The age-old debate of the beach vs. the mountains is solved at Pines Recreation Area where guests can enjoy the best of both worlds. Here, guests enjoy swimming, lounging, paddle boarding and more.
No rip tides or sharks to worry about in this glistening mountain lake. Take a swim or paddle board in the clear waters of Lake Glenville. Lounge on the sandy beach, fish from the pier, or enjoy a family picnic amongst a mountain backdrop. Amenities at the Pines Recreation Area include a swim beach, pier, picnic tables, toilets, informational signage and more. The amenities are fully handicap accessible. The site also features a life jacket loaner board which allows visitors to check out a life jacket at no charge and then return it to the board when done.
Travel NC 107 to Glenville (south from Sylva, north from Cashiers).
Turn onto Pine Creek Road (SR 1157), which intersects NC 107 about a mile north of the Glenville Post Office. Travelers from Sylva, Cullowhee or Tuckasegee will turn right; travelers from Cashiers or Glenville will turn left.
Continue on Pine Creek Road, crossing the Glenville Dam. Pines Recreation area is just past the dam.
The High Falls trailhead and swimming area are on the opposite sides of the road.
What is the Pines Recreation Area?
A public swim beach on Lake Glenville that settles the beach-versus-mountains debate by being both. Visitors swim, paddleboard, lounge on the sandy beach, fish from the pier, and picnic against a mountain backdrop.
Where is the Pines Recreation Area?
1965 Pine Creek Rd, Cullowhee, NC 28723, on Lake Glenville between Cullowhee and Cashiers. Take NC 107 to Glenville, turn onto Pine Creek Road (SR 1157) about a mile north of the Glenville Post Office, and continue across the Glenville Dam.
Can I reserve the Pines Recreation Area for an event?
The space is open to the public at all times so it cannot be reserved.
Who is in charge of Pines Recreation Area?
Duke Energy owns and oversees the site.
Are pets permitted at Pines Recreation Area?
Pets are not permitted at Pines Recreation Area.
Can you swim at Lake Glenville's Pines Recreation Area?
Yes, there's a designated swim beach with clear mountain lake water and no rip tides or sharks to worry about. There are no lifeguards on duty, so swim with care.
Is the Pines Recreation Area accessible?
Yes. The amenities, including the fishing pier, are fully handicap accessible.
Are life jackets available at the Pines Recreation Area?
Yes. A life jacket loaner board lets visitors borrow a life jacket at no charge and return it when done.
What amenities does the Pines Recreation Area have?
A sandy swim beach, fishing pier, picnic tables, toilets, and informational signage. Boats and paddleboards can be rented through local outfitters to explore the lake.
Can you fish at the Pines Recreation Area?
Yes, the accessible pier is built for it. Lake Glenville holds bass, catfish, crappie, bream, and perch.
Is there a waterfall hike nearby?
The High Falls trailhead sits directly across the road from the swimming area, leading to a dramatic double-cascade waterfall with natural pools at its base.
Does it cost anything to visit the Pines Recreation Area?
No it is free.
Are there restrooms on site at Pines Recreation Area?
Yes, there are two vaulted toilets on site.
When is the Pines Recreation Area open?
The site is open from dusk to dawn, year-round.
Is the Pines Recreation Area good for kids?
Yes, it's listed among Jackson County's top kid-friendly attractions: a calm designated swim area, sandy beach for digging, picnic tables for lunch, and free loaner life jackets.
The Tuckasegee River is a fly-fisherman’s paradise. And the beautiful mountain lakes along its east and west forks…
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors, experience Appalachian arts and culture, or simply relax in a secluded cabin, Jackson County has it all.
