In mid-October 2020, I rented a house on Lake Glenville in Cullowhee, North Carolina, and spent a wonderful week exploring the area with my family. Surrounded by mountains and forests, the lake was especially beautiful during our autumn visit.

According to historical accounts, Lake Glenville was created in 1941 when the Nantahala Power and Light Company constructed a dam to generate hydroelectric power. Today, the lake covers approximately 1,500 acres and boasts about 26 miles of shoreline.

We were fortunate to visit when fall was putting on one of its most spectacular displays. The mountains surrounding the lake were covered in vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow, and green, creating breathtaking scenery everywhere we looked.

Sunrise Over Lake Glenville

I got up early on a couple of mornings to watch the sunrise over Lake Glenville. The peaceful water reflected the changing colors of the sky and surrounding mountains, creating a scene I could have photographed for hours.

Those quiet mornings were among my favorite memories of our stay. There was something incredibly peaceful about watching the lake wake up as the first light appeared over the mountains.

Exploring Lake Glenville’s Waterfalls

Lake Glenville is home to several waterfalls that can only be reached from the water, so my son and I decided to explore them by canoe.

We launched at the northern end of the lake and paddled our way toward Mills Creek Falls, Hidden Falls, and Norton Falls. By the time we reached Norton Falls, we were getting tired and decided not to continue to Hurricane Falls, located farther south.

Canoeing across the lake was an adventure in itself. Along the way, we admired the brilliant fall foliage and beautiful homes tucked among the trees along the shoreline.

We waved to fishermen, kayakers, passengers aboard a sightseeing boat, and people relaxing on their docks and enjoying the warm autumn sunshine. Everyone seemed to be taking advantage of the peaceful beauty of the lake.

A Peaceful Mountain Escape

Lake Glenville was one of those places where I could easily slow down and simply enjoy being outdoors. Between the spectacular mountain scenery, colorful fall foliage, waterfalls, peaceful mornings, and tranquil water, there was always something beautiful to see.

I highly recommend spending some time around Lake Glenville if you’re visiting western North Carolina. Whether you explore by canoe, take a boat tour, hike nearby trails, or simply sit by the water and watch the sunrise, it’s a wonderfully relaxing destination.

For me, it was the kind of place that truly feels good for the soul.

If You Go

• Location: Cullowhee, North Carolina.
• Our Visit: October 2020.
• Lake Size: Approximately 1,500 acres.
• Shoreline: About 26 miles.
• Highlights: Mountain scenery, waterfalls, fall foliage, sunrise views, boating, kayaking, and canoeing.
• Waterfalls: Mills Creek Falls, Hidden Falls, Norton Falls, and Hurricane Falls can be accessed from the water.
• Best Time to Visit: Fall is particularly spectacular when the surrounding mountains are covered in autumn color.
• Photography: Sunrise and fall foliage offer excellent opportunities for landscape photography.
• Getting Around: A canoe, kayak, or boat is ideal for exploring the lake and reaching its waterfalls.
• Tip: Waterfalls may not be clearly marked from the lake, so consider using a reliable map or local guide to help identify them.

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References Free visitors guide, Lake Glenville waterfalls, tripadvisor

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Beautiful Lake Glenville Sunrise

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Hidden Falls

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Norton Falls

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Other Blog Posts in Western North Carolina

You might also be interested in these nearby posts:

• Fall at Whiteside Mountain
• Winter at Whiteside Mountain
• Looking Glass Waterfall
• The English Chapel
• High Falls
• Lake Glenville Falls
• Balsam Grove Waterfalls
• Blue Ridge Parkway
• Tennent Mountain via Black Balsam Knob and Art Loeb Trail
• Cullasaja Waterfall
• Dry Falls
• Glen Falls
• Bridal Veil
• The English Chapel
• Crabtree Falls
• Lake Lure Flowering Bridge
• Bird Rock Waterfalls

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