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Lakeside picnic area

Cliffside Lake Shelters

Open

This is a day-use facility with reservable picnic shelters, not an overnight campground. Open April 1 through October 31, dawn to dusk. Shelters available 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. Day-use fee is $5 per vehicle. Small shelter $30, large shelter $40.

Nantahala National Forest

Closure: Bradley Creek Trail (TR351) and a section of Yellow Gap Road ( FS Road 1206)

Bradley Creek Trail (TR351) and a section of Yellow Gap Road ( FS Road 1206) near milepost 6.7 from Highway 276, are temporarily closed to all traffic, including hikers, bicyclists and equestrians.Crews are repairing damage from a landslide that occurred during a previous weather event and was…

Nantahala National Forest

Lower portion of Dry Falls, Nantahala Ranger District, will be temporarily closed September 14- 18

The Nantahala Ranger District will temporarily close access to the lower portion of Dry Falls from September 14–18 to conduct necessary maintenance and improvements. During this period, public access to the base of the waterfall will not be available.To ensure visitors can still enjoy the site,…

Nantahala National Forest

Old Fort Picnic Area -- closed Aug. 28-30, 2026

The Old Fort Picnic Area will be closed starting today through the weekend for paving. The area will reopen for parking Monday, August 31. The parking lot, which was damaged during Hurricane Helene, is being repaved as part of a larger project to restore and improve the picnic area. Due to the…

About

Cliffside Lake Recreation Area is a day-use facility in the Nantahala National Forest near Highlands, North Carolina. The site offers two covered picnic shelters that can be reserved for group events such as family reunions, school outings, and church gatherings. Shelters are available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm and must be reserved in advance. The recreation area sits at 4,118 feet elevation and provides access to Cliffside Lake for swimming (no lifeguard) and trout fishing. A bathhouse with cold showers and both vault and flush toilets are available. Six hiking trails of varying difficulty wind through the area, including routes to nearby waterfalls. This is not an overnight camping facility. Visitors seeking camping should consider the adjacent Van Hook Glade Campground. A $5 per vehicle day-use fee applies April through October. The nearby town of Highlands offers dining and supplies, while Franklin has larger shopping options.

Directions

From Highlands, follow Highway 64 West approximately 4.5 miles. The entrance will be on the right.

Amenities

Water
Fires Allowed
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi
Pets Allowed
Showers Yes
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $5 - $40

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (828) 524-6441

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Lakeside picnic area
Lakeside picnic area
View from Small Picnic Shelter
Swim area
Lakeside hike
Shelter
Campground

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