its clear water and fishing opportunities.

  • Cherokee LakeA small lake near Murphy, suitable for fishing and picnicking. The Blue Ridge Highlander

Clay County

  • Lake ChatugeA 7,200-acre lake (with 3,700 acres in Clay County), offering boating, fishing, and scenic views. The Blue Ridge Highlander

Graham County

  • Lake SanteetlahA 2,800-acre lake with 76 miles of shoreline, mostly undeveloped and ideal for various water activities. Graham County

Haywood County

  • Lake JunaluskaA 200-acre lake known for its serene environment and community events.

  • Lake LoganA 260-acre lake near the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering retreat and recreational opportunities.

Henderson County

  • Lake SummitA private lake popular for water sports.

  • Osceola LakeA historic lake near Hendersonville, suitable for fishing and non-motorized boating. osceolalake.org

Jackson County

  • Lake GlenvilleA high-elevation lake known for its waterfalls and recreational activities.

Macon County

  • Nantahala LakeA 1,600-acre lake offering boating, fishing, and scenic beauty.

McDowell County

  • Lake JamesAlso extends into McDowell County, offering similar recreational opportunities as in Burke County.

Mitchell County

  • No prominent lakes identified in this county.

Polk County

  • Lake AdgerA 438-acre lake offering fishing and boating opportunities.

Rutherford County

  • Lake LureA 720-acre lake known for its scenic beauty and as a filming location for movies.

Swain County

  • Fontana LakeA 10,230-acre lake with the highest dam east of the Rockies, offering various water activities.

Transylvania County

  • Connestee Falls LakeA private lake within a residential community.

  • Lake ToxawayA 640-acre private lake known for luxury homes and resorts.

  • Hot Springs Spa LakeA small lake near the town of Hot Springs, known for its relaxing environment.

To learn more or explore what’s available, reach out to Dwain Ammons, Realtor. He’s ready to help you find your perfect place by the water.

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“Western North Carolina Lake life is more than a move — it’s a mindset. And I’m here to help you find the place that feels like home.”
— Dwain Ammons, Realtor®