Thirteen man-made lakes and ponds provide added opportunities for water sports and recreation along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Lake Powhatan, with its multifaceted recreation area, is one of the most popular. Rather than a primitive wilderness experience, the Lake Powhatan Recreation Area offers easy access to a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, swimming, and mountain biking. In addition, connector trails lead to the 6,300-acre Bent Creek Research and Demonstration Forest, The North Carolina Arboretum, and less heavily visited areas in the Pisgah National Forest.
Fishing is one of Lake Powhatan's primary draws.
Anglers more interested in dropping a hook in the water than trekking through thickets to find remote mountain streams enjoy several casting spots on its shores as well as a handicapped-accessible fishing pier near the dam. In addition, they find Lake Powhatan a good base camp for trips out into the more rugged trails and logging roads beyond nearby gated forest roads accessible to hikers and mountain bikers. A system of loop trails in the recreation area provides hikers of all levels with an extensive range of options, with most trails rated easy to moderate. New routes emerge regularly as the Cradle of Forestry in America Interpretive Association continues to build additional trails. Maps are available at the Lake Powhatan gatehouse.