Cliffside Lake Shelters
Closed — Closed for the season. Shelter reservations are available May through October. Water is turned off during closure to prevent pipes from freezing. The $5 day use fee is not charged in winter.
Appalachian Ranger District Hurricane Helene Updated Closures
Our staff on the Appalachian Ranger District, in cooperation with partners and volunteers, have made great progress clearing debris and repairing damage from Hurricane Helene on the Pisgah National Forest.
Roan Mountain Fire Restrictions
Fire restrictions are now in effect for the Roan Mountain area of Appalachian Ranger District due to heightened fire danger caused by Hurricane Helene. The fire restriction is in effect on all National Forest System land from Hughes Gap to Doll Flats on the
Pisgah National Forest Driving Safety Alert
Please use caution as you travel in and around the Forest. We have a lot of heavy equipment and repair crews in the area working on roads damaged during Hurricane Helene. Up to 2,000 tons of gravel are being placed EVERY DAY on our Forest Service roads through the summer and fall.
Paint Rock Closure
Effective through May 1, 2035, certain National Forest System lands in the Paint Rock area, located on the Appalachian Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest and the Unaka Ranger District of Cherokee National Forest, will be closed to protect cultural resources.
Grandfather Ranger District Hurricane Helene Updated Closures
The following recreation sites and trails remain closed:McDowell County:
Appalachian Trail Detour- Iron Mountain Gap
The Iron Mountain Gap detour is now in place to route hikers around the final remaining 6 miles of closed section of the Appalachian Trail from about a mile south of the destroyed Cherry Gap Shelter to about a mile north of Iron Mountain Gap (approx. NOBO mile 360.6 to 365.9).
Kings Mountain Point Fishing Pier Closure
The fishing pier at Kings Mountain Point Day Use Area on the Uwharrie National Forest is closed till further notice due to storm damage. The Day Use area remains open and the three smaller accessible fishing platforms are available for public use.
Pisgah Camping Limitations
The following act is prohibited within 1000 feet of a road open to public vehicle travel on the Pisgah Ranger District in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, and Transylvania Counties in North Carolina.
Max Patch Restrictions
Restrictions on camping, fires, animals, aircraft and bicycles in Max Patch area.
About
Cliffside Lake Recreation Area offers two covered picnic shelters available for reservation, providing an ideal venue for family reunions, church outings, or group gatherings. The small shelter accommodates smaller groups while the large shelter handles bigger parties. Both require advance reservations and are located within a scenic day use area featuring a six-acre lake stocked with trout, bass, and bream. The recreation area sits at 4,118 feet elevation in the Nantahala National Forest, nestled between three mountains in a unique temperate rainforest ecosystem. Visitors enjoy access to flush toilets, a bathhouse with cold showers, a fishing pier, and a beach and swimming area. Six hiking trails ranging from easy to moderate lead to waterfalls and scenic overlooks, including the popular Ranger Falls Trail. The site is adjacent to Van Hook Glade Campground and a short drive from Dry Falls, Whitewater Falls, and the quaint mountain town of Highlands. A $5 per vehicle day use fee is charged for all visitors to the recreation area. The calm waters and beautiful mountain setting make this an excellent destination for families and groups seeking outdoor recreation in the Blue Ridge Mountains. No lifeguard is on duty at the swimming area. A valid North Carolina fishing license is required for angling.
Directions
From Highlands, NC, follow Highway 64 west for approximately 4.5 miles; the entrance to Cliffside Lake Recreation Area will be on the right.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $25 - $35 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Judy@cfaia.org | |
| Phone | +1 (828) 787-1980 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!