Balsam Lake Lodge

Balsam Lake Lodge is nestled in the center of the 39,000-acre Roy Taylor Forest within the Nantahala National Forest. The lodge overlooks Balsam Lake and offers spectacular mountain views. It opened its doors to the public when the Forest Service acquired the dwelling and lake in 1982, and since then groups have rented the lodge for meetings, recreation and environmental activities. Note that Balsam Lake Lodge is not a campground and has no campsites or sewer, water or electrical hook ups. Near the 8-acre lake are three short hiking trails, several fishing piers and a picnic area. The Robinson Trail, suitable for wheelchairs, leads to a dock and fishing pier. The Malonee Trail travels approximately a half-mile beside the lake to the day use area, and the .3-mile Wolf Creek Trail continues beside a stream. Anglers can fish for trout in Balsam Lake, which is also open to non-motorized boating; boats and kayaks are not provided. The lodge's amenities include 16 twin beds, some of them bunks, though no linens, towels or pillows are available. There is an accessible kitchen with all utensils and appliances, outside grills, 3 bathrooms with flush toilets and toilet paper provided, one roll-in wheelchair shower, firewood provided, a fireplace, gas heat, electricity and an available landline phone for emergencies. There is no cell phone service within 5 miles of the location, and no wifi. The lodge provides cleaning supplies for guests to clean the entire lodge after their stay for the next guests. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, this mountain getaway is available from early April through late November. A dense forest of mixed deciduous and conifer trees hugs the shoreline of the tranquil lake. Visitors can explore the rest of the Nantahala National Forest, which is especially known for its spectacular waterfalls, including Whitewater Falls, the highest falls east of the Rocky Mountains.