T H E S U N S E T S O V E R W E S T V I R G I N I A ' S C H E AT L A K E . P H O T O B Y S T E V E N R O Y C E , C O U R T E S Y O F V I S I T M O U N TA I N E E R C O U N T R Y C V B
MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN LAKES Beat the summer heat by getting away to the cool waters of the Blue Ridge BY ELLEN KANZIN GER
LIZ NANCE WAS ONLY SUPPOSED TO be in the mountains of western North
Carolina for the summer. In 2004, she took a seasonal job at the Nantahala Outdoor Center because it seemed like a fun way to spend the warmer months. By the end of her summer gig, Nance had accepted a full-time position and put down permanent roots near Bryson City, N.C. “This area just draws you,” she said. Surrounded by trails and waterways, Nance found a new home in the mountains, and she was particularly drawn to Lake Fontana, canoeing the big lake’s many nooks and crannies or camping on its shores. For others in search of tranquil waterfront adventures, we've highlighted four of the top lakeside destinations in the Blue Ridge. JUNE 2022 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM
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