Hey guys, I’m driving from Lexington, KY down to north Georgia this weekend and am looking to head out early that morning and spend a day paddling. I won’t have a shuttle, so a lake is what I’m resorting to unless anyone has a better idea. Any suggestions for a lake that’s small enough to be paddled in a day (or close to) & is fairly secluded/scenic? 10+ miles to paddle isn’t out of the question. Thanks!
Lake Fontana and Lake Santeelah in western NC. I’m not sure what their current levels are, but even at winter pool levels they’re still beautiful even if not quite as nice as full pool.
Calderwood in NC is one of my favorites. Sometimes has a bit of current but beautiful. If you are very lucky and the lake level is down you can paddle through the old RR tunnel. It gets very dark in the middle.
You can paddle a short way into the Joyce Kilmer forest from the lake.
The lake above it is Cheoah but the highway to The Tail of the Dragon follows it and is a favorite of motorcyclists and gets loud.
You’ve sparked my curiosity. Gonna go for it. Stoked!
Please let us know how it goes.
You bet
In all honesty, it took me a while to find the parking area for Calderwood, so I got warmed up on Chilhowee until I found my way to Calderwood sometime after one on Sunday. I was hoping to head towards Georgia around 3-4, so I was only able to make my way to the tunnel then turn around. I could just fit my way into it, though it was too tight on the other side to make it all the way through. I had no idea lakes like this existed. It felt more like a wide, slow moving river than anything else. I definitely appreciate the recommendation, Jim. It was well worth my time!
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Too bad you didn’t have more time.