Lakes in North Carolina

1. Bass Lake

• What is Bass Lake?
  • Bass Lake features a scenic trail loop that stretches for about a mile and is shaded by many mature trees.
• Are there resting areas along the trail?
  • Yes, convenient benches are located along the trail for visitors to relax and take in the beautiful views and plentiful wildlife.
• Where is Bass Lake located?
  • The lake is nestled within the 3,500-acre Moses H. Cone Memorial Park and is surrounded by numerous trails.
• What types of trails are available?
  • The park offers trails for both hikers and horseback riders.
• Are there picnic areas and facilities?
  • Yes, the lake boasts multiple picnic areas and nicely maintained restrooms.
• Is there parking available?
  • Yes, visitors will find ample free parking near the lake.
• What historic site is near Bass Lake?
  • Visitors can explore Flat Top Manor, which is located to the north of the lake and was built in 1901.

Address: Bass Lake Loop Drive, Blowing Rock, NC 28605

2. Bay Tree Lakes

• What are Bay Tree Lakes?
  • Also referred to as part of the Carolina Bays, Bay Tree Lakes are believed to have been formed by either a meteor shower or an iceberg in the distant past.
• What makes Bay Tree Lakes unique?
  • Both Bay Tree Lakes and the connected Horsepen Lake are naturally shaped like almost perfect ovals, making them rare geological formations.
• Where are Bay Tree Lakes located?
  • The lakes are situated inside a private gated community of the same name, offering exclusive access to residents.
• What kind of shoreline does Bay Tree Lakes have?
  • The lakes feature warm, white sandy shores that provide a welcoming environment for property owners.
• How do residents access the water?
  • A network of narrow, man-made canals allows residents direct water access from their properties.
• How large are the Carolina Bays?
  • Located in Elizabeth, the Carolina Bays span over 1,400 acres, offering plenty of space for outdoor recreation.
• What recreational activities are available?
  • The lakes are perfect for water sports such as tubing and skiing, as well as canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.

Address: Bay Tree Lakes, 33 Bay Ridge Road, Harrells, NC 28444, Phone: 877-863-8635

3. Beaver Lake

• What is Beaver Lake?
  • Beaver Lake is a smaller, 65-acre man-made reservoir located in the mountains near Asheville, North Carolina.
• Is Beaver Lake private?
  • Yes, the lake is privately maintained by the surrounding community, but public access is available for a fee.
• What types of boats are available for rent?
  • Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats to explore the lake.
• Is fishing allowed at Beaver Lake?
  • Yes, fishing is permitted but is strictly catch and release only.
• Does the lake have any special ecological features?
  • Yes, the lake has a 10-acre wetland on the east side that serves as a bird sanctuary.
• What wildlife can be seen at the bird sanctuary?
  • The sanctuary is home to a variety of songbirds, butterflies, hawks, and waterfowl, making it popular with bird watchers.
• What unique activity takes place at the lake?
  • The Asheville Yacht Club can often be seen sailing their remote-controlled sailboats in a designated area of the lake.

4. Cedar Cliff Lake

• What is Cedar Cliff Lake?
  • Cedar Cliff Lake is a scenic lake known for its abundant largemouth bass, which migrate from the Tuckasegee River.
• What activities can visitors enjoy on the lake?
  • The lake is great for fishing and swimming.
  • Its narrow surface makes it ideal for canoeing, kayaking, and boating.
• Is there whitewater rafting near Cedar Cliff Lake?
  • Yes, near the west fork of the river, visitors can experience whitewater rafting with class II-III rapids, which are ideal for beginners.
• Are there any off-water activities nearby?
  • Yes, visitors can enjoy golf and even cross-country skiing during the winter season.
• What natural area surrounds Cedar Cliff Lake?
  • The lake is surrounded by the 7,500-acre Gorges State Park, providing a stunning natural setting.
• How long is the lake’s shoreline?
  • The lake’s shoreline extends for a full 4.5 miles and is known for its picturesque scenery.

Address: Cedar Cliff Lake, Jackson County, NC

5. Cliffside Lake

• What is Cliffside Lake?
  • Cliffside Lake features a recreation area with multiple outdoor amenities for visitors.
• Are there picnic facilities at Cliffside Lake?
  • Yes, the recreation area includes picnic shelters that are available by reservation for get-togethers and parties.
• Does the lake have a swimming area?
  • Yes, the lake has a beach with a swimming dock that provides a great spot for visitors to cool off.
• Is there a trail connecting the lake to nearby campgrounds?
  • Yes, a kid-friendly walking trail connects the swimming area to the Van Hook Glade campgrounds.
• Is there a parking fee?
  • Yes, there is a daily parking fee for either of the two parking lots.
• What facilities are available at the parking lots?
  • Each lot includes restrooms, showers, and changing rooms for visitor convenience.
• Are boats allowed on Cliffside Lake?
  • No, boats are not allowed on the lake, which limits fishing to shoreline access.
• What types of fish can be caught in the lake?
  • The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, brook trout, and brown trout.
• Are there hiking opportunities nearby?
  • Yes, hikers can explore trails that lead to two different waterfalls in the dense forest surrounding the lake.
• Are there accommodations for overnight stays?
  • Yes, visitors looking to stay longer can find cabins for rent close to the lake.

Address: Cliffside Lake, US 64, Nantahala National Forest, Highlands, NC 28741, Phone: 828-862-5962

6. Falls Lake

• What is Falls Lake?
  • Falls Lake was built by the Army Corps of Engineers and is located about 10 miles from both Raleigh and Durham.
• Is Falls Lake good for boating?
  • Yes, the lake is popular with boaters and has many launch locations for easy water access.
• Are there areas for exploring?
  • Yes, Falls Lake features ample coves for visitors to explore by boat or kayak.
• Can visitors swim in Falls Lake?
  • Yes, the lake has five designated swimming areas for those looking to take a dip.
• What is the Falls Lake State Recreation Area?
  • The Falls Lake State Recreation Area includes seven different park locations offering a variety of outdoor activities.
• What park locations are part of Falls Lake State Recreation Area?
  • Visitors can explore Highway 50, B.W. Wells, Beaverdam, Sandling Beach, Rolling View, Shinleaf, or Holly Point.
• Are there educational programs available?
  • Yes, park rangers regularly organize programs to help visitors learn about local nature and wildlife.

7. Finger Lakes Of The South

• What are the Finger Lakes of the South?
  • Finger Lakes Of The South consists of three separate lakes: Cheoah Lake, Calderwood Lake, and Chilhowie Lake.
• Are the shorelines of these lakes developed?
  • No, the shorelines remain undeveloped, providing a more natural and secluded setting.
• Are there campsites available?
  • Yes, there are a few campsites, but they are only accessible from the water.
• Where are the Finger Lakes of the South located?
  • These lakes are located along the border of North Carolina and Tennessee.
• Are there accommodations near the lakes?
  • Yes, there are numerous Bed and Breakfasts in the hills surrounding Cheoah Lake.
• Which lake is the most accessible?
  • Chilhowie Lake is the easiest to access, making it the most popular with tourists.
• Which lake features waterfalls?
  • Calderwood Lake offers gorgeous waterfalls that hikers can explore.
• What is the connection between Cheoah Dam and Hollywood?
  • Cheoah Dam was featured in the film "The Fugitive", where Harrison Ford’s character is seen jumping from the top while on the run.

8. Fontana Lake

• What is Fontana Lake?
  • Fontana Lake was formed in the 1940s during World War II to supply electricity to local workers contributing to the war effort.
• What is special about Fontana Dam?
  • Fontana Lake is home to the tallest dam in the eastern United States.
• Can visitors walk or drive across Fontana Dam?
  • Yes, visitors can walk or drive across the 480-foot Fontana Dam, which offers scenic views of the area.
• Has Fontana Dam been featured in any movies?
  • Yes, the dam appeared in the film “A Walk in the Woods”, based on Bill Bryson's book.
• How many miles of trails are in the Fontana Lake area?
  • The area features over 39 miles of trails, including sections of the Appalachian Trail.
• Does the Appalachian Trail pass through Fontana Lake?
  • Yes, some trails in the area are part of the Appalachian Trail, which stretches from Georgia to Maine.
• How can visitors explore remote areas of the Smoky Mountains?
  • Visitors can rent vacation houseboats to access otherwise remote areas of the Smoky Mountains.

9. Greenfield Lake

• What is Greenfield Lake?
  • Greenfield Lake is a 100-acre lake that plays an important role in making Wilmington a special destination.
• How old is Greenfield Lake?
  • The lake is nearly 200 years old, adding to its historical significance in the area.
• What attractions are located near the lake?
  • One of the key attractions is the Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, which hosts various events and performances.
• Can visitors swim in Greenfield Lake?
  • No, swimming is not allowed due to the presence of alligators in the water.
• What activities can visitors enjoy on the lake?
  • Despite swimming being off-limits, boating and fishing remain popular activities.
• How deep is Greenfield Lake?
  • The lake is relatively shallow, with its deepest points reaching only seven feet and its shallowest areas at about one foot.
• Is Greenfield Lake good for wildlife viewing?
  • Yes, the plant and wildlife around the lake make it an excellent spot for nature enthusiasts.
• Are there boat rentals available?
  • Yes, visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats to explore the lake.

Greenfield Lake, 421 South Burnett Boulevard, Wilmington, NC 28402, Phone: 910-341-7852

10. Harris Lake

• What is Harris Lake?
  • Harris Lake was built by Carolina Power and Light to serve as a cooling reservoir for the Shearon Harris nuclear power plant.
• Who manages Harris Lake Park?
  • A portion of the lake, 680 acres, is leased by Progress Energy to Harris Lake Park, which is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset.
• What recreational activities are available at Harris Lake Park?
  • Visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, hiking, and biking on well-maintained trails.
• Does the park have fishing facilities?
  • Yes, the park has a pier for fishing and is a popular fishing destination due to its warmer waters.
• What types of fish can be found in Harris Lake?
  • The lake contains an above-average population of speckled trout and largemouth bass.
• Is there a boat launch at the park?
  • Yes, the park provides a small launch site for kayaks and canoes.
• Are there facilities for children?
  • Yes, the park includes a playground for children.

Harris Lake, 2112 County Park Drive, New Hill, NC 27562, Phone: 919-387-4342