Santeetlah Lake

Dreaming of a mountain lake fed by spring waters clear enough to drink?  You’ll find Lake Santeetlah on your way to The Dragon on US 129 at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains outside of Robbinsville, NC.  

Located in the heart of Graham County, this gem appeals to boaters, swimmers, fishermen, kayakers, canoers, campers, hikers, locals, and sightseers alike.  The tranquil waters calm the soul and gently lap your worries away. 

This 2800 acre lake offers a multitude of water sports and 76 miles of shoreline. While the waters might feel a bit crisp to some (about 70 degrees Fahrenheit during my last August dip), for us this just adds to the fresh appeal.  

Surrounded by National Forest, over 80% of the Lake Santeetlah shoreline is free from private development.   It is easy to find a secluded cove where you can just let your boat drift and all you see in any direction are tree covered mountain slopes.  No houses, no docks, just nature at its finest.

Fish for record sized bass and walleye along with crappie, bream and lake trout. Head to nearby streams for fly fishing. 

If you would like to rent a pontoon boat, ski boat, or Jet Ski, we recommend Santeetlah Marina (Phone:  828-479-8180) just off  US 129.  They are a full service marina (including fuel) where we have always received friendly and honest service. 

If you aren’t seeing the lake by boat then we suggest a stop at Cheoah Beach.  Managed by the Forest Service, this area offers free access to a sandy beach, roped off swimming area, picnic tables, outdoor grills, restroom facilities, and paved parking.  

For the brave of heart there is even a rope swing tied to a tree (on the right side point of Cheoah Beach) where you can swing out over a rocky ledge and drop into the cool lake waters below.  This is NOT maintained by the Forest Service so use at your own risk and be sure to get a good run to miss the rocks!

Want to feel like a waterfront vacation owner?  Stay at a lakeside campsites at Cheoah Point Campground or one of the other facilities along Lake Santeetlah managed by the Nantahala Forest Service. 

We have enjoyed great meals and adult beverages at Blue Waters Mountain Lodge (Phone: 888-828-3978).  They are also accessible by boat with a dock on the North side close to Santeetlah Marina. 

Lake Santeetlah is one our favorite mountain lakes.  Be sure to enjoy the waters for the day or after riding or hiking the mountains! 

Getting There……. 

Lake Santeetlah can be accessed by US 129 on the North and NC 143 (aka the Cherohala Skyway) on the South.  The West side of the lake is bordered by Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest and Slickrock Wilderness Area reached via Road 1134. 

To reach Cheoah Beach travel North on US 129 for about 8.5 miles from Robbinsville, NC, then left onto NC#1146, and your first left on NC#1145 Thunderbird Rd.  You will see a public boat launch on the right and the next road to the right is the entrance to Cheoah Point.