These are the best lakes waiting for you in The Tar Heel State.
The best lakes in North Carolina offer just the getaway you’re looking for.
Salem Lake
Visit Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem
Just minutes from downtown Winston-Salem lies Salem Lake.
Credit:Peter Frank Edwards III
Visitors can fish from the pier for a minimal fee, and bait is available nearby.
A 7-mile walking trail surrounds the lake and offersscenic viewsof the water from every vantage point.
You may even see folks on horseback riding along the trail.
Credit:Visit Winston-Salem
The property also has a popular .55-mile walking trail, which affords stunning views of the nearby mountains.
The lake allows non-motorized boats and has activities like tennis courts, horseshoe pits, and a playground.
Its the perfect place to spend a warm day, and there are restrooms on site for comfort.
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A privately owned marina nearby offers paddleboard, kayak, and fishing boat rentals.
If you enjoy birdwatching, keep an eye out for bald eagles that frequent the lake in the summertime.
The surrounding Falls Lake State Recreation Area also provides opportunities to explore the land via hiking or camping.
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The area features lush gardens and mossy cypress trees lining the shoreline.
Amenities include a 5-mile walking trail, picnic area, playground, tennis courts, and skate park.
There is also an amphitheater on site that hosts live performances by the lake.
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Summertime is a highlight as skiers, swimmers, and boaters flock to the water to enjoy recreation.
Permits are also required to participate in certain activities, such as boating, fishing, and dog walking.
Another point to note is thatfishingis catch and release, and only non-fuel-powered boats are permitted.
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pull up the lake from the towns ofDavidson, Cornelius, or Huntersville.
Multiple parks are available with playgrounds, swimming, and perfect picnic spots.
Visitors can rent paddle boats, kayaks, cedar strip canoes, and sailboats at the boathouse.
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A playground, tennis courts, camping, and forested trails are additional highlights at this destination.
This body of water is on the border of North Carolina and Virginia between Interstates 85 and 95.
The bass fishing is prime at the lake, so fishing tournaments occur yearly.
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Use the lake for swimming, boating, kayaking, and canoeing.
In addition, the North Carolina temperate rainforest surrounds the 26 miles of lake shoreline.
If you wish to rent a pontoon boat, head toSignal Ridge Marina.
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Spend a day at thePisgah National Forestor head to the overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
It surrounds the town of Lake Santeetlah, which includes 200 private homes used as residences and vacation rentals.
townoflakesanteetlah.org;1373 Thunderbird Mountain Road, Robbinsville, NC 28771
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Credit: Southern Living
