Lake Nantahala Vacation Rentals
Stay at Chestnut Lake LodgeLAKE NANTAHALA EXPLORED
When you stay at Chestnut Lake Lodge, our lakefront vacation rental offers a private dock and hot tub overlooking Lake Nantahala.
Boating and Water Activities on Lake Nantahala
When you stay at Chestnut Lake Lodge on Lake Nantahala you will have access to our private lakeside dock 9/10 of a mile from your front door – and yes, you can bring your water toys!
If you don’t have personal watercraft, Lakes End Marina features the largest fleet of watercraft rentals and gear in the area. Enjoy the conveniences of on-lake boat rentals with choices ranging from pontoon boats, runabouts, ski boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards. The Marina offers our guests preferred rates on all rentals!
Be sure to grab a bite at Lakes End Café & Grill after a day on the water!
Fishing on Lake Nantahala
Chestnut Lake Lodge offers the perfect Lake Nantahala cabin rental for those who are here to enjoy the area’s water-based recreational opportunities that include swimming, boating, and water skiing.
Fishing is also popular – walleye, crappie, sunfish, trout, largemouth bass, small mouth bass, salmon, catfish, and many different species of pan fish are found here. Did you know? Nantahala is the South’s only lake with a population of freshwater Kokanee Salmon!
Whitewater Rafting in the Nantahala Gorge
The Nantahala Gorge is one of the country’s prime whitewater rafting rivers, and Olympic kayakers routinely train on the Nantahala. Consisting of 8 miles of waves and swift currents, the trip down the river takes a little over 3 hours and is almost continuous Class I and Class II rapids, with an optional Class III falls at the end. Rafting season generally lasts from late March through October.
Hiking and Trails Near Lake Nantahala
The Appalachian Trail passes through Nantahala and in 2010, Franklin, NC was designated an official Appalachian Trail Community in recognition of the town’s 70-year involvement with the AT. The trail is accessible from Wayah Road southeast of Nantahala Lake and at Wesser (Nantahala Outdoor Center). There are several other trails in the area, too, ranging from easy to strenuous and many are pet friendly.
Destination Wedding
Your Dream Destination Wedding Amidst North Carolina’s Majestic Mountains!
Getting Married just 2 miles from Chestnut Lake Lodge is an amazing wedding venue! Stop and say to Jess and explore this amazing venue.Discover the epitome of romance with Nantahala Weddings & Events, your premier choice for enchanting destination weddings in the heart of the NC mountains. They specialize in crafting unforgettable, multi-day celebrations that blend the natural beauty of Nantahala with your distinct style, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
Lake Nantahala Cabin Rental FAQ
• The road from Franklin to Nantahala is a beautiful, scenic drive that is designated as a National Scenic Byway, known as the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway. If you are driving between Franklin and Nantahala, a side trip to Wayah Bald is recommended. There is a mile-high overlook from an old stone fire tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Four states are visible from the tower which provides a stunning panoramic view in all directions.
• The Bartram Trail is a national recreation trail that travels across the Nantahala National Forest from the Nantahala Gorge east and south into Georgia. The Nantahala section of the Bartram Trail stretches 21 miles (a 2-night hike) from the Duke Energy Power Plant on Wayah Road to Wayah Bald.
• Attention waterfall lovers! The Upper Nantahala is one of the most scenic rivers in the Smoky Mountains. Between the lake and the gorge, the river drops almost a thousand feet creating some of Western North Carolina’s most spectacular cascades and waterfalls. Most are easily seen from Wayah Road or Old River Road.
• The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad historic train depot is in nearby Bryson City, NC and is a favorite attraction for family fun. A round-trip on the train is a great way to see extraordinary places that you can’t get to by car. Get a front-row view of Fontana Lake, the historic Fontana Trestle, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Nantahala National Forest, the Nantahala and Tuckasegee Rivers, historical structures, and stunning foliage.
Cool fact:
Nantahala is known as the “Land of the Noonday Sun”. This name was given long ago to this corner of the Smokies by the Cherokee as they hunted and traveled the steep Nantahala River Gorge. They learned the sun would only light their way when it was Nun-da-ye-li – Nantahala – “a noonday sun”.
Cool fact:
History buffs will be interested to learn that Nantahala Lake was created in 1942 by the Nantahala Power Company to provide electricity for the war efforts. The power generated went to Tennessee smelteries for production of aluminum to build airplanes. Crystal-clear Nantahala Lake is still a major source of hydroelectric power and supplies water to the Nantahala River, one of the United States’ top rafting, kayaking and fly-fishing destinations.