Amenities

Lake Toxaway is a premiere year-round and second home destination featuring the state’s largest private lake, a country club with outstanding golf, tennis, croquet, and fitness facilities, and access to great hiking, fishing, and dozens of waterfalls. Minutes from Highlands, Cashiers, and Brevard, Lake Toxaway is also an easy drive from Asheville, Atlanta and Greenville.

Lake Toxaway is surrounded by over 5,000 wooded acres of forest and boasts a beauty and serenity that is incomparable. Many visitors state that being on the lake (with its mountain surround) feels like “being in Switzerland”.

The Lake

Lake Toxaway is the largest privately held lake in North Carolina, covering 640 acres with 14 miles of shoreline. Located in western North Carolina at an elevation of 3,010 feet, it is a man-made lake originally created in 1902-1903 by damming the Toxaway River.

The lake is fed by multiple mountain streams, with the Toxaway River being the main source. It has a maximum depth of 60 feet and is known for its clean, stream-fed waters from the surrounding Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests. Lake Toxaway offers various recreational activities including boating, sailing, water skiing, swimming, and fishing. It's home to several species of game fish like rainbow trout, bass, bluegill, and walleye.

The lake has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s when it was part of a luxurious resort area known as the "Switzerland of America." It attracted wealthy visitors like Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, and Thomas Edison. After the original dam burst in 1916, the lake was rebuilt in 1960 and continues to be a popular destination.

Today, Lake Toxaway is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery and is part of a private community. The Greystone Inn, a luxury resort on the lakeshore, allows non-residents to enjoy the lake's beauty and amenities.

(Photo credit: Patty Probst)

Nature Park

The Lake Toxaway Community’s Nature Park Children’s Playground is part of a 10-acre park designed to engage children with nature. The playground features various play structures made from natural materials, emphasizing the local ecosystem. It is situated within a woodland of native rhododendrons and other plants, providing a natural and safe environment for children to explore and play.

The park also includes a covered picnic pavilion, restrooms, and walking trails, making it a family-friendly destination open year-round from 8 AM to sunset.

(Photo credit: Steve Delaney)

Toxaway River Trail

The Toxaway River Trail is a private trail for community members, family, and friends. Hikers follow a 1.25-mile path that winds along a small creek through the valley. This easy trail features several stream crossings, which can be more challenging during high water periods.

After completing the Toxaway River Trail, hikers can continue on to the Raven Rock Falls trail. This additional 0.5-mile section leads you through lush forest and becomes steeper and more challenging as you approach the falls. Along the way, you'll encounter a small waterfall with a 15-20 foot free fall, crossed by a recently renovated steel bridge.

The highlight of the hike is Raven Rock Falls itself, a beautiful 40-foot waterfall. The upper section features a 15-20 foot free fall, followed by another 20 feet cascading over layered rock formations known as Toxaway or Carolina gneiss.

This combined hike offers a diverse experience, showcasing the area's natural beauty, multiple water features, and culminating in the impressive Raven Rock Falls. The total distance is approximately 1.75 miles one-way, making it a moderate hike suitable for those seeking a bit more adventure than the shorter routes to the falls.

(Photo credit: Cindy Covill)

The Meadow

The Meadow includes several amenities for community members to enjoy:

1. A playground for children
2. Walking trails around a large, multi use meadow
3. The Pavilion, an open-air arena that hosts monthly music events during the summer season

This large open space contributes to the natural beauty and serene atmosphere of Lake Toxaway Estates. It provides a place for residents to connect with nature, engage in outdoor activities, and participate in community events.

(Photo credit: Cindy Covill)

Lake Toxaway Marina

Lake Toxaway Marina is located on the west side of Lake Toxaway and serves as a crucial access point for non-lakefront property owners, offering slip rentals, boat rentals, and fuel services. The marina is operated by Lake Toxaway Marine, a full-service marine dealership established in 1986. They specialize in new and used boat sales, motor and trailer sales, service, parts and accessories, storage, and boat rentals.

As Lake Toxaway is a private lake with no public access, the marina's services are exclusively available to Lake Toxaway property owners, their guests, renters, and guests of the Greystone Inn. The marina offers hourly, daily, and weekly boat rental options, as well as various watersport accessories like tubes, skis, wakeboards, paddleboards, and kayaks.

For those interested in renting boats or accessories, reservations can be made by calling (828) 877-3155.

(Photo credit: Steve Delaney)

Children's Pond

Lake Toxaway Community features a dedicated children's pond, providing a safe and enjoyable fishing experience for young anglers. The children's pond offers a controlled environment where kids can learn and practice fishing skills, making it an ideal spot for families to introduce their little ones to the joys of angling.

This thoughtful addition to the community reflects Lake Toxaway's commitment to multi-generational living and fostering outdoor activities for all ages.

Joining the Lake Toxaway Community

The Lake Toxaway Community Association is a nonprofit North Carolina corporation organized specifically for the residents of Lake Toxaway Estates. With over 1,127 residential lots, the LTCA maintains the lake, 30 miles of private roadways within the estates, and several recreational amenities.

Enjoy everything this community has to offer by becoming a property owner today!

Explore Available Properties

The first step to joining our community is to choose the property that works best for you.

Become A Property Owner

We'll connect you with our HOA and COA management systems so you can stay up to date and spend more time enjoying nature.

Enjoy Your New Community

Receive announcements and news via our forum, join an outdoor activity group, or simply relax on the lake!

Real Estate Opportunities

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