Water in the mountains comes deep and wide, or fast and "on the rocks". The Nantahala National Forest is blessed by numerous lakes, plus hundreds of miles of rivers and streams, including two nationally recognized wild and scenic rivers.

Santeelah, and Fontana are large, popular lakes for boating, water skiing, and fishing. Recreation areas, beside the lakes, provide camping, picnicking, and boat ramps.

In the Tusquitee District, three reservoirs in beautiful mountain settings provide a playground for recreation enthusiasts. Hiwassee Lake, Chatuge Lake, and Appalachia Lake offer boating, water skiing, fishing, and swimming, as well as a quiet place to relax and enjoy nature’s wonders. Chatuge Lake is excellent for sailing and also has a swimming beach at Jackrabbit recreation area. The Hiwassee and Appalachia Lakes are located west of Murphy, along the Hiwassee River. Chatuge Lake spans the Georgia-North Carolina State line, south of Hayesville.

Swimming is also available at Cliffside Lake in the Highlands District. It is a small lake with a picnic area and campground nearby.

A trip down one of the whitewater rivers of western North Carolina is bound to be a wet, wild experience. Whether you're an experienced paddler or a novice, there's an adventure waiting for you. Commercial river outfitters cam help plan a trip to fit your skill level and provide any equipment you might need.

The Nantahala River is one of the most popular whitewater rivers in the country, drawing over 250,000 boaters every year. With the river right beside US 19, south of Bryson City, the Nantahala provides a whitewater experience that's fun to watch, as well as to do. An overlook and walkway gives spectators a thrilling view of boaters running the final series of rapids and a small waterfall before the take-out point.

WATERFALLS

There's something magical about watching the crystal clear water of a mountain stream dancing over the rocks. the sense of awe magnifies as the water tumbles faster and wilder, until it plunges over a cliff. Perhaps you're drawn to waterfalls because you can't see them just anywhere, or maybe there's something about being near the awesome power of falling water that's so enticing.

Whatever it is, there's a real danger in getting too close to waterfalls. Wet rocks are often slick, and a slip above a waterfall can be FATAL. With care and common sense, you can safely experience the sight and sounds of these spectacular waterfalls;

Highlands Area

• Whitewater Falls
  At 411 feet, the highest falls east of the Rockies. From Cashiers, take NC 107 south 10 miles to the NC/SC line, then travel another mile and take the first paved road to the left. Fee site.
  
• Silver Run Falls
  A 30-foot falls spilling into a pool of water. Off NC 107, 4.1 miles south of Cashiers. Park in the pull-off on the left and take the short, easy trail to the base.
  
• Bridal Veil Falls
  Falls of 120 feet that you can drive your car under. Off US 64, 3.5 miles west of Highlands, 16.5 miles east of Franklin in the Cullasaja Gorge.
  
• Lower Cullasaja Falls
  A cascading waterfall about 250 feet high. Off US 64, 11 miles east of Franklin, 9 miles west of Highlands in the Cullasaja Gorge. Visible from your car.
  
• Glen Falls
  A steep, rough 1-mile trail leads to the falls. three large waterfalls make up Glen Falls and each drops about 60 feet. From Highlands, travel 3 miles south on NC 106. Turn left on a gravel forest road at the sign.
  
• Lower Satulah Falls
  A high, narrow waterfall visible from the overlook, 2.5 miles south of Highlands on US 28.

Franklin Area

• Big Laurel Falls
  This pretty waterfall is located 5 miles past Standing Indian Campground. The easy, 0.5-mile trail to the base of
  Big Laurel Falls follows the path of an old logging railroad.