Fontana Lake is a large, meandering body of water in western North Carolina that offers miles of unique and undeveloped shoreline for exploration. The narrow channels and protected bays are an ideal setting for paddlers in search of secluded and protected waters. The lake has over 240 miles of shoreline with multiple launch areas and campsites located at different points around the lake. This paddling trip starts from the Lemmon Branch launch which is a developed ramp with parking and a restroom located in the southeast section of the lake.

Fontana Lake is a large, meandering body of water in western North Carolina that offers miles of unique and undeveloped shoreline for exploration. The narrow channels and protected bays are an ideal setting for paddlers in search of secluded and protected waters. The lake has over 240 miles of shoreline with multiple launch areas and campsites located at different points around the lake. This paddling trip starts from the Flat Branch ramp which is a wilderness ramp located in the southeast section of the lake.

Fontana Lake is a large, meandering body of water in western North Carolina that offers miles of unique and undeveloped shoreline for exploration. The narrow channels and protected bays are an ideal setting for paddlers in search of secluded and protected waters. The lake has over 240 miles of shoreline with multiple launch areas and campsites located at different points around the lake. This paddling trip starts from the marina docks which is located just east of the dam on the most west side of the lake.

Calderwood Lake is one of three finger lakes on the Little Tennessee River in northwestern North Carolina that offers excellent paddling opportunity in a rugged wilderness setting. Calderwood Lake is located just below Cheoah Dam and is a long narrow lake that has completely undeveloped shoreline. The launch is located in North Carolina but much of the lake is actually over the state line in Tennessee. There is only one road that provides access to the lake and many of the primitive camping areas are only accessible by boat so there is plenty solitude that can be found here.

Located in the Nantahala National Forest at an elevation of 3000 feet, Nantahala Lake offers excellent mountainous scenery and peaceful waters for paddling. The lake is surrounded by private residences and vacation homes but much of the shoreline is still preserved wilderness area. The lake is popular for fishing and pontoon boats but there is not a whole lot of other boat traffic. The Big Choga access is a public launch site located on the western shoreline.

Lake Lure is a scenic man-made lake located in the Hickory Nut Gorge of western North Carolina that offers plenty of worthwhile paddling opportunity. The lake has over 20 miles of shoreline with multiple long bays to explore. The scenery includes mostly mountainous terrain mixed with some residential development. The launch site is located on the western section of the lake between Chimney Rock and the town of Lake Lure.

Situated in mountainous terrain of western North Carolina, Lake Chatuge offers over 130 miles of scenic shoreline for paddling. The lake is located on the state line with the southernmost portion of it being in South Carolina. The lake has many finger-like coves and channels that make it an interesting place to explore. The Clay County Park access is a public launch site located in North Carolina on the northwest side of the lake.

Lake Glenville is a reservoir located on the west fork of Tuckasegee River that is surrounded by 26 miles of scenic mountainous shoreline. The lake's elevation is the highest of any lake east of the Mississippi and is also known for its deep waters. The Powerhouse ramp is a public launch site situated on the northeast shoreline of the lake.

Cheoah Lake is one of multiple finger lakes located on the Little Tennessee River in northwestern North Carolina that offers excellent paddling opportunity in a rugged wilderness setting. Cheoah Lake is located just below Fontana Dam and is a long narrow lake that has completely undeveloped shoreline. There is only one launch on the lake and many of the primitive camping areas are only accessible by boat so there is a lot of solitude that can be found here.

Situated in mountainous terrain of western North Carolina, Lake Chatuge offers over 130 miles of scenic shoreline for paddling. The lake is located on the state line with the southern portion of it being in South Carolina. The lake has many finger-like coves and channels that make it an interesting place to explore. The Jackrabbit access is a public launch site located on a peninsula in the North Carolina portion of the lake.