The lakes of Connestee Falls make our locale unique within Western North Carolina and constitute major scenic and recreational attractions within the community. Like the vast majority of North Carolina’s lakes (all but three!), all four of our lakes are man-made. They were constructed by the community’s developers between 1972 and 1973. The dams were built in compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations and are regularly inspected and maintained by our maintenance staff. Some of these inspections require that the level of each lake be occasionally lowered several feet. The dams are also inspected annually by the state.
Our community is fortunate that, except for one small stream helping feed Lake Atagahi, the watersheds for all four lakes are completely within our boundaries, thus giving us virtually complete control over our lake water quality. For example, the water depths noted below are approximate maximums, obtained by Fishing Club members using on-board depth finders in 1997-98. Due to sedimentation during their initial years of existence, the lakes may now be somewhat shallower than when first filled. However, the CFPOA’s subsequent construction of sedimentation basins and other measures taken further upstream of the lakes have greatly slowed this sedimentation. Furthermore, surveys by aquatic biologists have also found no pollution within the lakes.
Lake Atagahi
Lake Atagahi, comprising almost 80 total acres, is Connestee Falls’ largest lake. In a sense it is two lakes, because only small boats can pass under the bridge in the causeway that crosses the lake’s upper end, near Carson Creek Baptist Church. It is 2890 feet above sea level. It is fed primarily by the original tributaries of Carson Creek, and its outflow continues as Carson Creek to US 276, where it turns to parallel the highway and subsequently plunges over Connestee Falls. The lake is about 59 feet deep near the dam. The section “behind” the causeway, referred to as “Little Atagahi”, is very shallow. Besides the causeway and church, the lake’s other distinguishing feature is our community’s largest park, Atagahi Park, with its two pavilions, barbecue grill, picnic tables, playground, swimming beach, boat launch, rest rooms, and basketball court. Lake Atagahi is the only one of our four lakes that contain grass carp which have been stocked to help control aquatic vegetation.
Lake Ticoa
Lake Ticoa, covering almost 75 acres, is Connestee Falls’ second-largest and deepest body of water. Fed by water from Lake Tiaroga and other small tributaries, it is approximately 92 feet deep near the dam. Its surface is 2810 feet above sea level. After being built in 1972, it was drained and refilled in 1975 for dam valve repair. Its outflow, Batson Creek, eventually flows over Batson Creek Falls, whereupon it joins Carson Creek passing through “Silver Slip” at the base of Connestee Falls.
Lake Tiaroga
Lake Tiaroga, covering only 31 acres and being approximately 32 feet in depth near the dam, is our smallest lake; but it makes up in intimacy what it lacks in size. It is fed by the headwaters of Batson Creek, and its outflow helps feed Lake Ticoa. Like Lake Ticoa, it has had two lives. It was drained and refilled in 1979. The lake’s surface is 2950 feet above sea level. The Fishing Club has been introducing forage fish into the lake to benefit its largemouth bass population.
Lake Wanteska
Lake Wanteska is 45 acres in surface area. Studies by aquatic biologists have shown its water to be the clearest of our four lakes, and its depth is about 62 feet near the dam. It is 2440 feet above sea level. Its primary water source is Lower Creek, which continues past Wanteska Dam to flow into the East Fork of the French Broad River. At one time, the lake had a small population of striped bass, but it is doubtful it still exists. The Fishing Club has been managing the lake as “Bass Enhanced” by adding structure/fish hides and forage fish.
