Glenville

Located on Jackson County’s largest lake, Glenville is a popular community with gorgeous waterfront homes in the North Carolina mountains.

Sitting 3,500-feet above sea level with 26 miles of shoreline, Lake Glenville is the highest lake east of the Mississippi River located in the Blue Ridge mountains. In the historic Hamburg community, Glenville draws visitors from across the Southeast for its country-club environment combined with great shopping and dining in neighboring Cashiers.

Lake Glenville is known for its renowned bass fishing. The lake is also home to smallmouth bass, catfish, crappie, bream, and perch. With an average summer temperature of 83 degrees, Glenville is the perfect place to escape the summer heat. Many generations of families visit Glenville each year to enjoy this lakeside community’s beauty with its low-key lifestyle and wide array of activities.

An hour west of Asheville, Glenville is a paradise for a day out of the city. It’s only a short distance from Sylva, Cullowhee, Cherokee, and Sapphire.

With the charming town of Cashiers just a short drive away, you can easily enjoy everything both areas have to offer! TripAdvisor reviews put it best: “Simply one of the most picturesque lakes we’ve ever seen.” The air is crisp, clean, and cool.

More to Explore

Glenville is full of unique experiences. Find the perfect one for you below, so that you can plan your ideal trip to the mountains.

High Falls – Hike up to High Falls to witness the beauty of this waterfall, including a two-section free fall over a cliff. They don’t call it High Falls for nothing!
Waterfall tours of Cashiers, Highlands and Franklin – Explore the best of the waterfalls in WNC with our waterfall guide located online here.
Swimming at Lake Glenville – Bring the family to the Pines Recreation Area to enjoy the beach and the mountains—the best of both worlds! You can swim, lounge, or paddleboard the day away.
Waterfall Cruises – Boating anyone? All aboard for a scenic waterfall boat cruise on Lake Glenville! Captain Mark’s Boat Tours depart from Signal Ridge Marina on a 28-foot luxury pontoon yacht. Be sure to check out Mill Creek falls, one of three hidden waterfalls only accessible by boat.
Nearby fly fishing on the Tuckasegee River is a popular activity if bass fishing isn’t your thing. Our WNC Fly Fishing Trail® maps out fifteen prime spots to catch Brook, Brown, and Rainbow trout.
Vacation Rentals abound in Glenville, with lakefront views that are among the most spectacular in Western North Carolina.
Western Carolina University, in Cullowhee, is only twenty minutes from Glenville, so visitors can readily enjoy a WCU Basketball, Football, or Baseball game while visiting alongside countless programs and displays at the Bardo Arts Center and Fine Art Museum.

Ready to plan your trip to Lake Glenville NC, one of the most beautiful towns and lakes in the United States?

Take a look at our Trip Ideas to get inspiration for your next mountain getaway. Or check out some FAQs to get all your Jackson County questions answered.

What is Glenville, NC known for?

Lake Glenville. Sitting 3,500 feet above sea level with 26 miles of shoreline, it's one of the highest lakes east of the Mississippi and the largest lake in Jackson County. The community draws generations of families for low-key lakeside summers.

How big is Lake Glenville?

26 miles of shoreline, seven islands, and four waterfalls, some reachable only by boat. It's the largest lake in Jackson County and a favorite for boating, waterskiing, and swimming.

Is fishing good at Lake Glenville?

The lake has earned a reputation as a bass fisherman's delight, and it also holds smallmouth bass, catfish, crappie, bream, and perch. Prefer trout? The WNC Fly Fishing Trail® maps 15 prime spots nearby on the Tuckasegee and its tributaries.

Where can you swim at Lake Glenville?

The Pines Recreation Area has a sandy swim beach, designated swimming area, picnic tables, restrooms, and an accessible fishing pier. It's the beach-meets-mountains experience, minus the sharks and riptides.

Are there boat tours on Lake Glenville?

Yes. Captain Mark's scenic waterfall cruises depart from Signal Ridge Marina aboard a 28-foot luxury pontoon. The route includes Mill Creek Falls, one of four hidden waterfalls only accessible by boat.

Are pets permitted at Pines Recreation Area?

Pets are not permitted at Pines Recreation Area.

How hot does it get in Glenville, NC in summer?

The average summer temperature peaks about 80 degrees, and the air stays crisp and cool. That's the whole point: Glenville is where the Southeast escapes the heat.

What waterfalls are near Glenville?

High Falls (also called Cullowhee Falls) is the signature hike, a dramatic free fall over a cliff near the Glenville Dam. Three more falls sit on the lake itself, and the waterfall-rich Cashiers area is a short drive south.

Where should I stay in Glenville, NC?

Vacation rentals dominate, many with lakefront views that rank among the most spectacular in Western North Carolina.

How far is Glenville from Asheville and Cashiers?

Glenville is about an hour west of Asheville and a short ten minute drive from Cashiers, so you can pair quiet lake days with Cashiers shopping and dining. Sylva, Cullowhee, Cherokee, and Sapphire are all close by.

Is Glenville, NC worth visiting?

A TripAdvisor reviewer put it best: 'Simply one of the most picturesque lakes we've ever seen.' If your ideal day involves a pontoon boat, a waterfall, and an 83-degree afternoon, yes.