Located near Ellsworth, Kanopolis Lake was constructed in the 1940s, which makes it one of the oldest reservoirs in the state. The purpose of this lake is for flood control, so its shoreline varies greatly, from a meager 41 miles during dry seasons to a staggering 135 miles of shoreline when it is full. But regardless of the lake’s changing size, it’s a great destination for recreation, and there are six designated recreational areas around the lake, with hundreds of campsites and marinas with boat launches. Kanopolis State Park is also on the edge of the lake, and there visitors will find over twenty five miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, and swimming beaches.

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