Blue Ridge Country July/August 2024 - 49

with reservations. Stop along the way for
exceptional scenic views of the valley below.
fs.usda.gov/recarea/cherokee/recreation/
recarea/?recid=35078&actid=24
Lake James State Park. Burke and McDowell
counties, North Carolina. At the
eastern edge of the Pisgah National Forest,
this 6,812-acre lake is one of the most
pristine in the region. Swim at the beach,
rent boats, hike and bike trails and birdwatch.
In addition to drive-in and walk-in
campsites, this destination offers paddlein
camping on Long Arm Peninsula (accessible
only by boat). The highest peak in
the Blue Ridge, Grandfather Mountain, is
nearby as well as Linville Caverns. ncparks.
gov/state-parks/lake-james-state-park
Lake Cumberland State Resort Park.
lake
Somerset, Kentucky. This large
(1,225 miles of shoreline!) is known as
the " Houseboat Capitol of the World. "
In addition to campsites, cottages and the
63-room Lure Lodge, amenities include
overnight stays (and day rentals) on, you
guessed it, houseboats. Luxury options
available. Take a seaplane ride, visit the
International Paranormal Museum and
catch a concert. parks.ky.gov/parks/find-apark/lake-cumberland-state-resort-park-7795
CLOCKWISE
FROM
LEFT:
Lake James
State Park,
North Carolina,
is home to a
pristine lake.
Philpott Lake,
Virginia,
features rocky
shorelines.
Hot Springs,
Bath County,
Virginia, has
recently been
restored.
COURTESY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY | MATT ROSS
Philpott Lake. Patrick, Franklin and
Henry counties, Virginia. Plan a trip to this
2,880-acre body of water surrounded by
mixed hardwood forests and rocky shorelines
(no residential development in sight).
Visitor center, eight campgrounds, nine
boat launches and six beach areas await at
this destination considered to be one of the
prettiest lakes in the state. Take a short trip
to nearby Fairystone State Park and search
for the legendary six-sided twinned crystals.
dwr.virginia.gov/waterbody/philpott-lake
Shaver's Lake. Pocahontas County, West
Virginia. This body of water, located at
the popular winter destination of Showshoe
Mountain, is also a (little-known)
summer treasure. Enjoy snacks at the
beach, compete on the inflatable floating
challenge course, ride paddle boats, SUP
and explore in a canoe or kayak. Play disc
golf, hike trails and grab a bite at the restaurant.
Return in winter for exceptional
frozen fun on snow falling from the sky
and more flakes " made " from Shaver's
Lake water. snowshoemtn.com/things-to-do/
activities/lake-activities
A Taste of Dalton...
For Info, Go to VisitDaltonGA.com
JULY/AUGUST 2024 49

http://fs.usda.gov/recarea/cherokee/recreation/recarea/?recid=35078&actid=24 http://ncparks.gov/state-parks/lake-james-state-park http://www.snowshoemtn.com/things-to-do/activities/lake-activities http://parks.ky.gov/parks/find-a-park/lake-cumberland-state-resort-park-7795 http://dwr.virginia.gov/waterbody/philpott-lake http://www.VisitDaltonGA.com

Blue Ridge Country July/August 2024

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