6 Carolina Lakes You’ll Want to Call Home

Here in the Carolina mountains, there’s something pleasing about life on the water –– the gentle waves, sandy shores, and surrounding forests all create an extraordinary experience that awakens the senses and brings you closer to the great outdoors. 

At The Cliffs, we are fortunate to be located right in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering convenient access to many of the best lakes in the region. Together, we explore a few of these picturesque mountain lakes and discover what makes them so special. Let’s dive in! 

1. Lake Keowee

Known for its clear, emerald waters, Lake Keowee is a scenic Southern lake located near Clemson, South Carolina. With 18,500 acres of crystal-clear water and a 300-mile sandy shoreline, this is the perfect place to enjoy activities such as fishing, waterskiing, swimming, camping, and picnicking. 

At The Cliffs, our three lake communities surround this picturesque lake, giving you a front-row seat to take in the scenic views. With the opportunity to build a custom home within our new neighborhoods with our Cliffs Builders, you can tailor lake living to meet your every need. To view available lake homes and homesites at The Cliffs, click here.

Neighborhood Spotlight: Waterscape at Keowee Springs

Discover the latest addition to our luxury lake community, Waterscape at Keowee Springs. Home to countless private amenities, there are always new ways to enjoy lake living to the fullest. And, with three floorplans to choose from, building your dream lake home just got easier. 

Read our latest blog to learn more about this spectacular waterfront neighborhood and what makes it a place you will want to call home.  

2. Lake Jocassee 

Framed by dense forests with an undeveloped shoreline, Lake Jocassee is an oasis of natural beauty in South Carolina. Located just over an hour from Greenville, South Carolina, this lake is only accessible from Devils Fork State Park. Here, guests can participate in activities such as stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, or even go scuba diving in the clear waters. 

3. Lake Lure

Located just outside Asheville, North Carolina, Lake Lure is a popular destination in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Nestled in the Hickory Nut Gorge, this man-made lake blends in perfectly with the surrounding greenery. With sandy shores and sweeping views of the rolling mountain peaks, it’s no wonder it has been the filming location for various movies, including Dirty Dancing, Thunder Road, and The Last of the Mohicans. 

Here, visitors can soak up the sunlight from the beach, go for a relaxing walk on the boardwalk, cross the Flowering Bridge, hike, or simply enjoy a picnic by the water’s edge. Lake Junaluska

Also located about a half-hour west of our Asheville community, Lake Junaluska is a charming lake perfect for those looking to escape urban life. While dedicated to providing areas of retreat and meditation, there are still many recreational activities to take part in including lake cruises, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and a lake-side pool.    

4. Lake Hartwell

On the border of South Carolina and Georgia, Lake Hartwell is a large, ​​6,000-acre lake with 963 miles of shoreline to explore. Originally built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of a flood control, hydropower, and navigation project, it is now a wonderful natural escape in the region. With a multitude of ways to take in the scenery while enjoying the many benefits of lake living, this is one of the most popular lakes in the state. 

5. Lake Issaqueena

Neighboring Lake Hartwell, Lake Issaqueena is a smaller, quieter option for those looking to explore lake living in South Carolina. Fishing and hiking are two of the most popular things to do in this charming lake, with many hiking trails surrounding the 4,000-acre reservoir. With its proximity to Clemson, there are many opportunities to live nearby and visit regularly.

Enjoy a Lake Lifestyle at The Cliffs 

At The Cliffs, our private luxury community offers the best of luxury lake living in North and South Carolina. With seven communities scattered throughout the region –– and three right along the shores of Lake Keowee, there is plenty of fun to be had on the water.

From the Beach Club and Surf Shop at The Cliffs at Keowee Springs to the Equestrian Center at The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards, and the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course at The Cliffs at Keowee Falls, each lake community has a unique set of amenities that make for an exceptional living experience. 

To learn more about the many opportunities our community offers to discover the beauty of the Carolinas, click on the button below.