About Bear Paw
A secluded and serene mountain retreat with a rich history, beloved by residents and visitors alike – come see why Bear Paw lives in the hearts of all who experience it.
The Bear Paw experience
Leave the world behind as you wind through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests that surround Bear Paw, right until you arrive at a pristine lake set against lush Blue Ridge mountains. Whether touched with rolling mist in the morning or blanketed with autumn colors in the fall, it is always, in any season, a world unto its own.
The land, the lake, the people and the place are all together a bit of a secret in this area, known only to those lucky enough to visit or live here. Now that you’ve found us, you’re invited to further find out why Bear Paw is so special to those who know.
Exploration and adventure
The 6,000 acres of Lake Hiawassee at your doorstep offer plenty of room for excitement, from boating and watersports to rock jumping or a day spent fishing. You can raft the whitewater below the dam, zipline or rock climb at nearby adventure courses, or explore the miles of trails through the wilderness all around.
Nature and wildlife
Bear Paw is ensconced in lush woods of national forests, providing an expansive and lush habitat for deer, wild boar, black bears, and all manner and color of birds, whose songs fill the trees and let you know you are somewhere special.
Bear Paw Amenities
Lake Hiwassee
A lake like no other, with space for all.
At 22 miles long with 163 miles of shoreline, the 6,000 acres of Lake Hiwassee are a boater’s dream, whether you want a secluded spot to yourself or wide open swathes for watersports. With glassy waters from the first of dawn to the glorious colors of sundown, its cool breezes sail over the surface all summer long.
Marina
A first-class facility for a world-class lake
The recently-updated Mountain View Marina offers the finest lake experience for miles. A clean and convenient general store is your place for supplies, and welcoming staff will make you want to stay awhile. There’s plenty of rental equipment and vessels as well – from a fleet of pontoon boats to kayaks and coolers.
Activities
Pool, playground and courts galore
Bear Paw offers plenty to do on or off the water: from our giant, crystal-clear swimming pool, a playground for kids, to courts for tennis, basketball, volleyball and even pickleball and ping-pong, activities abound for all ages and interests.
Clubhouse
Lively community amidst tranquility
As the hub of social gathering and the site of our many community events, the Clubhouse is where visitors and residents alike come together for live music, craft fairs with local artisans, yoga and fitness classes or evenings of dancing or card games.
Hiwassee Dam
The structural marvel that started it all
The nearby Hiwassee Dam made all of Bear Paw possible. It not only created the lake, but has supplied power to the area for generations. Take a visit to learn how it works, walk across and look over the side – where whitewater adventures await those seeking a thrill.
Lodging
A room, a home, a lot or a dream, for everyone.
Whether you’re looking to rent a full home, a just-right condo or a charming cottage, there’s a place for you at Bear Paw for any length of visit. And if you wish to make this setting a part of your life, a variety of real estate opportunities are also available.
History
Bear Paw was born with the construction of the Hiwassee Dam in 1936. In fact, our collection of renovated cottages originally were a residential village for workers and engineers who built and operated the dam. As river waters filled the valleys, so grew our community, with residents and vacation homeowners coming from all over, along with visitors and vacationers seeking a unique escape from the everyday.
Built, developed and cared for over the years by a dedicated group of stakeholders, Bear Paw today consists of 1,090 lots, more than 200 homes, 42 cottages, 23 condominiums and a marina. Our community continues to grow as more and more residents of Bear Paw choose to enjoy year-round services such as security, well-maintained roads and grounds, as well as the ideal hiking, fishing and boating we are known for.
