Lake house ideas to make your home stand out

July 29, 2013 by Leave a Comment
lake house

Go for a rustic design like this one, or modern and chic–Your lake house, your choice!

Reflections on Lake Nantahala offers the perfect location for your new lake house. With a great view of the lake, quick access to the water with the nearby marina and dock, and the perfect, tranquil mountain setting in North Carolina, you have everything you need around you to provide the perfect lake house setting. Now that you have the setting, it’s time to think about what’s going inside of your lake house and in the lake house design. Here are a few ideas we have to help make your new home even more spectacular:

Incorporate natural colors into your home.

Life at the lake is all about getting back into sync with a slower pace of life and nature, so surrounding yourself with natural hues will help add to the feeling. Go rustic with exposed woods and rich autumn shades inspired by the leaves around you in the fall. If you want a more modern and chic look, incorporate a country white wash or white space as well as shades that you’d see in the water, such as the deep blue or soft green that Lake Nantahala showcases from a distance.

Be smart with storage.

Built ins are a great way to add space and interest to your home without sacrificing any square footage. Consider adding book shelves under your stairs or cubbies in the bathroom for towels and toiletries. If you want to get really creative, consider a modern design such as these Murphy style bunk beds.

Add a touch of whimsy and personality.

The lake house is your retreat, whether you live at Lake Nantahala year-round or just come for regular visits. Let your home show off the same care-free spirit you want to have while you’re there by adding fun accents with a lake theme, or just items that reflect your personality. Not feeling really inspired? Scour sites like Pinterest or Etsy for great lake house decor ideas and sources to find what fits your style.

Photo via Flickr CC. 

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

July 26, 2013 by Leave a Comment
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. 

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Enjoy Kokanee Fishing at Lake Nantahala

July 12, 2013 by Leave a Comment

 

Kokanee-Salmon-Lake-Nantahala

Ashley Swann with her record setting Kokanee Salmon from Lake Nantahala.

Angler enthusiasts enjoy a wide variety of fishing near Nantahala lake. While the Topton, NC and Nantahala River areas are best known for their trout fishing opportunities, a day with your fishing pole at the lack will lend you more than a wide variety of catches. Lake Nantahala, however, holds a special kind of fish that no other lake in North Carolina has: The Kokanee Salmon.

What is the Kokanee Salmon?

The Kokanee Salmon is a variety of sockeye salmon that lives in landlocked, freshwater bodies around the United States. The fish, named for it’s title of “silver trout” in the Okanagan language, was stocked in the lake as a forage fish for other predators in the lake by the NC Wildlife Resource Commission in the 1960’s.  Lake Nantahala is the only lake in North Carolina to stock the fish, though the fish can also be found in lakes in the Western US, namely in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and several other states.

Want to set a record? According to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, the current record for the largest Kokanee Salmon from Lake Nantahala belongs to Ashley Swann and was set in June of 2009. The record-breaking catch weighed in at 3 lbs and 9 oz.

What other fish are available in Lake Nantahala?

Even if you don’t land a Kokanee Salmon, chances are you’ll catch an impressive variety and number of fish during a day at Nantahala Lake. In addition to the rare Kokanee and the famous Trout, you can find Bass, Sunfish, Crappie, and Walleye in the lake, providing you a wonderful variety of freshwater fish to target for your day on the water.

Tips for Fishing at Nantahala Lake

Ready to head out on the lake for a day of angling? First, make sure that all of your licenses and gear are ready to go and that the fish you’re targeting are in season. If you’re a lake area resident, such as a homeowner in the Reflections on Lake Nantahala Community, you’ll even get to save on your license as they are cheaper and last longer for area residents.  If you want a little help finding the sweet spots on the water, consider using a fishing guide from the Nantahala area.

Photo via NC Wildlife Resource Commission. 

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

July 4, 2013 by Leave a Comment
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. 

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