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.