You don’t have to be a hiker to know about the Appalachian Trail. One of the longest hiking trails in the United States, this Maine-to-Georgia mountain excursion has been the subject of memoirs, movies, and mainstream media. Every year millions of hikers attempt to make the “thru-hike” north or south, but only around 15% make their destination.

Appalachian Trailblazers

The popularity of the Appalachian Trail exploded just before the new millennium, but the hike itself has been around for decades. The trail began with Benton MacKaye, a forester who first wrote of his planned path in 1921. The first section of the trail opened in New York several years later. Early metal markers pointing the way South still exist from these early trailblazing efforts. Today hiking conservatories have unified the trail with white trail blazes. Similar blue blazes show the road to campsites, shelters, and scenic overlooks off the beaten path.

Home Sweet Home

Lake Nantahala is home to many scenic views, rugged hiking trails, and protected forest spaces; but nothing else in our backyard is quite as famous as the Appalachian Trail. A 60 mile portion of the 2,180 mile Appalachian Scenic National Trail passes through the Nantahala region. Our nearby neighbors in Franklin, NC became an official Appalachian Trail Community in 2010 for their work in protecting and tending the trail. North Carolina is also home to another famous Appalachian Trail stop: Hot Springs, NC. The hot, bubbling natural springs outside of Asheville make a perfect stop, whether you’re hiking in the wilderness or taking a day trip to the northeast.

Adventure awaits in your backyard. Hike past cascading falls and stunning views of the North Carolina mountains on the Nantahala section of the Appalachian Trail.

photo from flickr

We asked, and Lake Nantahala lovers delivered. We know why we love the sweeping views, residential amenities, and rich adventures of the Reflection Lake Nantahala community, but we want to know what mountain lake life means to our residents and renters. Lake Nantahala Facebook follower Casey took our request to heart, sharing his favorite images of Lake Nantahala. We’re sure he hopes to find an opportunity to rent a lakeside cabin and enjoy the sweet peace of Lake Nantahala living once more.

There’s nowhere better than a cabin on the lake to relax on a hot summer day. With a sense of seclusion from the rich green foliage, a hazy view of the Nantahala Mountains, and the crystal clear water reflecting the beauty around, we can’t imagine why anyone would pass up a vacation at Lake Nantahala. Many of our lake homes feature benches, tables, and chairs where families can relax and enjoy the idyllic pleasures of this North Carolina mountain getaway.

A view from above captures the ethereal beauty of the twilight hours. When fog rolls in off the mountains to settle onto the pure waters of Lake Nantahala, the result is breathtaking. During the day the lake ripples with families enjoying fishing, swimming, and boating, but as peace creeps through the evening hours, the waters still, showcasing the beauty that surrounds them.

Experience the picturesque cabins, lakeside views, and endless amenities of Lake Nantahala. Ask about North Carolina mountain real estate and rental homes.

We’re always ready for a day of play at Lake Nantahala, but sometimes we let our enthusiasm get the better of us. Don’t jump in before you’ve checked off these summer life hacks for the perfect lake day.

1. Stay Plugged In. Can’t give up your smartphone? Keep up with friends and colleagues (and enjoy your “Loving Lake Life” playlist) by putting your iPhone in a plastic sandwich bag. The touchscreen will work as usual, and you won’t have to worry about fritzing your phone while you lounge by the lake.
2. Stay Hydrated. If you’re gearing up for fun in the sun, hydration is the key to a long, happy day. You don’t need a cooler to a enjoy crisp, refreshing drink on Lake Nantahala. The night before a summer adventure, fill an empty water bottle halfway. Put it on its side in the freezer. In the morning, fill it the rest of the way with water, juice, or your favorite soda. Voila! Instantly cold water without chipping ice or hauling coolers.
3. Stay Organized. Are you the type of person who tends to lose things? It’s easy for keys, wallets, and electronics to sink to the bottom of an over-full beach bag. Skip the ensuing panic by keeping your important items together. Clean out an old sunscreen bottle and store your phone, keys, and credit cards inside. Not only will they stay safe and hidden, you won’t have to worry about accidental water damage.

There’s still time to soak up sun on the Lake Nantahala shore! Enjoy the good life with a North Carolina mountains lakeside property.

Summer is off to a great start. Lake house owners in the Reflection community have settled into a season of summer cookouts, record breaking Kokanee salmon fishing, and relaxing afternoons boating on Lake Nantahala. But Lake’s End Diner isn’t the only source of entertainment for local homeowners. Nearby Bryson City has a full schedule of exciting summer adventures this July at the Nantahala Outdoor Center.

Independence Day at the Nantahala

Residents of Nantahala, North Carolina celebrate freedom by expressing their sense of adventure. This 4th of July weekend the NOC is throwing a festival of family-centric fun that reminds us of the blessings we enjoy every day. Kick off a weekend of excitement with the Sizzlin’ 4th of July festival. Events will include the Nantahala Rafting Club’s Family Whitewater Weekend races, sizzling sales at the Nantahala Outfitters stores, and live music at Big Wesser BBQ. 4th of July weekend events run July 4th-6th in Bryson City.

Camp Cup Challenge

Summer camp is something that never goes out of style. July 14th-15th the Alzar School invites nearby camps to enjoy two days of rafting adventures, team building, and new friendships at the Camp Cup Challenge. Campers will learn beginner downriver rafting, freestyle, and slalom from a team of top coaches and instructors. Kids 18 and under are welcome to participate for just $5.

Kayaking on the Nantahala

The NOC rounds out a month of freedom and adventure with two race events on the Nantahala River. Kids of all ages are welcome to participate in the NOC Canoe Club Challenge on July 19th. Races include beginner slalom, advance slalom, and the NOC Boater Cross foot race. The weekend of kayaking continues with the World Kayak Hometown Throwdown on July 20th. Paddlers can show off their skills with rolls, loops, swimming, and more as they rack up points and compete for recognition. At the end of the competition, racers can check their ranking on a local, regional, and national level.

Taste the adventure this July with family fun in Bryson City near Lake Nantahala.

photo from FreeDigitalPhotos

4^th of July celebrations encompass everything we love about life on the lake: fresh grilled food, beautiful views, and time spent with family and friends. With our crystal clear lake, beautiful forested mountains, and welcoming community, we can truly experience America the Beautiful every day of the year. Make the most of your Independence Day holiday with 4 ways to celebrate 4^th of July at Lake Nantahala.

1. Throw a cookout. Nothing says “lakeside living” quite like a 4^th of July cookout. Buy simple foods like hot dogs and chips, bake desserts ahead of time, and leave the refreshments in the cooler. There’s no better way to prepare for a family-and-friends cookout than a day relaxing on the shores of Lake Nantahala. Want to keep the festivities small? Celebrate our country’s birthday by cruising around the lake with your favorite people, a cooler full of snacks, and an inner tube for some 4^th of July fun!
2. Go camping. Honor our hard-won liberty by enjoying the beauty of our national parks. Pack your bags and spend a night under the stars in one of the Nantahala National Forest’s idyllic campsites. There’s no better way to appreciate American life than roasting hot dogs over an open campfire. Take your time hiking and exploring the Nantahala on July 5^th, then travel to nearby Glenville for their annual fireworks display.
3. See the fireworks. It wouldn’t be the 4^th of July without fireworks. Kids may enjoy sparklers and glow worms as you celebrate at the lake, but the real fireworks come after dark. Visit Glenville, Andrews, or Franklin for a show that will light up your entire holiday.
4. Head to Bryson City. Our friends at the Nantahala Outdoor Center know how to party! This Independence Day they’re hosting the Sizzlin’ 4^th of July event, a weekend full of whitewater rafting, adventure races, and special sales at the NOC Outfitter’s store.

Make the most of your Lake Nantahala real estate by celebrating the holiday with the people you love.

Every year when Father’s Day rolls around, dads get an assortment of the strangest gifts in the store. A biography of a sports legend he’s never heard of, outdoor technology for that weeklong hiking excursion he’s supposedly always wanted to try, and ties in a variety of colors and shades that suit his family more than the man himself. If you want to give dad a gift he’ll love—and remember—the best present is quality time. Here are 4 Lake Nantahala Father’s Day activities for you and your family.

1. Fishing: There’s no better Father’s Day gift than a morning of relaxation, nature, and dad’s favorite people. Lake Nantahala, the Nantahala River, and the streams near the Reflection gated community have an impressive array of fish to catch. Find dad’s favorite fishing spot or explore the shores of North Carolina mountain creeks.
2. Golfing: If your father or husband prefers a slower paced sport, take him golfing for Father’s Day. The Nantahala village has several scenic golf courses nearby, including Cherokee Hills Golf Course in nearby Murphy, NC. Find other courses nestled into the Great Smokey Mountains and the Nantahala National Forest.
3. Boating: Nothing else gives dad the rest and relaxation of a Father’s Day spent on the lake. Pack a cooler, rent a boat, and enjoy the warm sunshine and lakeside breezes of an afternoon on the water.
4. Homemade Food: Does your dad love to grill, munch homemade snacks, and sip refreshing drinks by the lake? Plan a family cookout for Father’s Day. Prepare tasty, marinated steaks or keep it classic with burgers. Don’t forget to make his favorite dessert from scratch!

Show dad you love him by making new memories. Enjoy your Father’s Day at Lake Nantahala with your favorite North Carolina mountain man.

photo from FreeDigitalPhotos