Lake Size: 640 Acres
Shoreline Length (Miles): 14 miles
Deepest Depth: 60 ft
Latitude: 35.124167
Longitude: -82.931667
Lake Level Above Sea Level: 2,956 ft (901 m)
Counties: Transylvania County
Cities: Lake Toxaway Area

Information: The body of water we know as Lake Toxaway did not always exist. Before 1902, this was a rugged mountain area thick with forest and no paved roadways to travel. But then, as now, people dreamed of getting away from it all, to rejuvenate their health, to renew their spirit. Many found nature to be this life-enhancing elixir. With that in mind, this remote wilderness area evolved into the exclusive resort area of Lake Toxaway. Much of this transformation is attributed to the dream E. H. Jennings, a Pittsburgh entrepreneur who visited the area in 1890. A visionary, Jennings founded the Toxaway Company in 1896 that was responsible for creating several resorts, among them the Toxaway Inn. The Toxaway Inn was built on the shore of Lake Toxaway, the first artificial lake of any size built in the Appalachians. At three miles long, one mile wide and with a shoreline of 14 miles it was situated at 3,010 feet above sea level. Considering the size of the property to be cleared and the equipment at that time, it was indeed a serious undertaking begun in 1902.