These are the best lakes to visit in North Carolina, according to Southern Living
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.
“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.”
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:
Salem Lake
Lake Tomahawk
Lake Jordan
Falls Lake
Greenfield Lake
Lake Nantahala
Beaver Lake
Lake Norman
Biltmore Lake
Lake Gaston
Lake Hickory
Lake Lure
W. Kerr Scott Dam And Reservoir
Lake Glenville
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."