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Lake Santeetlah
Lake Santeetlah spans 2,800 acres with 76 miles of mostly undeveloped shoreline, where clear mountain water reflects the surrounding Nantahala National Forest. Paddle, fish or boat through quiet coves, then explore nearby trails or the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest for old-growth trees and seasonal color.
High Rock Lake
Tournament anglers come to one of the state’s largest lakes (nearly 24 square miles) in search of huge largemouth bass (and striper, white bass and crappie). But the calm waters of High Rock Lake also draw boaters, swimmers and campers who often spot bald eagles soaring in front of the High Rock Mountain backdrop.
Lake Norman
Wakeboarders skim over the otherwise placid waters of Lake Norman — NC's largest manmade lake — kicking up a rooster tail of mist and zigzagging across the wake as they make sharp cutbacks only to leap, twist, flip and fly. With Ride Wake & Surf Co., enjoy charter rides and tubing excursions as well as wakeboarding and wakesurfing lessons.
Lake Mattamuskeet
Lake Mattamuskeet draws birders year-round, with thousands of tundra swans, snow geese and ducks gathering each fall and winter. Scan open water, marsh and forest edges for migratory waterfowl, wading birds and raptors in one of North Carolina’s most active wildlife refuges and largest natural freshwater lake.
Hyco Lake
Hyco Lake spans 3,750 acres with 120 miles of shoreline, setting the stage for boating, fishing and laid-back lake days. At Hyco Lake Park, camp overnight, play a free 18-hole disc golf course or catch live music at the concert area. Cabins, RV sites and event space round out the experience.
Tar River
Kayak along a scenic stretch of the 55-mile-long Tar River Paddle Trail on the Tar River with equipment from Greenville-based Riverside Recreation, looking for blooms and birds among the trees, creatures lurking in the reeds, and raptors hunting overhead before you paddle back to town.
Nantahala River
While the staff at NOC have trained Olympians on some of the best whitewater in the region, they also facilitate fantastic rafting and kayaking jaunts for beginners on the Nantahala River. If you’re new to the sport, their Class I expeditions still deliver plenty of action.
Neuse River
The 5-mile-wide Neuse River sets the pace in Oriental, where wide, open water makes it one of North Carolina’s top sailing destinations. Regattas fill the calendar while kayakers, anglers and cruisers explore nearby creeks.
French Broad River
Admire mountain waters from a new angle: through a snorkeling mask. With Oxbow River Snorkeling’s freshwater biologists as your guide, search for the protected ancient eastern hellbender (a huge salamander) and observe hidden aquatic communities in the French Broad River and its tributaries.
US National Whitewater Center
Home to the world’s largest human-made whitewater river, the US National Whitewater Center cranks out Class II–IV rapids that cater to rafters, kayakers and whitewater paddleboarders of all experience levels. Choose between high-intensity sessions and family-friendly excursions.
Whether you want to be in the water or just near it, The Official 2026 North Carolina Travel Guide will help you craft the perfect excursion.