ROSMAN KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Paddling a Hidden Gem: Sea Kayaking Bear Lake to Sols Creek Waterfall
A guided sea‑kayak out-and-back across a pristine 500‑acre lake to the cove of Sols Creek Waterfall, offered as a spring and fall day trip with shore lunch.
Paddling a Hidden Gem: Sea Kayaking Bear Lake to Sols Creek Waterfall.
Bear Lake sits tucked beneath the Pisgah and Nantahala ridgelines — a clean, 500‑acre reservoir with some 13 miles of shoreline that was born in the 1950s when the east fork of the Tuckasegee River was dammed for hydroelectric power. Headwaters Outfitters leads a guided sea‑kayak outing across that still water to the cove of Sols Creek Waterfall, combining open‑water paddling, an island shore lunch and an optional short hike to the falls.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A 500‑acre basin with long, quiet shorelines
Bear Lake’s size and clarity make it a deceptively large playground: the reservoir covers 500 acres and offers roughly 13 miles of shoreline. Created in the 1950s for hydroelectric generation, the lake today is considered one of the cleanest in Western North Carolina and is regularly stocked with fish.
A measured out‑and‑back to Sols Creek Waterfall
The guided route is an out‑and‑back paddle totaling about 5 miles round trip to the cove at Sols Creek Waterfall, with an option to hike for roughly 15 minutes to the waterfall’s base; guides serve a shore lunch on an island framed by the surrounding national‑forest mountains.
Spring and fall: quieter waters, better paddling
Headwaters Outfitters offers the trip in spring and fall, seasons when motor‑boat traffic is lighter and the lake is especially suitable for sea‑kayaking across calm coves — an experience tailored for paddlers of all skill levels.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
On a spring or autumn morning you launch from Headwaters Outfitters and slip across broad, reflective water toward tree‑lined coves. The pace is steady but unhurried — guides set a route that keeps groups together for the roughly 5‑mile round trip, stopping for a composed shore lunch on an island and an optional 15‑minute hike to the waterfall for those who want to stretch their legs.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and when to consider other options.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Dress in layers; quick‑dry materials are recommended. Bring a rain/wind shell, a daypack with sunscreen, water and light snacks, and any personal items you need.
Light hiking shoes plus a water shoe or sandal are advised (some people hike and boat in a single pair). Sunglasses, a hat, camera, binoculars and field guides are helpful.
Be prepared to get wet: quick‑dry clothing, a secure daypack and sun protection make the day more comfortable. Let guides know any dietary restrictions ahead of time; lunch is provided.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the paddle?
The trip is an out‑and‑back paddle totaling about 5 miles round trip.
When are trips offered?
Trips are offered in spring and fall, on Thursdays.
What does the schedule look like?
Depart from Headwaters Outfitters at 9:15 a.m.; the return is scheduled for approximately 3:30–4:00 p.m., with an average shuttle time of about 45 minutes one way.
Do I need to reserve?
Yes — reservations are required; the operator runs trips only for groups meeting the minimum guest count.
How many people are on each trip?
Trips run with a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 8 guests.
How do I book and what does it cost?
Cost is $100 per person; you can book online at www.headwatersoutfitters.com or by calling 828‑877‑3106. For private‑group inquiries, email [email protected].
Is lunch provided and can dietary needs be accommodated?
Lunch is provided; tell your guide in advance if you have any dietary restrictions.
Is there any hiking on the trip?
There is an optional intermediate hike of about 15 minutes to the base of Sols Creek Waterfall for those who choose to do it.