The streams, rivers and lakes in the Little Tennessee River Basin offer great recreational opportunities for residents and tourists alike.

TROUT FISHING — many area streams are considered world-class, offering rainbow, brown and native brook trout. Some waters are wild, other are hatchery supported. Since seasons and catch-and-release policies vary from stream to stream, it is adviseable to check North Carolina’s online fishing regulations. Information is also available from the online Guide to Fly Fishing North Carolina Mountain Trout Streams.

STILLWATER FISHING — There are six lakes
in the Little Tennessee River watershed:
• Fontana Lake — Public and private boat ramps
including four marinas with boat rentals; fishing
for Black Bass, Largemouth Bass. Smallmouth
Bass, Spotted Bass and Walleye. More info at
Swain County Chamber of Commerce and
TVA web sites.
• Nantahala Lake — info to come
• Santeetlah Lake — info to come
• Glenville Lake — info to come
• Lake Sequoyah — info to come
• Mirror Lake — info to come

WATERFALLS — There are eight beautiful water-
falls in the Little Tennessee River Watershed,
including three in the Great Smoky Mountains
National Park —
• Dry Falls, Highway 64 west of Highlands (more info)
• Cullasaja Falls, Highway 64 east of
Franklin (more info)
• Bridal Veil Falls, Highway 64 west of
Highlands (more info)
• Rufus Morgan Falls, Wayah Road west of Franklin (more info)
• Upper Cullasaja Falls, Highway 64 East of Highlands (more info)
• Juneywhank Falls, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Deep Creek (more info)
• Tom Branch Falls, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Deep Creek (more info)
• Indian Creek Falls, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Deep Creek (more info)

PADDLING & WHITEWATER SPORTS — From kids on inner tubes to Olympic kayakers, people love to ride the rapids of our creeks and rivers.
• Nantahala River — An eight-mile course with class II and III rapids; outfitters
offer guided and guide-assisted trips in six- and eight-person rafts or one- and
two-person funyaks. Age limit seven years.
• Tuckasegee River — With its class I and II rapids, the Tuck offers family rafting and tubing wth no age restrictions. Equipment can be rented from several outfitters.
• Oconaluftee River — In Cherokee, you can rent tubes for floating down the Oconaluftee.
• Little Tennessee River — Outfitters near Franklin rent kayaks, canoes and tubes.