Cliffside Lake & Van Hook Glade
Directions Info
Directions & Arrival Information
Cliffside Lake Recreation Area and Van Hook Glade Campground are located in the Nantahala National Forest near Highlands, North Carolina. The drive follows scenic mountain roads through the Highlands area, with winding sections and changing elevations along the way. Cell service may be limited in parts of the surrounding forest, so visitors are encouraged to review directions and save navigation information before leaving.
Physical Address
14014 Highlands Road
Highlands, NC 28741
Coordinates
Latitude: 35.0763
Longitude: -83.2466
Access Through Unicoi State Park
Anna Ruby Falls is located on National Forest land, but the entrance road is accessed through Unicoi State Park. Visitors traveling only to Anna Ruby Falls may continue through the Unicoi State Park area without paying the Unicoi entrance fee.
Accessing Cliffside Lake & Van Hook Glade
Cliffside Lake Recreation Area and Van Hook Glade Campground are located in Nantahala National Forest near the scenic Cullasaja Gorge, just minutes from Highlands, North Carolina. Van Hook Glade is located just off U.S. Highway 64, while Cliffside Lake is reached by following the recreation area road approximately 1.5 miles from the highway. Visitors staying at Van Hook Glade can also access Cliffside Lake by a short connecting trail.
From Highlands, NC
Cliffside Lake and Van Hook Glade are located approximately 4.5 miles west of Highlands.
From Highlands, follow U.S. Highway 64 West toward Franklin through the Cullasaja Gorge. The entrance to Van Hook Glade and Cliffside Lake will be on the right. Follow posted signs for the campground or continue toward the Cliffside Lake Recreation Area, depending on your destination.
Highway 64 through this area is a scenic mountain road with curves, elevation changes, and several popular roadside attractions. Allow additional travel time during periods of heavy traffic or poor weather.
From Franklin, NC
From Franklin, follow U.S. Highway 64 East toward Highlands. The route travels through the mountainous Cullasaja Gorge before reaching the Cliffside Lake and Van Hook Glade area. Watch for the entrance on the left before reaching Highlands and follow posted signs to your destination.
Drivers should use extra caution through the gorge, where the road can be narrow and winding in places. Travel times may vary depending on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
Parking Information
Parking for Cliffside Lake Recreation Area is available in designated day-use parking areas near the lake, swimming area, picnic facilities, and trail access. A day-use fee is charged per vehicle. Visitors should follow posted signs and park only in designated areas.
Van Hook Glade campers should park within the designated parking area for their campsite. Campsite sizes and vehicle accommodations vary, and some sites are intended for tents or smaller recreational vehicles. Visitors traveling with larger RVs or trailers should review individual campsite details before arriving.
GPS & Navigation
Most GPS devices and navigation apps will guide visitors to the Highway 64 entrance. Once you arrive, follow posted signs for either Van Hook Glade Campground or Cliffside Lake Recreation Area.
Cellular service can be limited in the surrounding mountains and along portions of the Cullasaja Gorge. Visitors are encouraged to save directions offline or review their route before entering the area.
Seasonal Operations Notice
Cliffside Lake Recreation Area and Van Hook Glade Campground operate seasonally, generally from April through October. Opening and closing dates, available services, and site access may be affected by weather, road conditions, maintenance, or other circumstances.
Before beginning your trip, check the official Cliffside Lake & Van Hook Glade page and FIND Outdoors social media channels for the latest information on seasonal operations, weather-related closures, and other site updates.