The Nantahala River is not the only place to find fun activities. The Great Smoky Mountains and the Nantahala National Forest hold many fun spots to hang out for the day. Whether it’s hiking, sightseeing, or taking a dip in a secluded swimming hole, you’re sure to find something you’ll love. Carolina Outfitters whitewater rafting picked a few of our favorite spots for you to check out and enjoy.
Queens Lake – Photo Source: Margaret Marr
Queens Lake
Queens Lake is located on Briartown Mountain up Wayah Road in the Nantahala National Forest. A gravel road runs along the lake where it ends at the top of Winding Stairs Road. Queens Lake is a small Duke Power reservoir. You can swim, fish, picnic, and canoe on this small pristine lake where it’s quiet and peaceful. No gas powered boats are allowed on the lake so all you’ll hear is the wind through the trees, the gentle lapping of the water, and maybe a child’s giggle from nearby swimmers.
Image Source:Bradley Burgess Ledbetter Creek Nantahala National Forest
Ledbetter Creek
Ledbetter Creek is an easy hiking trail that takes you to a little cove of wildflowers. The best time to visit to see flowers is in the spring right around April. The trail takes you across the railroad tracks where the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad scenic train travels, and to a backcountry campsite. The creek runs swiftly and the rocks can be slippery so use caution if you plan to wade in the water. The trail is short and easy to retrace back to the parking lot. A great place to get out and stretch your legs if you’re traveling. But if you’re up for a longer hike, another trail runs along the railroad tracks. Be mindful of the train. It does travel through this area on occasion.
Image Source Bryson City Chamber of Commerce
Fontana Fingerlake Day Use Area
Fingerlake is the spillover section of the Fontana Lake near Bryson City, North Carolina, and the Nantahala River. No motorized boats are allowed in this part of the lake, so it’s perfect for a leisure swim, paddleboarding, or kayak paddling. Water enthusiasts and outfitters use Fingerlake to learn or teach kayaking and canoeing lessons. You can also bring a picnic lunch and eat near the water for a fun-filled day of food and swimming.
Ferebee Memorial Picnic Area Photo Source: Margaret Marr
Nantahala River Ferebee Memorial Picnic Area
Percy Bell Ferebee was instrumental in setting aside public use of the river before commercial rafting made an appearance. Ferebee was an engineer for the U.S. Forest Service and settled in Andrews, North Carolina in 1913. He donated six thousand acres to the forest service, which ensured that the public would have access to the river and the surrounding wilderness. The Ferebee Memorial Picnic Area is a memorial to him and is located a little less than three miles from the Nantahala River put-in. It’s a nice quiet place to have a picnic (grills available) or to just watch the river. Another boat launch and take-out area is located here also. The water is calmer in this area and perfect for wading on a hot summer day. If you love to fish, you can do river and stream fishing here also.
Summer brings out the outdoor enthusiast in all of us, so come on out and visit some of these secret little fun spots to enjoy the day. Either before or after, book a white water rafting trip with Carolina Outfitters on the beautiful Nantahala River. It’s guaranteed to cool you off when the temps hit the 90s.
Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer —Sam Cooke
