Lakes Near Highlands, NC: Boating, Swimming and Picnics

Highlands has no big lake of its own. What it has is a handful of small, quiet ones in and near town, a Forest Service swimming lake in the gorge, and Lake Glenville about 40 minutes away for a full day on the water. Here is what you can actually do at each.

Lake Glenville

At about 3,490 feet, Lake Glenville is billed as the highest lake east of the Mississippi. It has 26 miles of shoreline, seven islands and four waterfalls you can only reach by boat. Get there by driving to Cashiers and heading north on NC 107.

Boat rentals at Signal Ridge Marina

Signal Ridge Marina on NC 107 calls itself the only full-service marina on the lake. It rents pontoons, tritoons, canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. The rental season runs from the first Monday in April through the last day of September, and the marina is closed Sundays before Memorial Day and after Labor Day. Dogs are welcome on boats. For guests who struggle with stairs, the marina can pick up passengers at access areas at the north end of the lake. The marina can also supply bait, gear and a fishing license.

Waterfall cruises

Lake Glenville Scenic Waterfall Cruises runs captained pontoon tours to the lake’s waterfalls, departing from Signal Ridge Marina. Public cruises take up to 12 passengers and private charters up to 14. Bookings were open for the 2026 season; call ahead for dates.

Swimming at the Pines Recreation Area

The Pines Recreation Area, reached over Glenville Dam via Pine Creek Road, has a sandy swim beach, a fishing pier, picnic tables and restrooms, all fully accessible. A loaner station lends life jackets for free. Pets are not allowed.

Cliffside Lake

This small Forest Service lake sits 1.5 miles off US 64, about 4.5 miles west of town in the Cullasaja Gorge. It is open April 1 through October 31, dawn to dusk, with a day-use fee per vehicle. You can swim and fish (a North Carolina fishing license is required, and the lake is stocked trout water), walk the loop of about three-quarters of a mile around the shore, or take one of several short trails, some to waterfalls. Two covered picnic shelters can be reserved, which makes it a good base for a big family picnic. There is a bathhouse with cold showers. The Forest Service page is inconsistent about restrooms and lists no drinking water, so bring your own.

Harris Lake

A small town park on a lake just outside downtown, run by Highlands Parks and Recreation. It has a picnic shelter, resident ducks, geese and swans, and room to fish from the bank. It is a ten-minute stop more than an outing, and a good one for toddlers.

Lake Sequoyah

The town’s lake sits just west of Highlands on US 64, where the Cullasaja River begins its run into the gorge. The dam and the small Kalakaleskies Falls below it are easy to see from a pull-off on the left about 2 miles from the US 64 and NC 106 junction. We have not found a public launch or swim area, so treat it as a quick roadside stop on your way to Bridal Veil and Dry Falls.

Planning a lake day with a group

• Glenville rentals book up on summer weekends. Reserve boats as soon as your dates are set.
• Mountain lake water stays cool well into summer. Pack towels and a warm layer for kids.
• Anyone 16 or older needs a North Carolina fishing license to fish.
• After September, Glenville rentals close. Cliffside stays open through October.

For trout fishing on rivers and streams, see our fly fishing guide. Lake Glenville makes a good stop on a day in Cashiers.