From the mountains to the sea, the waterfalls and the beaches in North Carolina attract year-round attention from locals and visitors alike. What if you could find a waterfall and a beach in the same place? If this sounds like a natural wonders-filled paradise to you, then pop in the car and head to Lake Glenville Beach at the Pines Recreation Area in Cullowhee, North Carolina.

The newish recreation area opened a few years ago on the north shore of Lake Glenville and offers visitors a variety of recreational opportunities, including access to beautiful Lake Glenville. A sandy beach with forever views of the surrounding mountain peaks is one of the best amenities available to visitors. It’s one of our favorite places to visit in North Carolina.
Google/Nick Breedlove
At an elevation of nearly 3,500 feet, Lake Glenville is the highest elevated lake east of the Mississippi. The 1,540-acre lake is bordered by steeply angled mountains, creating a summertime oasis with pristine mountain views. Pines Recreation Area is the perfect place to spend a sunny day.
Google/Cody Watson
As if a cool mountain beach isn't already the earmark of utopia, waterfall chasers and beach lovers alike can enjoy both natural wonders in one place at Pines Recreation Area. Literally across the street from the beach parking area is another parking area for one of North Carolina's most sought-after waterfall hikes; a trail to High Falls. So when you’re done hiking, you’ll have Lake Glenville Beach access, too!
Google / maps

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The 125-foot waterfall is a must-see and, until the opening of this newer section of trail in 2015, seeing it in person meant making a strenuous hike of nearly four miles in length. That made this hike inaccessible to many who wanted to see the waterfall.
Google/DW Kessinger
However, the new trail from Pines Recreation Area is a mere .75 mile long. It reportedly took 10 months to construct the trail, which is brimming with natural stairs made of stones or wood. It's still a strenuous hike and includes many stairs, but at least it's less than a mile each way. It’s far easier to complete than the previous one.
Google/Nick Breedlove
After a morning hike and some time admiring the epic waterfall, head over to the beach for a swim and to bask in the sun. We love Lake Glenville swimming options. There’s so many awesome ways to enjoy this area!
Google/Nick Breedlove
With a trail to a gorgeous waterfall as well as a sandy beach offering picturesque views of tall mountain peaks, Pines Recreation Area really does have the best of two worlds!
Google / maps
Planning to check it out soon? It's not hard to find on Pine Creek Road on the north shore of Lake Glenville near Cullowhee. You’ll want Pine Recreation Area on your to-do list this year!

Lake Glenville Beach at the Pines Recreation Area is open to the public 24 hours a day. You will need to swim at your own risk on this beach. An honor-system life jacket borrowing station is on-site for those who swim or canoe/kayak and feel the need for a life-saving device. Admission and parking are free.

Address: 1965 Pine Creek Road, Cullowhee, NC 28723

If you’re looking for more great places to hit the beach, we’ve got a great list of 10 great beaches to visit in North Carolina in the off-season.

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Lake Glenville Beach

Megan McDonald | October 07, 2022

Are there a lot of great beaches in North Carolina?

Absolutely! North Carolina boasts over 300 miles of pristine, sandy beach line that’s perfect for swimming and exploring. But even the lakes and rivers in the state have some incredible beaches, too. When the weather gets hot, you can be sure that there are plenty of ways to enjoy all of North Carolina’s waterways.

What is the number one beach in North Carolina?

This depends on what you are looking for. Do you want a casual beach day? Would you prefer silence, and shaded trees over your area of rest? Do you want a big, sandy beach, warm ocean water, and a pier nearby? 

Atlantic Beach in North Carolina is considered one of the top-rated and most popular beaches in the state. Located on the Crystal Coast, this is one of the only beaches that face south, protecting it from the strong waves and cold winds off of the Atlantic Ocean.

What's the prettiest beach in North Carolina?

This one could cause a ruckus because everyone is going to have their favorite spot to relax and unwind. But Cape Hatteras shoots straight to the top for us. We’ve never heard a soul complain about the gorgeous views you’ll find there!

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Lake Glenville, North Carolina 28723, USA