Outdoor Activities at Emerald Lake

Surrounded by the beauty of Cedar Mountain, North Carolina, Emerald Lake offers endless outdoor adventures for guests of all ages. Whether you’re looking for relaxation by the water or action-packed days on the trails, you’ll find it here. With private lake access, a stocked trout pond, and miles of nearby hiking and biking trails, the opportunities for exploration and fun are limitless.

On the Property – Private Outdoor Adventures

Emerald Lake – 6 Acres of Waterfront Fun

Guests have full access to the private 6-acre Emerald Lake, perfect for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

  • Paddleboarding & Kayaking – Glide across the lake and enjoy the peaceful mountain views.

  • Swimming & Floating Dock – Cool off with a refreshing swim in the clear mountain-fed waters.

  • Catch-and-Release Fishing – Try your luck catching bass and bream in the lake.

Stocked Trout Pond – A Fisherman’s Dream

For a quiet, more secluded fishing experience, cast a line into the stocked trout pond, located near the Pondside Log Cabins.

Sassy Goose Pavilion & Lawn Games

For a more laid-back outdoor experience, gather at the Sassy Goose Pavilion for:

  • Ping pong & darts

  • Bocce ball & horseshoes

  • Basketball & other games

  • Darts

  • Picnics

  • Firepit

Private Hiking Trails & Lady Falls

Explore the exclusive on-property trails that wind through the forest, leading to scenic overlooks and Lady Falls, a hidden waterfall nestled in the woods. Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature without ever leaving the property.

Nearby Outdoor Adventures – Explore Cedar Mountain & Beyond

DuPont State Forest – 0.8 Miles Away

Just minutes from Emerald Lake, DuPont State Forest is a hiker and biker’s paradise, offering Bike in / Bike out access to Fawn Lake Access.

  • Waterfall Hikes – Discover Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, High Falls and others.

  • Mountain Biking Trails – Ride the same world-class trails featured in major cycling competitions.

  • Scenic Overlooks & Wildlife – Spot native wildlife and take in panoramic Blue Ridge Mountain views.

Best 5 hikes near Emerald Lake:

Pisgah National Forest – 20 Minutes Away

For those seeking even more adventure, Pisgah National Forest offers:

  • Rock Climbing – Test your skills on Looking Glass Rock.

  • More Hiking Trails – Explore John Rock, Black Balsam Knob, and Graveyard Fields.

  • Sliding Rock

  • Fly Fishing – Experience some of the best trout fishing streams in Western North Carolina.

Golf Courses Near Cedar Mountain

For golf enthusiasts, several public courses are within a short drive from Emerald Lake:

  • Connestee Falls Golf Club – Located in Cedar Mountain, this semi-private, 18-hole championship course designed by George Cobb provides a challenging yet enjoyable experience amidst mountain vistas. Limited tee times are available for non-members.

  • Sherwood Forest Golf Club – Also located in Cedar Mountain, this 18-hole, par-3 course offers “lush greens and tight fairways”, suitable for all skill levels. Open year-round to the public.