North Carolina

These are the best lakes to visit in North Carolina, according to Southern Living

Bikers at Salem Lake Park in Winston-Salem.
Bikers at Salem Lake Park in Winston-Salem. Courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem

The Carolinas offer beautiful lakes to swim, sail and soak up the sun — and a new report is revealing the best of the best for a waterfront getaway.

Just in time for another sunny summer, Southern Living released a list of North Carolina’s top “watery playgrounds, from human-made bodies of crystal-clear reservoirs to beautiful, naturally formed lakes.”

Ranked as the overall best lake is Salem Lake, nestled near downtown Winston-Salem with pier and boat fishing, a walking trail, play area for kids and picnic shelter at Salem Lake Park.

Salem Lake, located in Winston-Salem, is a 365-acre lake with a 7-mile trail.
Salem Lake, located in Winston-Salem, is a 365-acre lake with a 7-mile trail. Ken Bennett Courtesy of Visit Winston-Salem

“Often called a hidden diamond in the city, the lake covers 365 acres and is known for its reasonably priced boat and kayak rentals,” Southern Living says.

“Visitors can fish from the pier for a minimal fee, and bait is available nearby. A 7-mile walking trail surrounds the lake and offers scenic views of the water from every vantage point. You may even see folks on horseback riding along the trail.”

Read Next

Along with Salem Lake, several other popular lakes from the mountains to the coast also made Southern Living’s list of the best waterfront spots in North Carolina. Here’s a look at the magazine’s top picks:

  1. Salem Lake

  2. Lake Tomahawk

  3. Lake Jordan

  4. Falls Lake

  5. Greenfield Lake

  6. Lake Nantahala

  7. Beaver Lake

  8. Lake Norman

  9. Biltmore Lake

  10. Lake Gaston

  11. Lake Hickory

  12. Lake Lure

  13. W. Kerr Scott Dam And Reservoir

  14. Lake Glenville

  15. Lake Junaluska

You can find the full report of the 15 best lakes in North Carolina online at southernliving.com.

This story was originally published June 5, 2024 at 5:30 AM with the headline "These are the best lakes to visit in North Carolina, according to Southern Living."

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Chyna Blackmon
The Charlotte Observer
Chyna Blackmon was a service journalism reporter for The Charlotte Observer. A native of the Carolinas, she grew up in Columbia, SC, and graduated from Queens University of Charlotte. She’s also worked in local television news in Charlotte, NC, and Richmond, VA. Support my work with a digital subscription
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