Between Asheville And The Georgia Border Is North Carolina's Sparkling Mountain Lake With Cliff Views And Fishing

When planning a mountain getaway in western North Carolina, Asheville makes for a convenient starting point. It has the best of both worlds. Visitors can explore the city's downtown shops, galleries, and restaurants before heading into the mountains to hike through the wilderness or camp beneath the stars. But just southwest of Asheville and about an hour from the Georgia border, the region's lakes provide travelers another way to spend time outdoors at a more relaxed pace. One such destination is Cedar Cliff Lake.

Created for hydroelectric power in the 1950s, this narrow reservoir sits beside Cedar Cliff Mountain. The mountain's Cedar Cliff preserve offers views from the cliffs at the top, but getting there requires a steep climb that the Friends of Plant Conservation describes as "perilous" when there's inclement weather. For a less strenuous way to enjoy the scenery, visitors can spend time on the lake itself. According to Jackson County's tourism authority, Cedar Cliff Lake is well-suited for fishing. Its "elongated shape" is also "perfect for kayakers and canoers seeking a direct navigational route." Here's what travelers should know before heading out.

Fishing is one of Cedar Cliff Lake's main draws, especially for anglers interested in walleye, smallmouth bass, sunfish, and rainbow trout. Occasionally, you can reel in a largemouth bass, though the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center says they can be hard to come by. Before casting a line, check North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission's fishing regulations. Children younger than 16 are exempt from the state's fishing license requirement. However, anyone 16 and older must purchase one. If you're only planning to visit short-term, opt for the Inland Fishing 10-Day license, which covers "fishing in Public Mountain Trout Waters, fishing in trout waters on game lands and fishing in joint waters," according to North Carolina Fishing. 

If paddling is more your speed, bring a canoe or kayak to explore the freshwater lake, which is fed by the underrated Tuckasegee River. Travelers can reach the lake's public boating access via Shook Cove Road. One recent Google reviewer says that the newly renovated launch is "convenient and easy to use," but notes the long drive from the main road. Another past visitor warns that "the water level and speed are controlled by Duke Energy and can rise very quickly and [without] warning," so it's a good idea to check the lake's current conditions before setting out.

After a day out on the water, you may want to find a place to rest your head, as the drive to Asheville takes over an hour. There are a handful of private cabins in the nearby Bear Lake area, which are available for rental — though some of them come at a pretty penny. For a more budget-friendly option, RV travelers can head to Tucked Away Campground in Tuckasegee, the nearest mountain town.