The Best Lakes In North Carolina

North Carolina’s lakes have a solid reputation of being clean and surrounded by beauty, since many butt up against protected lands, such as national forests and state parks. Plus, the state has so many great recreational areas that a North Carolina lake vacation can easily incorporate amazing hiking, whitewater rafting and waterfall hunting. Here are 10 of North Carolina’s best lakes.

Jordan Lake

The 14,000 undeveloped acres make Jordan Lake an amazing recreation area, and campers, whether tent or RV, love coming here since those staying overnight get access to secluded swimming and ramp spots. Keep your eyes peeled for spotting bald eagles, too.

Jordan Lake, North Carolina

Kerr Lake

People who like to fish enjoy coming to Kerr Lake to catch a diversity of species, some opting to take advantage of the 24/7 boating ramp access to catch catfish at night. This lake also goes by the name Bugg’s Island Lake, especially among locals, in honor of the Bugg family who originally owned the land since 1752.

Kerr Lake, North Carolina

Biking and hiking Falls Lake

Mountain bikers gravitate to Falls Lake since its recreation area has 14 miles of single-track mountain biking trails divided into three loops with almost half targeted to advanced riders. Backpackers also gravitate toward this area since a section of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail winds through here.

Falls Lake State Recreation Area, 13304 Creedmoor Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587 +1 919 676 1027

Falls Lake off of the Mountains to the Sea Trail

North Carolina’s largest lake

This humongous lake has attracted many of the millionaire NASCAR drivers and their teams to put down roots on Lake Norman as it sits just 20 minutes from downtown Charlotte. Lake Norman is also the state’s largest lake with 520 miles of shoreline and a surface of over 50 square miles.

Lake Norman, North Carolina

High Rock Lake near wine country

As the state’s second-largest lake, High Rock Lake has more going for it than just its size. In fact, it sits in the Yadkin Valley region, known as North Carolina’s wine country, so this lake makes a wonderful destination for a couples’ lake getaway.

High Rock Lake, North Carolina

Lake Glenville

Located near the resort towns of Highlands and Cashiers, Lake Glenville makes for a fun North Carolina lake getaway, especially for couples. Dine at the famous Old Edwards Inn and cruise the winding mountain roads that encircle its clear waters.

Lake Glenville, North Carolina 28723

Lake Santeetlah

Aerial pictures of Lake Santeetlah show the area’s truly amazing surroundings. The combination of mountains and lake provide the best of both worlds, and to top it off, almost all of the shoreline sits inside the Nantahala National Forest.

Lake Santeetlah, North Carolina 28771

One of the most visited lakes in NC

Another lake protected by its proximity to a national forest, Pisgah, Lake James serves as one of the state’s most visited state parks in part for its large beach and swimming area, convenient canoe and kayak rentals for just $5 and plenty of hiking trails for those looking to find a little cove to enjoy.

Lake James, Linville NC 28761

Fontana Lake to the Smokies

This lake sits in the far western part of the state, right in America’s most popular national park, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Many folks will utilize this lake to access some of the more remote and rugged trails that exist in the park.

Fontana Lake, North Carolina

Near Fontana Dam on Route 28 on Fontana Lake

Dirty dancing at Lake Lure

Lake Lure may be the most popular lake in the state thanks to its Hollywood credits. Viewable from Chimney Rock, Lake Lure’s biggest claim to fame is its role in Dirty Dancing, and the community holds an annual festival to celebrate this iconic movie, which includes, of course, a competition to see who can recreate the water lift scene best.

Lake Lure, North Carolina

Fall colors on the water at Lake Lure in Western North Carolina

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.