Want to cool off this summer in Asheville? You have options… Head to the Outer Banks and its oceanfront beaches 450 miles away (a bit of a drive if you’re short on time), or enjoy sunshine, sandy beaches, and a gorgeous natural backdrop at the mountain lakes located within an hour or two of Asheville’s city center.
All of these lakes allow swimming, most offer boat rentals, and many are staffed with lifeguards from June through August. Moreover, you’ll often have direct access to miles of hiking and biking trails. But the best part? These high-elevation lakes tend to run chilly, so you can cool off quickly on a hot summer’s day.
Lake Lure Beach
Best for Families
With its waterslide and water park, Lake Lure Beach is a great destination for families. Located about 45 minutes from Asheville in the Hickory Nut Gorge, this artificial lake features a sandy beach, lifeguards, and picnic areas. Instead of ocean and sand dunes as the backdrop, beachgoers enjoy views of the forested slopes and granite ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Visitors can learn more about the history of the 14-mile gorge and see landmarks featured in the movie Dirty Dancing on a guided boat tour (adult/senior/child $18/16/8). You can easily combine a visit to Lake Lure Beach with a trip to Chimney Rock Park, home to a 315ft granite monolith. Enjoy a sweeping view of Lake Lure after climbing 499 steps or taking the elevator to the top of the skinny rock.
Lake James State Park
Best for Active Travelers
The sandy beach at this vast reservoir 50 miles east of Asheville is perfect for active beachgoers and groups with diverse outdoor interests. Those looking to sunbathe, read, and swim can stake their claim on the 700ft-long swimming beach in the Paddy’s Creek Area of the state park. Here, you’ll find a bathhouse, concessions, picnic areas, and often lifeguards.
The park allows renting paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes from the concession stand (Fri-Sun May-Sep; $10 per hour with a 2-hour minimum). Beyond the beach, trails extend for hiking and mountain biking in the beautiful area. As you explore, keep an eye out for bald eagles and cast a line for largemouth bass, noting that a fishing license is required. The swimming area is open May through September from 10am to 6pm, with admission fees of $6 for adults and $4 for children ages 3 to 12 years.
Pines Recreation Area at Glenville Lake
Best for Hikers
The beach area in front of Lake Glenville at Pines Recreation Area may not be the largest, but the forested mountains and clear waters create a stunning setting. This spot offers a peaceful introduction to the large lake, which is among the highest-elevation lakes east of the Rocky Mountains. You can swim, sunbathe, and picnic here, and it’s a lovely place for paddleboarding as well.
For a hike to breathtaking waterfalls, simply walk across Pine Creek Rd to the High Falls trailhead. This 1.4-mile round-trip trail showcases the 60ft-high First Falls and leads to the striking 150ft-high High Falls, which tumbles down a series of rocks into a rocky pool. The cascade’s intensity varies depending on dam releases. The recreation area is situated 65 miles southwest of Asheville.
Wildcat Lake
Best for Cold Water Swimming
Often debated as either a lake or an overgrown swimming hole, Wildcat is your go-to spot for cooling off. Nestled at 3700ft in Banner Elk, Wildcat Lake features a white sand beach, a swimming pier, a fishing dock, lifeguards, and refreshingly cool temperatures – keep an eye out for a Fraser fir on your way in! Popular activities include kayaking and canoeing, although no motorized boats are permitted. The lake is stocked with bluegill, largemouth bass, and trout, with a North Carolina state fishing license required.
While there is no admission fee, donations are welcomed as maintanence is overseen by the Grandfather Home for Children. Adjacent to the lake, Tufts Memorial Park offers a bathhouse and picnic tables. Wildcat Lake is typically open from June through early September, so check for specific dates. It’s located 90 miles northeast of Asheville.
Sliding Rock Recreation Area
Best for Thrillseekers
While Sliding Rock Recreation Area lacks a sandy beach, it stands out as one of the best natural water playgrounds near Asheville. Families and kids flock here to enjoy the thrill of sliding down a 60ft-long granite waterslide that propels swimmers into an 8ft-deep pool. With cold water cascading over the rocks, it’s an exhilarating experience! Spectators can enjoy themselves from two viewing platforms.
Though it is within Pisgah National Forest, the recreation area is managed by Adventure Pisgah. Lifeguards are present from 9 am to 8 pm daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, then on weekends through October. Facilities, including restrooms and changing rooms, are available when lifeguards are onsite. Admission costs $4, and arriving early or later in the day can help visitors avoid crowds.
Lake Powhatan
Best for Campers
Set in the picturesque Pisgah National Forest, the small Lake Powhatan offers a swimming beach and is surrounded by stunning hardwoods and conifers, making it ideal for campers who seek a combination of outdoor recreation and proximity to the city. At an elevation of 2200ft, this lovely lake provides easy access to boating rentals from June through August.
Fishing is allowed, so visitors should bring their poles. Additionally, hikers can access various trails in the adjacent 6000-acre Bent Creek Experimental Forest. The North Carolina Arboretum is conveniently located about 2.5 miles up the road.
With 75 tent and RV sites available from April to mid-November, campers can find facilities to suit their needs. The day-use fee per person is $5, with the swimming area open daily from 10 am to 8 pm from June through early September.
This article was first published on Sep 8, 2021, and updated on May 11, 2022.
