Swimming in rivers, streams discouraged due to high water levels in Nantahala

rain on the lake

Don’t let the rain get you down. With care for precautions, you can still enjoy a great day of swimming in Nantahala.

Swimmers in the Nantahala and Pisgah areas may want to make plans now to head to Lake Nantahala, as the U.S. Forest Service National Forests in North Carolina has issued a statement discouraging swimmers in the rivers and streams of the area:

“The U.S. Forest Service National Forests in North Carolina is urging visitors to the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests to avoid swimming in the creeks, rivers and streams until water levels recede. Water levels are more than a foot above normal in some waterways. High water levels and strong stream flows pose a safety risk to visitors.”

With the added water from the consistent rain we’ve been getting in the area, the rapids of the Nantahala River and the power of the streams in the area has steadily grown, making the water somewhat risky for visitors. If you’ve planned to visit your lake house in the coming weeks or have planned a vacation to Nantahala, don’t worry; you don’t have to miss out on all water sports. To avoid the strong stream flows and to have a safer swim, Nantahala Lake provides a calmer, more serene retreat until the water recedes. The large lake can handle added water capacity well, keeping the waters calm and clear, perfect for swimmers, fishing, kayaking, boating, and other water sports.

The U.S. Forest Service National Forests in North Carolina does, however, warn against some activities around the shore of the lake, stating that visitors to the Nantahala  and Pisgah areas should “avoid climbing near waterfalls and be aware of the potential for flash flooding.”

We hope that everyone continues to have a safe and amazing fun summer in the Nantahala area, especially at the lake! A little vigilance and safety can go a long way towards having a great day at the lake, even after all of the rain.

Photo via Flickr CC

Kayaking on Lake Nantahala: Which Kayak is right for you?

kayaking

Choosing the right kayak for your Lake Nantahala adventure is the first step.

Lakes are a great place for paddlers. If you love to kayak or canoe, or think it’s something you’d be interested in, the calm but large waters of Nantahala Lake provide the perfect scenario for beginners or experienced paddlers with beautiful and scenic views and easily maneuvered waters. With close proximity to the Nantahala Outdoor Center and the rapids of the Nantahala River, kayaking in the area allows you access to both rougher rapids and the calm, serene paddling of the lake. Do you know which kayak to get for your sport? Here’s a guide to help you pick the kayak that will meet your needs.

Do you need a recreational kayak, whitewater kayak, or a touring kayak?

Before you purchase your kayak, decide on your intent for the sport. This includes the duration of your trips, what kind of water you plan to use your kayak in, and your ability level before you buy. Choose the description that best applies to you:

  1. Do you plan to just take basic cruises around the lake? Would you like more stability in your kayak for beginner’s assurance and for taking photos? If so, a recreational kayak is probably for you.
  2. Do you want to try out your kayak on multi-day trips along a camping route? Would you like for your kayak to be used in the lake and the ocean on vacations? Will you need to transport gear in your kayak with you? A touring kayak will fit your needs better than a basic recreational model.
  3. Do you want to be able to use your kayak on the rapids of the NOC along the Nantahala River, as well as the calm waters of Nantahala Lake? Consider investing in a whitewater kayak; these kayaks are built for the rushing rapids of a powerful river, unlike your basic recreational model.

 

Photo via  U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Northeast Region via Flickr CC. 

Hiking In Nantahala How-To’s

trail hiking

Hike for one day or for two weeks; either way, there’s a trail near Nantahala that’s perfect for you.

Lake life may not seem the norm for residents of large cities, but at Lake Nantahala, we find the area to be an excellent weekend “escape” for those residing in Atlanta, New Orleans, Charlotte, and more who just want a weekend to get back to nature and to enjoy a little quiet. When it comes to getting back to nature, hiking is one of the most popular past-times in the area, as Lake Nantahala’s beautiful surroundings has lent the area to excellent trails, including access to the Appalachian Trail. Before you head to the woods, there are a few things you’ll want to take note of when hiking in NC:

Stick to the trails

When hiking in densely forested areas, a trail comes in handy not just as a natural map, but also as a clear pathway. Get a trail map or do extensive research on the  trail you plan to take while you’re at the lake so that you know what to expect, the duration of the hike, and the expertise needed to navigate it.

Pack accordingly

Even while taking a short hike in the area, you may want to have a bottle of water with you or a quick snack. On longer hiking ventures, make sure you have the correct over night gear, provisions, and equipment to handle the weather, trail, and situations you may encounter.

Be respectful of others

One of the reasons that people choose to purchase real estate in NC with a lake view of Lake Nantahala is the pristine, clear nature of the water. From the docks to the deep, you can see clearly down to the bottom of the lake, as far as the sun can reach, until it’s too deep to see further. This clarity is in part due to the cleanliness of the lake, and the respect people have for the water and the land around it. When hiking, dispose of wrappers and trash appropriately, follow the trail guidelines for pet waste, and be conscious of noise and behavior around neighboring hikers.

 

Planning a weekend trip or a full out hiking excursion near the lake? Get more details and hiking how-to’s from The Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Have a trail you love in the area? Tell us about it in our comments section.

 

Photo via Flickr CC.

5 Things to Make Your Memorial Day Amazing

american flags on memorial day

Memorial Day is a national day of remembrance as we look back on and thank those who gave their lives serving in the armed forces. While a somber observance, Memorial Day is also a great reminder to spend time with the ones we love and to celebrate the freedom that the fallen sacrificed their lives to protect. One of the most popular celebrations is a great day on the Lake; we’ve got a few tips for you to help make your Memorial Day celebration at Lake Nantahala the best yet.

1. The perfect entertaining venue

Reflections on Lake Nantahala provides the perfect, scenic locale for a lake day celebration. If you have access to a beautiful back deck or a porch, or if you own a dock by the lake, set up enough seating for your guests. Make sure that chairs are grouped to encourage conversation by grouping them in sets of three or more. By separating the sets, you encourage attendees to get up and move around between smaller, more intimate conversations, bringing everyone together.

feet on the edge of a boat on Lake Nantahala

The boat is the perfect place to kick back and relax.

2. Activities at the lake house

While lounging in the sun or spending a day out on the boat are the perfect agenda for a holiday, have back up plans in case of rain or activities to enjoy while at the lake house. Popular games such as ladder ball or corn hole are easy to play on the shore or in the back yard, while card games provide great entertainment indoors. If your family has lost someone in the armed forces, share your favorite memories of them to honor them on Memorial Day.

3. Activities in the area

If you plan to stay in town for more than just weekend, local activities are a great way to round out your Memorial Day and vacation week celebrations. Visit the Nantahala Outdoor Center, just minutes from Lake Nantahala, for rafting, kayaking, and more. Get out your fishing line and enjoy a day of fishing on the lake or in the local rivers. Take the family to enjoy a sporting event, such as the 10th Annual Fletcher Flyer Bike Ride, heading through Western North Carolina on June 2.

summer cocktail in a mason jar

Make a summer cocktail or a refreshing lemonade to enjoy at the lake house.

4. The right food

Memorial Day is all about the grill or the barbecue, so break out the smoker or the charcoal and get ready to cook up some goodness. Spread the table with North Carolina favorites like barbecue ribs and potato salad with a fresh pitcher of sweet tea, lemonade, or a Summer inspired cocktail. Consider your guests as you plan your menu–Are there any vegetarians? Is anyone allergic to anything? Have at least one dish that each person can enjoy.

5. The right mindset

While this may seem like a no-brainer, too often we use long holiday weekends to catch up on work or in a frazzled state trying to complete a project at home. Instead, spend some time in the “lake house state of mind.” This weekend, focus on relaxing, spending time with you friends and family, and being happy. You’ll be glad that you did!

 

Are you spending Memorial Day at Reflections on Lake Nantahala or around the Topton, NC area? Share a photo of your festivities with us on Facebook!

Photos via Flickr CC users DavidYuWeb, Ada Be, and 3Liz4