The onset of cold weather means packing up many Lake Nantahala outdoor adventures. White water rafting, fishing, and kayaking have become something to anticipate for the warm, sunny weather of spring. But with the splendor of our fall foliage, crisp waterfalls, and rugged mountain terrain, autumn gives new life to outdoor adventures like hiking, camping, and horseback riding. Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, and our North Carolina mountain lake homes offer plenty to be thankful for. Explore a world of beauty, adventure, and brisk mountain air in the national forests just beyond your backyard.

Appalachian Trail

When was the last time you explored the Appalachian Trail? The trail spans Maine to Georgia and cuts through the heart of the Nantahala National Forest, giving our Reflection community easy access to one of the most celebrated trails in the country. Just one of the many North Carolina mountain hiking options, the Appalachian Trail is alive with the rich colors, curious wildlife, and unexplored terrain that make our home such a breathtaking retreat. Take a day hike along the edge of the Great Smoky Mountain National Forest or plan a camping expedition and test your limits. The convenient, majestic trails won’t cease to remind you and your family to be thankful for your Lake Nantahala home.

Horseback Riding

It won’t be long until your cabin is brimming with food, decorations, and more relatives that you could expect. Find a few hours of peace before the holidays begin or plan a family adventure horseback riding in the Nantahala Gorge. Whether you’re hitting the open trails alone or riding into the sunset with your loved ones in tow, a horseback riding tour of Nantahala is the perfect start to your Thanksgiving festivities. Learn the significance of our national forests, see historic settlements, and discover untold natural beauty with one of the many guided tour options. The ride may only last a few hours, but the memories will last a lifetime.

Our Lake Nantahala real estate rests in the heart of the stunning North Carolina mountains. Call for information on community life, nearby adventures, or purchasing your own Reflection home.

photo from flickr

Stunning leaves aren’t the only focal point for North Carolina mountain residents this fall; Halloween is creeping over the horizon. Your doorstep may be set with festive fall décor like gourds, ghouls, and Jack-O-Lanterns, but without a little preparation, the heart of the holiday may pass you by. Ready for some safe, spooky community fun? Here’s how to make the most of your Lake Nantahala real estate this Halloween.

Trick or Treating

Trick or treaters might have trouble finding our mountain community, but that’s no reason not to prepare! Clear leaves and debris from your driveway and sidewalk, trim any branches that may snag costumes, and keep the outside of your house well-lit if you’re handing out candy. If you’ve created a true haunted house masterpiece, make signs so kids can find you. Arrows on tombstones, distressed boards marked “enter if you dare,” or spooky graphics on posters should do the trick!

Haunted Festivals and Ghost Tours

With all this autumn mountain scenery, it’s no wonder haunted festivals, fall competitions, and ghost tours abound. Enjoy one of the stellar ghost tours at our local national forests, or wrap up NOCtoberfest with the pre-Halloween party on October 26^th. The festivities will include food, games, live music, and a costume contest to get you in the Halloween spirit!

Church Functions

Families that prefer to avoid the sinister atmosphere of All Hallow’s Eve can still enjoy sweet treats and entertainment. Check your local church calendars for fall festivals, costume parties, and game nights. Instead of scary decorations and undead neighbors, many churches offer nights of family fellowship, kid friendly competitions, and tasty treats that capture the bounty of the season without stumbling into spooky graveyard territory.

photo from flickr

October is well underway, and autumn decorations are blooming with the reds, oranges, and golds that are beginning to grace our trees. Whether you’re diving into Halloween decorations or fall festival is more your style, it’s time to give your North Carolina mountain lake home an autumn makeover.

October Ornamentation

Nothing says ‘autumn’ quite like an array of gourds gracing your porch, tables, and landscape. Compliment the Nantahala fall foliage by arranging simple pumpkins and squash along your sidewalk, or take advantage of a Halloween classic by carving a Jack-O-Lantern with your family. If your style is more country than creepy, try painting pumpkins instead of carving them. Oranges and reds may be an automatic fall decorating color scheme, but adding touches of white or black will add instant class to your classic decorations.

Halloween Décor

For some, Halloween is an excuse to push the bounds of DIY decoration. Whether you love subtle touches or an all-out creepy cabin, there’s no end to Halloween decoration ideas for your North Carolina cabin. Pumpkins and spider-webs are holiday decorating staples, but try something new this year by painting custom candy jars and repurposing vintage items like typewriters for your décor. You can go as creepy or classic as you like, and most Halloween decorations can be tucked away and used again next year.

Lighting

Fall festivities, October office parties, and Halloween trick or treating all offer unique experiences for anyone with Lake Nantahala real estate. Our beautiful mountain views, stunning foliage, and bird’s eye view of the lake are the perfect setting for any event. Ensure the night runs smoothly by checking your outdoor lighting before the evening begins. Well-lit exteriors will highlight the architectural features of your Reflection cabin and make your guests feel welcome. Small lanterns or ground lights lining your walkway will keep partygoers safe from stumbling.

This fall, enjoy the autumn ornamentation our mountain lake home provides by playing up the oranges, reds, and golds in your cabin decorating.

photo from flickr

The government shutdown has had a landslide effect on metropolitan and rural areas across the country. But for those living in the mountains surrounding Lake Nantahala, NC, the federal shutdown means closing the door on our biggest source of revenue: tourism. Autumn generally marks an increase in bookings around our beautiful national park forests. When the leaves start changing, visitors from distant cities and neighboring counties of North Carolina lace up their hiking boots to explore the majesty and peace of our Nantahalan waterfalls, hiking trails, lakeside amenities, and campgrounds. Now guests from Charlotte, Atlanta, and Asheville are canceling their plans and unpacking their SUVs.

Our North Carolina National Forests

Lake Nantahala rests between two stunning national parks, both popular destinations for surveying the brilliant fall foliage of the mountains of North Carolina. US 441 is the only direct route remaining open into the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. Only 47 of their 326 employees are still working, most of them maintenance workers and law enforcement officials. Offices, campgrounds, shooting ranges, off-roading trails, and even bathrooms at both national parks have closed their doors to the public. So what’s the good news in all this red tape?

The Good News

Despite the many necessary closings, the staff members at our national parks are committed to preserving and enjoying nature. Tourists and locals alike can still enjoy hiking, fishing, and off-site camping. Additionally, the Nantahala National Forest is keeping a handful of campgrounds open: the Cliffside Day Use Area, the Van Hook Glade Campground, and the Standing Indian/Kimsey Creek/Hurricane Creek Recreation Complex will remain open to the public. Many federally funded services are not currently offered, so come prepared with outdoor essentials.

During the federal shutdown, bathroom facilities are closed and trash pickup has been suspended. Please respect the beauty of the nature trails, streams, lakes, and forests by removing all waste.

photo from flickr

Autumn in a North Carolina mountain lake home means a breathtaking array of changing leaves reflecting like watercolors on the clear surface of the lake. But while you’re putting pumpkins on your doorstep and hanging your fall wreaths, keep in mind that not all fall preparation is decorative. The sunny, cooling days of fall at Lake Nantahala make perfect weather for home maintenance projects. It’s time to update your autumn checklist.

Store Summer Gear

Summer essentials rarely stand up to the onslaught of fall and winter weather. Clean and store patio and lawn furniture, lakeside accessories, and kids’ summer toys.

Don’t Leave the Leaves

Our gorgeous deciduous trees mean an excess of fallen leaves. Replace your rake and store it somewhere accessible. Then clean the summer sludge from the gutters, and check them throughout the season to make sure they aren’t clogged with fallen foliage.

Check Weather Strips 

Test windows, doors, and garages for gaps where cold air might seep through. Check the durability of weather strips and replace or add caulk as necessary. You never know how chilly the season will be when you own North Carolina mountain real estate, and sealing the cracks will lower your heat bill considerably this season.

Clear Vents

Whether you’re booking an appointment with a chimney sweep or replacing filters in your heating units, clearing away built-up soot, lint, and dust is essential to home safety. Cleaning and replacing vents in autumn provides you with clean, warm air for the cooler months.

Limit Fire Hazards 

Check stoves for grease buildup, test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and vacuum lint from behind the dryer. Store equipment for your fireplace safely, including brushes, screens, and firewood.

Proper fall preparation gives you peace of mind about the safety of your family and your home in the upcoming season. Once you’ve tackled your checklist, enjoy a mug of hot apple cider on the patio. You’ve earned some peace and quiet to enjoy the beauty surrounding your Reflection Lake Nantahala cabin home.

Summer has slipped away, but autumn doesn’t mean bidding adieu to outdoor exploration. Lake Nantahala has plenty of pickings for fall festivals and nature adventures right outside your North Carolina mountain lake home. So snag that jacket and enjoy the crisp air, because this season promises to be sensational.

Right Outside Your Door

With the changing leaves, cooler temperatures, and earlier mornings, hiking around Lake Nantahala in the fall adds spice to a tried-and-true trek. Pack a jacket, snag a camera and your hiking kit, and relish the beauty of the waterfalls, the wildlife, and the stunning reds, oranges, and yellows of autumnal plant life. An evening bonfire is a beloved tradition for bringing family together. Pack up the hotdogs and smores, grab a guitar or a flashlight for ghost stories, and spark the mood for the spookiest month of the year. October is almost here.

Fall Festivals

Fall festivals are the reason for the season. No autumn would be complete without pumpkin patches, apple picking, hot, spiced cider, and the seasonal events at Nantahala Outdoor Center. Finish September with crafts, contests for kids, and a deal on outdoor gear at the Guest Appreciation Festival. Then make the weekend trek to visit our neighbors in Bryson City for the anticipated annual NOCtoberfest. Running each weekend through Halloween, the fall festival includes food and drinks, live music, pumpkin pursuit paddling competitions, and pumpkin decorating, culminating in a costume contest the last weekend of the month.

Owning Lake Nantahala real estate means never being bereft of the beauty of the North Carolina countryside. Whether you’re scoping out fall festivals or trekking through fields and forests, the Reflection community has plenty to keep you busy during the advent of autumn.

The weather’s still warm, but autumn is making its way to our corner of North Carolina. Every fall our stunning range of outdoor color has the owners of Lake Nantahala real estate strapping on their hiking boots and exploring the trees, waterfalls, and fall flowers just outside their doors. Whether you’re a hiking veteran or learning the hiking basics, the key to a happy hiking experience is all about the backpack. Here are a few supplies you won’t want to leave behind.

Hiking Survival Bag

No matter what distance you’ll be hiking, you won’t want to leave without packing a basic hiking kit. You never know when you might wander off the beaten path or find yourself in need of a bandage. Don’t leave your cabin without:

• Food and water
• Lighter and matches
• First Aid Kit
• Flashlight
• Cell phone and/or two-way radio
• Map and compass

Advance Hiking Kit

If you’re exploring new terrain, hiking deep into the forest, or planning a camping excursion, you’ll want to bring basic overnight supplies. Your tent or hammock is a no brainer, but here are a few items you’ll also want to include:

• Poncho and extra socks
• Blanket
• Serrated knife
• Iodine tablets
• Candle
• Garbage Bags

Proper preparation allows you to enjoy the beautiful trails around Lake Nantahala without worrying if your adventure takes a twist. And don’t forget to pack a camera! Wherever your destination and whatever your route, you don’t want to take a hike without your phone for emergency contact. Don’t kill your battery or sacrifice snapping shots of the autumn artistry outside your North Carolina mountain lake home.

photo from flickr

With a world of splendor and opportunity right outside your cabin door, it can be easy to look no further for adventure than our corner of Lake Nantahala real estate. But our Bryson City compatriots have some events on the schedule you don’t want to miss. This year, the 2013 Freestyle Kayaking World Championship is taking place just a few miles from our backyard. The festivities are well underway, but it’s not too late to glimpse the determination and athleticism of these incredible competitors. What are the 3 best reasons to check it out?

Accessibility

Not only is Nantahala Gorge less than an hour’s drive from our gated Reflection community, entrance to the competition is free. Bryson City is showcasing its nature, culture, and hospitality by offering a variety of free and inexpensive parking options. Buses will shuttle your family to the gorge, and the Kayaking World Championship has no admission fee. Soak in the rapids and watch the competition or wander the town and check the daily competition results on your smart phone.

Diversity

As you might expect, the 2013 Freestyle Kayaking World Championship hosts athletes from more than just our little corner of the North Carolina mountains. They’ve welcomed teams from over 40 different nations! Spectators can also enjoy a wide range of live music, unique entertainment, delicious food, and opportunities for adventure in the Nantahala National Forest.

Family

Relaxing by the lake makes for a nice afternoon (and looks great in a snapshot), but exploring the world beyond your dock makes for some unforgettable memories, too. Take the family for a day of marveling at astounding athletes while you soak in our unique North Carolina heritage. The crystal clear waters of Lake Nantahala will be waiting when you come home.

The competition concludes Monday, September 8, so be sure to check out the rough and tumble final hours leading up to the awards ceremony.

photo from flickr

Whether you’re renting at Sunset Point lodge or you get to enjoy our mountain views year-round, there’s plenty to keep you and your family occupied this holiday weekend. Invite your friends, members of your Reflection Lake Nantahala community, or co-workers who surely need a vacation as much as you do. We’ve got weekend getaway tips to make shaking work and school stress a no-brainer.

Plan a Party

With the helpful crew at Lake’s End Marina and Lake’s End Diner, throwing a lakeside party doesn’t require much planning. Rent a boat for the day and stop back for something tasty from our lunch and dinner menus. Enjoy the crystal clear water as you cruise, ski, and tube through your holiday without worrying about entertainment, cooking, or cleanup. With an array of rental options, you can find the boat and water sporting equipment that best suits your family’s unique style of fun.

Enjoy Nature

Lake Nantahala rests in the embrace of our stunning North Carolina mountains. Dust off your boots for a new hiking adventure, stake claim to the perfect campground, or simply relax beside the lake and watch the wildlife meander past your dock. Your backyard is brimming with beauty, and there’s no better time to breathe it in than this Labor Day weekend.

Come Prepared

Don’t forget your waterside basics! A get-together at the lake can quickly lose its appeal if you forget to stock up on sunscreen, beach towels, drinks and snacks, and a camera to capture all your favorite holiday moments. Remember to ramp up your sense of adventure, and then make the most of Labor Day by exploring the beauty of Lake Nantahala with the people you love.