Paddling Lake Santeetlah, NC

Kayak and minivan at cabin
Clem at Lake Santeetlah

Lake Santeetlah in the far western part of North Carolina is considered to be on of the prettiest lakes in the country. It is surrounded by the North Carolina Mountains and the Nantahala National Forest. So we rented a cabin, loaded Clem on the minivan and headed west for a few days of paddling.

The area around the lake is mostly undeveloped. There is the Cheoah Point Recreation Area, which offers swimming, camping, and picnicking facilities as well as a boat ramp. In addition the forest service provides more than fifty primitive campsites scattered around the lake that include a picnic table and fire ring. These sites have no water or toilets but also require neither permits nor fees. So you see why we rented a cabin. There are several put-ins around the lake: Cheoah Point Lake Access, Cheoah Point Beach, Avey Branch Launch, Lake Santeetlah Marina, Massey Branch Boat Launch and Massey Branch Fishing Pier. All of these, except for the Cheoah Point Beach, offer motor launch.

Clem on Lake Santeetlah
Clem on Lake Santeetlah

We pretty much had the lake to ourselves even in mid-June. We saw on other kayak. There were a few people at the Cheoah Point area enjoying the water. The two days we paddled on the lake were wonderful. We had great weather, although it was a bit on the warm side. And nothing but lots of quiet water and mountain beauty around us. We plan to go back again some day. Assuming this virus thing gets under control.

 Lake Santeetlah
Cheoah Point Beach

While we were at Lake Santeetlah, we decided to attack the Tail of the Dragon with the minivan with the kayak on top.It was a fun drive.

 Lake Santeetlah
Lake Santeetlah
 Lake Santeetlah
Lake Santeetlah
 Lake Santeetlah
Lake Santeetlah
 Lake Santeetlah
Lake Santeetlah