- Nantahala Lake
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Nantahala Lake Location Macon County, North Carolina Coordinates 35°11′58″N 83°39′08″W / 35.19944°N 83.65222°WCoordinates: 35°11′58″N 83°39′08″W / 35.19944°N 83.65222°W Lake type Reservoir Basin countries United States Built 1942 Shore length1 42 mi (68 km) Surface elevation 3,035 ft (925 m) 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. Nantahala Lake is located in Macon County, North Carolina in the western part of the state. The lake is regulated and maintained by Duke Power and is a major source of hydroelectric power to the region.[1] Nantahala is located at 3,000 feet in the Nantahala National Forest. The lake was created in 1942 by Nantahala Power to provide electricity for war efforts. With 42 miles (68 km) of shoreline, the lake offers recreational opportunities at Nantahala that include swimming, boating, skiing, and many other activities. Fishing is another popular activity at the lake. Fisherman target largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, trout, salmon, catfish, and many different species of panfish. [2]
Water usage
The Nantahala River, one of the nation's top rafting and kayaking destinations, is supplied with its water by Nantahala Lake. Water is released from the Nantahala Dam to create the whitewater rapids in the river. When the river is not being supplied, it is very calm but when the water is released from the lake it is considered 'on,' which is when kayaking and rafting occurs. Without Nantahala Lake, the region would lose its whitewater industry and a huge source of income.[3]
References
Categories:- Protected areas of Macon County, North Carolina
- Reservoirs in North Carolina
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