Class I Lake Santeelah, NC

Lake Santeetlah was created in 1928 when Alcoa dammed the Cheoah River as a means of generating hydroelectric power. The reservoir is surrounded by the Cheoah District of the Nantahala National Forest. The lake boasts 76 miles (122km) of shoreline, and hosts a variety of fish including smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, bream, and lake trout. There are more than fifty primitive campsites scattered around the lake that include a picnic table and fire ring. (Source: Smoky Mountain Blueways)