Lakes and Rivers

Lakes: Lake Glenville, Bear Creek Lake, Lake Toxaway, Lake Julia, Fawn Lake, Lake Jacosee

Rivers: French Broad River, Davidson River, North Mills River, Horsepasture River, Avery Creek, Toxaway River

French Broad River

Guests experience the exciting adventures of the French Broad River while enjoying the natural beauty of the Pisgah National Forest and some of the area’s waterfalls. The French Broad River, the third oldest river in the world, is lively, yet offers a gentle current with fast-moving shoals, sharp river bends, abundant wildlife and perfect mountain views.

Canoeing and Kayaking

Have you own Canoe or Kayak?

Here are two great one-day paddles on the French Broad River close to Meraki Escape for guests that have their own canoe/kayak.  Both routes are approximately 10 miles on the river.  Directions and access points can be found on our Guide Map.

• Champion Park (4.7 miles from Meraki Escape) to Island Ford River Access.

• Island Ford River Access (11.8 miles from Meraki Escape) to Hap Simpson Park (14 miles from Meraki Escape)

For more paddles on the French Broad River in Transylvania County check out the French Broad River Paddle Trail Map.

Want to take a guided trip?  Need to rent?

Guests can choose from self or guided, day or overnight, canoe or kayaking adventures where they will experience the beauty and serenity of the trip. Along the way there are opportunities for fishing and in some sections hike to waterfall. Headwaters Outfitters even offers a float to the famous Oskar Blues Brewery. 

River Tubing

One of the greatest American summer pastimes, right up there with backyard cookouts, pool parties, and leaving work early on Fridays!  And it’s perfect when you just want to relax and soak in nature. Picture it: You’re floating down a river atop a tube, listening to the sounds of the water and watching the world pass by with an ice cold beverage in hand. Guests can cool off on those hot summer days with a leisurely river tubing trip from Headwaters Outfitters (located just 3.6 miles from Meraki Escape).

SUP or Stand Up Paddleboarding

A popular sport that’s taking over the water sports scene. Guests can enjoy a leisurely float down the river or experience a more strenuous full body workout and an escape to nature, all in one awesome package. Once you’ve had a taste, you won’t ever look back! Guests can rent a SUP or take a guided tour from White Squirl Paddle Boards. 

Boating, Water Tubing-Skiing-Kneeboarding, Swimming, Fishing and Waterfall Gazing

Lake Glenville is a pristine reservoir located just 25 miles from Meraki Escape. The lake has 26 miles of shoreline and is the highest elevation of any lake east of the Mississippi (3,494 feet). It offers plenty of things to do for outdoors-lovers, including Water tubing- skiing-kneeboarding, swimming, fishing and waterfall gazing.

Lake Glenville has four hidden waterfalls along its shoreline. Accessible only by boat these beautiful falls are majestic and serene. Hire a guide such as Lake Glenville Waterfall Cruises to give you a tour of all four or rent a boat from Signal Ridge Marina and explore on your own. 

River Snorkeling

Go river snorkeling with a freshwater biologist! Oxbow River Snorkeling offers guests an adventure to various sections of river where they will have the opportunity to explore and learn about the diverse array of freshwater animal communities and habitat structures. Search the upper French Broad River for the ancient eastern hellbender salamander, then jump into a canoe for a journey downstream to watch the native freshwater mussels as they filter and help to clean the freshwater.