The falls are closed as of late April 2026. Road is blocked about 2 miles out from town.read more

Elk River Falls is an open recreation area. As such it is not developed and the path is not…read moremaintained. Nevertheless the road into the parking lot is safe and easily passable by typical cars SUVs cans or trucks with either two or four wheel drive. There are no rest rooms or food so you must bring your own food and water. The path is firm and slopes upward gently becoming rocky with prominent tree roots. The 65 foot high big falls is spectacular. It is not a straight fall down. Many deaths have occurred as visitors attempt to dive from the top of the falls. Elk falls ranks in the top 3 waterfall related deaths. The rocks surrounding the first pool are beautiful but have a slippery surface. This park recently reopened after extensive restoration following Hurricane Helene. On the first day it opened there was a fatality of a falls jumper. Despite these challenges this park is a great example of the outdoors in nearly natural and breathtaking state.

This place is fantastic. Great waterfall hike with a fantastic playground and lake with canoes and…read morekayaks. Could spend a half day or more here with young kids. Will definitely be back.

Terrific recreation center. Numerous activities. Highly recommended! Very family friendly.read more

Good area, good staff. You don't have to rent their kayaks if you have your own. There are a couple…read moreramps along side the lake to launch your own kayak. They have everything you need. Single , double , canoe, paddle board, water and snacks. The lake is shallow and small but you will have a great time for 1-2 hours on the lake. Prices are on their website

These guys were very easy to work with. and it was a beautiful place to go kayaking. Very serene…read more We chose the double kayak and 1 hour was plenty of time to go around the lake and get back in time. I would definitely come back here for a relaxing afternoon in beautiful country.

What a gorgeous park, even in the winter time…read more Since it's winter when I visited, I can't review all of the incredible summer time water sports but I know this park can get busy then. Winter was in incredible time to visit, easy parking, a chance to chat with the staff at the visitor center, and walk around. The lake is beautiful. I've heard that this area did get some hurricane/ storm damage but everything needed to drive around is up and running! Make a plan to visit next time you're nearby. It's about 1 hour drive from downtown Asheville.

This has the look of one of those parks formed around a dam. Don't get me wrong; I'm all for…read morehydroelectric power, but artificial lakes always feel like they're lacking a certain mystique. This park had an impressive visitor center and restrooms were open even after it closed, though neighboring water fountains were not functioning on a hot summer day. The trail I selected was rugged and had occasional waterside views, most notably on a footbridge that offered a mountain vista. Cell service was not great for me, and while I'd hoped to do a zoom meeting on the run I had to return to more urban areas. But if you actually want to get unplugged, the people on boats here appeared to be having a good time.

Blowing Rock really has a lot going for it, from the busy downtown scene with restaurants, shops,…read moreboutiques, sweets, breweries, fine dining, you name it. And then just a 15min walk (or 2 minute car ride) from downtown, Bass Lake is right there for your hiking pleasure. The lake itself is serene with great views from the circumferential hiking path around it. But it doesn't end there. Miles and miles of trails break off from the main lake for a longer outdoor experience. Plenty of parking with clean bathrooms at the main parking area. This is perfect for a shorter stroll around the lake, or a day's adventure across the many trails leading from here.

Loved running on these beautiful trails! Beautiful park with a lot of trail options. Go check it…read moreout you will not be disappointed

Area is amazing. Views are spectacular.read more

Beautiful and Serene Park…read more This park is located in the Cherokee National Forest. My Harley-Loving husband takes us here all the time, he has a ride he calls the Watuaga Lake Loop. It is a great ride in the hotter months because of the higher elevations. For him, it is a great ride through both the Pisgah and Cherokee National Forests just getting to this lake. I love the ride because I love the water views with the mountains in the background at this lake. I have posted a couple of photos. There are actually a few parks around this lake however this particular one seems especially nice. I have seen small boats on this lake but never noticed any water sports such has water skiing. I imagine the water is probably too cold for that even in the summer. So that being said, it is a very quiet lake. We love boating also and are considering a pontoon for this lake. The park has the basics -- restrooms and picnic tables. We generally just stop for a picnic lunch. Cannot beat the views for lunch. I recommend this park for a picnic, or a solitary quiet time, or a romantic day trip to just name a few suggestions.

Pros: Hidden gem with breathtaking views and tranquil surroundings. Nearby Osceola Island Loop is a…read more1.50 mile gravel trail recommended for a leisurely nature walk. Cons: Unclear signage.

Very Beautiful! The lake looks so inviting, maybe next time. Clean relaxing and serene. We rode…read morethrough on the Motorcycle a this Gorgeous Day