Resting at 3,494 feet above sea level, Lake Glenville in the tiny community of Glenville, North Carolina, is the highest lake east of the Rocky Mountains, but its elevation isn’t its only distinction. Multiple options for fun on the water make it worth the visit, and additional activities in the area boost its appeal even higher.
On The Water
Located just eight miles from the charming hamlet of Cashiers, much of Lake Glenville’s appeal lies in its mountain location; some of the loveliest tree-covered ridges in Western North Carolina ring this pristine reservoir and its 26 miles of shoreline. But peace and sometimes, a sense of total seclusion, add to its charms. The rise in popularity of lake getaways means many spots are crowded with boat traffic (and boat noise), yet Lake Glenville remains relatively quiet.
Of course, there are boats on Lake Glenville, and you should be in one of them. With multiple pontoon boat sizes available for rent from as little as two hours to an entire week, Signal Ridge Marina makes time spent cruising the water simple. Explore the lake’s narrow inlets, ogle the mountain-luxe houses perched on hillsides above it, visit its sandy, pine-dotted islands for a picnic, and keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles overhead. And there are a few can’t-miss moments: Basking in the mist floating from the three sparkling waterfalls—Norton Falls, Hurricane Falls, and Mill Creek Falls—flowing directly into the lake, a unique feature giving it a fairytale vibe.
signalridgemarina.com; 4769 NC-107, Glenville, NC 28736; 828-743-2143
Swimming is another must-do, with the lake’s calm blue-green waters beckoning you in for a refreshing dip. Hop off your pontoon boat or wade in from the sandy beach at Pines Recreation Area. Or launch a paddleboard for a serene solo escape. Lake Glenville also attracts anglers. Whether you’re an avid or novice fisherman, use a fly rod or a reel, casts often yield results. The lake holds its fair share of bass, perch, and crappie as well as rainbow and brown trout.
1965 Pine Creek Rd, Cullowhee, NC 28723
Get Around
When you’re done on the water, head into the surrounding woods and trek through 6,300-acre backcountry area Panthertown Valley. Called the “Yosemite of the East, the special site boasts more than 30 miles of trails traversing a range of habitats: deep gorges, tranquil forest glens, a rare high-elevation mountain bog, and gurgling streams tumbling into wide waterfalls.
panthertown.org; 3192 Breedlove Rd, Glenville, NC 28736
For more cascade action, hike to secluded High Falls. The trail starts from the parking lot across the street from Pines Recreation Area, and while the route is steep in some sections, the waterfall waiting at the end makes the walk well worth the effort, with its ribbon of glittering water dropping 150 feet and piercing a clear pool below. In the rock formations all around the bottom, smaller pools hold a squiggly secret; peer in and look closely to find small salamanders swimming.
High Falls Trailhead, 1965 Pine Creek Rd, Cullowhee, NC 28723
Give your legs a break with a horseback trail ride via Arrowmont Stables. Friendly horses accommodate all riding-skill levels, and several trail options let you choose your scenic splendor. Want to take in sweeping views from a mountaintop? There’s a route for that. Interested in immersing yourself in lush greenery? Pick the Fern Forest path. Or wind your way down to streams and grassy meadows through arched rhododendron tunnels on the Scenic Valley trail.
arrowmont.com; 276 Arrowmont Trl, Cullowhee, NC 28723; 828-743-2762
Eat & Drink
Head into nearby Cashiers to stock up on fresh local produce, jams, dips, soups, steaks, cookies and other sweet treats at Cashiers Farmer Market. Don’t walk past the likely just-made apple pies (stacked on the back wall) or the honey-glazed cinnamon rolls from Charlie’s Hot Buns bakery just down the road. Give the owners’ friendly golden retrievers a good pet on your way out.
cashiersfarmersmarket.com; 78 US-64, Cashiers, NC 28717; 828-743-4334
For lunch, snag a picnic table outside at Whiteside Brewing. Dig into pub grub like smash burgers and flash-fried Brussel sprouts dunked in chili sauce and wash it all down with a cold Whiteside Moon Unit Hazy IPA.
whitesidebrewing.com; 128 State Rte 107, Cashiers, NC; 828-743-6000
Enjoy a relaxed evening at aptly named The Local, where you’ll find residents and regular visitors tappin’ their toes to live music while enjoying ooey-gooey skillet mac ‘n cheese studded with bacon and covered in chopped brisket.
thelocalglenville.com; 6188 NC-107, Glenville, NC 28736; 828-743-7778
Or, grab a seat on the expansive covered patio at hopping’ hang Happ’s Place to sip craft cocktails and snack on salty smoked trout dip. Play a game of cornhole or relax around a blazing firepit while you wait on your hand-tossed Blue Pig pizza, its garlicy ricotta based topped in spinach, red onion, bacon and blue cheese and smothered a house cheese blend.
happsplace.com; 5914 NC-107, Glenville, NC 28736; 828-743-5700
Stay
For full families and groups, multiple lakefront homes are available for rent via Airbnb and VRBO, while Hotel Cashiers makes a refined but relaxed basecamp for the lake and other activities. The small boutique property combines a retro-motor-lodge feel with comfy rooms outfitted in sleek, simple Scandinavian style and boasts onsite bites and sips at its Kitchen & Bar.
hotelcashiers.com; 7 Slab Town Rd, Cashiers, NC 28717; 828-743-7706