Nantahala Lake is located high above the Nantahala River Gorge at a 3,000-foot elevation - a pristine and serene lake with just 29 miles of shoreline. The lake is regulated and maintained by Duke Power Company. Many anglers enjoy fishing the Nantahala reservoir due to the low number of boaters and the breathtaking scenery. Fish in the lake include walleye, crappie, sunfish, trout and bass.

The shoreline is dotted with private homes and cabins, yet much of the shoreline is managed by the US Forest Service and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, which also maintains one of the lake’s two public boat launching areas.

The Nantahala River flows from Nantahala Lake down to the popular Nantahala Gorge. Between the lake and the gorge the Nantahala River tumbles down the mountainside creating some of Western North Carolina's most spectacular cascades and waterfalls — and some of the South's most celebrated trout-fishing waters. Wayah Road and Old River Road are popular for fishing, and also for beautiful photography opportunities.

The gorge is one of the country's prime whitewater rafting rivers, and consists of eight miles of waves and swift currents. The trip down the river takes a little over three hours and is almost continuous Class I and Class II rapids, with an optional Class III falls at the end.

Mountain Waters Scenic Byway. The road from Franklin to Nantahala is a beautiful, scenic drive which is designated as a National Scenic Byway, known as the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway.

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 gives you a panoramic view in all directions.