From my Blue Ridge Explorer Adventures…
August 2020
On our way back to Cashiers, we detoured at Lake Glenville…
Located 8 miles north of Cashiers off scenic NC 107, Lake Glenville (Thorpe Reservoir) is the highest elevated lake east of the Mississippi River. Lake Glenville is a hidden hideaway of 26 miles of pristine shoreline enveloped by towering mountains.
Lake Glenville has an interesting history dating…formed in 1941 at the headwaters of Hurricane Creek by the damning of the west fork of Tuckasegee River. It was created by the Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA) during World War II to generate hydroelectric power essential for the production of aluminum in support of the war effort. The dam flooded the entire valley north of Cashiers.
It was originally named Thorpe Reservoir after J.E.S. Thorpe, Nantahala Power’s first president, but was renamed Lake Glenville in 2002. Glenville was a historic town that now lies at the bottom of the lake, along with the ‘ghost’ hamlet of Hamburg. The lake remains the primary energy provider for area homes and businesses.
Lake Glenville is picturesque and a relaxing spot to enjoy fresh mountain air and relax by the water.
