The Incredible Road Trip Through North Carolina That Leads You To 4 Stunning Lakes

Some days call for a lake road trip in North Carolina where shorelines meet with tall trees summoning waves of cool breezes. The state boasts 421 lakes, and this journey offers a drive to fish, float, or swim in some of these refreshing bodies of water and explore other amenities in the area. Here's a look at four stunning lakes in North Carolina.

1. Badin Lake: Badin

Badin Lake Recreation Area is located in the wild Uwharrie National Forest, offering plenty of fishing, hiking trails, and camping opportunities. The 5,350-acre lake features 115 miles of shoreline and four fishing piers. Paved parking is available along with a paved trail, and a number of picnic sites - each supplied with a grill and a picnic table.

One way to access the water is at Kings Mountain Point Day Use Area sitting on the pretty Kings Mountain Point peninsula. Jump in for a refreshing morning swim. Restrooms are located throughout the picturesque park. Discover more details on the Badin Lake Recreation Area web page.

2. University Lake: Chapel Hill

The lake recreation season begins at the end of March and ends at the end of October on this lovely lake and Cane Creek Reservoir. Cane Creek offers picnic and sunbathing areas and a quarter-mile nature trail. Fees are charged for lake use and kayak, canoe, and flat-bottomed boat rentals at University Lake.

Swimming is not allowed as the water is supplied to the public, but fishing is welcomed. For further information, visit the University Lake web page.

3. Lake Benson Park: Garner

Swimming is also not allowed in Lake Benson; however, you are welcome to do some fishing in the 650-acre lake. It is free to fish from the dock when the Lake Benson Boathouse is open Friday-Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

In addition, folks can rent jon boats, canoes, and kayaks, enjoy the playgrounds, and have a picnic. And with 10 miles of shoreline, the 64-acre park includes paved and unpaved hiking trails. Read all about it on the Lake Benson Park web page.

4. Falls Lake State Recreation Area: Wake Forest

We think swimming is the very best amenity at the Falls Lake State Recreation Area, especially when the sky looks like this. Some others are the 25 miles of trails including a portion of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail, the seasonal migrating monarch butterflies, fishing, paddling, and picnicking. Stop by the Visitors Center for some more information.

With more than 300 campsites - this might be a place to stay if you wish to extend this day trip into night. The enchanting sunsets here are always free and worthwhile.

Are you ready for this stunning lake road trip in North Carolina? Along the route, you'll find several reasons to extend your trip, such as a stop for a delicious lunch at Angie's Restaurant in Garner. And if you need some advice, take a few hints from our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List.

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