Asheville, North Carolina
Gatlinburg, TN (2 hrs / 66.4 miles)
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (1 hr 15 mins / 44.8 miles)
Asheville
(1 hr 15 mins / 61.8 miles)
Sylva
(20 mins / 16.4 miles)
Cullowhee
(15 mins / 10.1 miles)
Raleigh, NC
(5 hrs / 307 miles)
Charlotte, NC (3 hrs / 177 miles)
Cashiers
(25 mins / 18.1 miles)
Highlands
(45 mins / 28.4 miles)
Atlanta, GA
(3 hrs / 162 miles)
Greenville, SC (2 hrs / 77.1 miles)
GREETER’S COTTAGE
LAKE CLUB
Serving as the entry point to Bear Lake Reserve, owners and guests are greeted here. Residents are welcomed home by smiling faces, and visitors are checked in and can begin to familiarize themselves with the community. While you’re here, we invite you to enjoy a locally-brewed coffee, a fresh-baked cookie, check out the nearby amphitheater, or just unwind by the indoor or outdoor fireplaces.
Situated at the edge of Bear Creek Lake, the postand-beam Adirondack style Lake Club is a natural gathering place for residents and guests. The 14,000 square foot facility features multiple dining options, pools, hot tubs, fitness center, private theater, relaxation and business lounge and more. The Lake Club Marina is also your source for boat, jet ski, canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals.
AMPHITHEATER & EVENT LAWN
TENNIS
GOLF
With its easily accessible location and park-like feel, the amphitheater and event lawn serve a multitude of uses. The sprawling lawn offers a serene space for a morning yoga session, an afternoon picnic lunch, or just tossing the football around. With a capacity for over 200 seated or 1,000 standing guests, our gently graded concert lawn with multi-level seating area is also the place for special summer events like Bear Lake Reserve’s renowned July 4th Festival and Fireworks Display, concerts under the stars, or just impromptu get-togethers with family and friends.
Located at the summit of Bear Lake Reserve and adjacent to our mountaintop golf course are two hard court tennis courts surrounded by trees. This “top-of-the-mountain” tennis experience is truly unparalleled! Programs are designed for players of all experience levels to hone their skills and deepen their love of tennis.
The spectacular 9-hole, par 29 course situated along the summit of Bear Lake Reserve offers a diverse collection of strategically-designed holes, crafted by world-renowned Nicklaus Design®. The incredible views in all directions offer a truly spectacular, one-of-a-kind golf experience. The practice facility is also well-equipped with a driving range and putting green.
HIKING TRAILS
MILL POND PAVILION
BEAR CREEK PARK
Miles of trails wind through the 2,100 acres of Bear Lake Reserve. With hikes ranging from easy to challenging, there is a trail to suit hikers of any skill level and jaw-dropping beauty to accompany you along the journey. Bear Lake Reserve is situated within the Nantahala National Forest, offering stunning vistas of gorges, waterfalls, rock domes and more to those who want to explore the beauty of the region as well.
This timberÂframe cottage and pavilion is nestled adjacent to a creek and overlooks two stocked trout ponds. Enjoy fishing and relaxation in the comfort of what feels like a private retreat. With a fully equipped kitchen, grill, and two fireplaces, it’s perfect for family gatherings, small business meetings, birthday parties, and more.
Located along the banks of rushing Bear Creek, the park is centrally located and serves as a gathering place to grill by the water or sit by the hearth and enjoy a fireside chat. Log bridges traverse the creek, tree houses and a full-size replica teepee stand ready to be explored, and tent platforms provide opportunities to camp with the sound of the water lulling you to sleep.
Member Testimonials “Bear Lake is about being laid back and refined. Fun. Vivacious. In many ways it’s about the entrepreneurial spirit. Trying new things. Getting out there on the edge, taking risks for a reward.”
“There’s something about the Bear Lake air. Our dog even relaxes up here! At home, she barks all the time because she’s anxious. Up here, she’s so chill!” “Bear Lake provides a natural opportunity for families to get out into nature. A lot of people don’t have the ability to look at the night sky and see how pure it truly is. Or the ability to truly experience fresh air. It just smells different here! The stars beam here!” “This is a mixed generation kind of community. And we love that. These people don’t want restaurants and stores. They want natural and relaxing memories with their family and friends. We’re all friends outside of the Bear Lake gate, too.”
“Bear Lake is a true gift – it brings our family together. It’s where some of our best memories are being made.”
Welcome home.
