The Cherokee called this territory Shaconage (shah-cone-ah-jey), meaning roughly ‘land of the blue smoke’ for the heather-colored mist that hangs over the ancient peaks. The Southern Appalachians are the world’s oldest mountain range, with mile upon mile of cool, deciduous forest carpeted in blue-green hemlock, pine and oak trees.
Seekers of all sorts have been drawn to these ancient mountains for hundreds of years: the Cherokee came to hunt, Scots- Irish immigrants came in the 1700s looking for a better life, fugitives hid from the law in these deep forests, the ill came to take in the fresh air, and naturists came to hike the trails.
In an area full of stunning places, Lake Santeetlah could very well take the top prize. Roughly 2,800 acres that are surrounded by National Forest, this picturesque spot should be referred to as the ‘Jewel of the Smokies.’ Crystal clear Lake Santeetlah is surrounded by mountains that paint a natural picture that could not have been engineered to be more aesthetically pleasing.
Removed from the hustle and bustle, Lake Santeetlah offers water sports of all kinds including boating, jet-skiing, as well as swimming, water-skiing, canoeing and kayaking. The activities don’t stop there; the area is renowned for the hiking, climbing and white water rafting adventures. And for the photographers, there is another jaw-dropping photo opportunity around every bend.