Summary
The capital of North Carolina, Raleigh is referred to as the ‘City of Oaks’ due to the stunning oak trees that adorn many of its streets. This city is rich in culture, with numerous museums, superb eateries, vibrant nightlife, and a range of craft breweries. Additionally, it hosts prominent educational institutions such as North Carolina State University, Shaw University, Saint Augustine’s College, and Meredith College, along with being home to the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes.
Raleigh is situated at the Atlantic Seaboard Fall Line, characterized by lovely rolling hills both within and around the city. Coupled with its numerous parks and nature preserves, this unique geographical feature likely contributed to EcoSalon naming Raleigh as one of the ‘Best Cities in America for Health and Happiness’ in 2012. Some parks feature lakes while others do not, but there is a multitude of fantastic lakes to explore in proximity to the city. Here is our compilation of the 15 finest lakes in Raleigh.
1. Lake Johnson; 4601 Avent Ferry Road
This 60.7-hectare lake is located within Lake Johnson Park in the southwestern part of Raleigh. The lake and its surroundings provide an excellent venue for outdoor activities.
Lake Johnson features a waterfront center offering rentals for kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, and stand-up paddleboards. A private boat launch is also available for the use of both Raleigh residents and visitors.
For those who prefer to appreciate the lake from land, the park offers eight kilometers of hiking trails, picnic areas, a fishing boardwalk, and a fitness trail with six stations along the shoreline.
2. Lake Wheeler; 6404 Lake Wheeler Road
As one of the city’s most frequented lakes, Lake Wheeler was constructed in 1956 to serve as a water supply, continuing to fulfill this role for the communities of Wake County. The expansive 263-hectare lake is situated just south of the city center.
During the summer months, Lake Wheeler is particularly popular for boat rentals, water skiing, and tubing. There are two piers available for fishing enthusiasts along the shoreline.
Part of Lake Wheeler Park, which features a playground, a sand volleyball court, picnic shelters, and even a conference room, the lake and the park are open year-round, with Mondays closed from October through April.
3. Lake Lynn; 7921 Ray Road
Lake Lynn is a man-made body of water situated in Northwest Raleigh. Created in 1976 for flood control, it has since become a recreational area as well.
Encircling the 22.5-hectare lake is a park featuring a 4.5-kilometer paved trail that is part of the Capital Area Greenway, an interconnected trail system across the city.
The park encompasses playgrounds, tennis courts, bocce courts, a youth baseball field, and a batting cage, along with a large picnic shelter and a community center.
4. Lake Howell; 520 Ashe Avenue
Situated between the downtown area and North Carolina State University, the historic Pullen Park is recognized as the first public park in North Carolina. Within it lies Lake Howell.
Each day, the park welcomes up to 10,000 visitors, many of whom partake in kayaking, canoeing, or paddling on the tranquil lake, accompanied by a mini train that traverses the area.
The park offers a variety of attractions, including a carousel, tennis courts, a softball field, basketball courts, and an art center. Free theater performances are also held at the Theatre In The Park.
5. Falls Lake; 13304 Creedmoor Road, Wake Forest
Located just north of Raleigh in Wake Forest, Falls Lake rests within the Falls Lake State Recreation Area, one of North Carolina’s largest recreation areas, essential for outdoor enthusiasts.
Spanning 5,000 hectares across three counties, this lake is conveniently accessible from Raleigh via Creedmoor Road. Popular activities include fishing, boating, and swimming.
For those preferring to stay dry, hiking and mountain biking trails can be found on the south side of the lake’s extensive 280-kilometer shoreline. The lake provides ample opportunities for kayaking and canoeing as well.
6. William B. Umstead State Park; 8801 Glenwood Avenue
Within this expansive park, three distinct man-made lakes can be found, with Big Lake being the largest. Canoes and kayaks are available for rental to explore the water.
All three lakes offer fishing opportunities, although swimming is not permitted. Camping grounds are nearby, along with cabins situated along the shoreline of Sycamore Lake.
Aside from the lakes, William B. Umstead State Park features a network of 35 kilometers of dedicated hiking trails, as well as 21 kilometers of multi-use trails suitable for horseback riding or cycling.
7. Shelley Lake; 1400 West Millbrook Road
Situated in North Raleigh, Shelley Lake occupies a significant portion of Shelley Lake Park, which is also home to the Sertoma Arts Center. The lake is perfect for an afternoon of relaxation.
Lacking boat rentals or launches, Shelley Lake remains more tranquil than many of Raleigh’s other lakes. A picturesque three-kilometer trail encircles the lake, offering a scenic walk.
Shelley Lake Park features two playgrounds and basketball courts, and is open daily from dawn to dusk throughout the year.
8. Jordan Lake; 280 State Park Road, Apex
This massive reservoir extends over 5,600 hectares and features a 290-kilometer shoreline. The proximity of Jordan Lake, merely 30 minutes from Raleigh’s city center, makes it an excellent escape for a pleasant day.
The lake constitutes a primary feature of the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, characterized by its undeveloped shoreline, seven swimming beaches, and numerous boat ramps. For those without their own vessels, kayaks, pontoon boats, and stand-up paddleboards can be rented from the boating center.
In addition to water sports, visitors can hike along the park’s 22-kilometer network of trails. Numerous campsites are available, both with and without hook-up facilities, around the lake.
9. Lake Crabtree; 1400 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville
Located just west of the city in Morrisville, Lake Crabtree is within Lake Crabtree County Park and is conveniently situated just minutes away from the Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
This 210-hectare lake was constructed primarily for flood control purposes, while also offering recreational opportunities for local residents. Sailing is a particularly favored activity, along with boating and fishing.
Lake Crabtree County Park provides ample land-based recreational activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and picnicking. Facilities include sand volleyball courts, playgrounds, and a horseshoe pit.
10. Bond Lake; 197 Bond Park Drive, Cary
Bond Lake, located just west of Raleigh, is a man-made freshwater lake situated within Bond Park, one of the largest municipal parks in Wake County.
A three-kilometer trail encircles the lake and connects to greenway trails extending in all directions. The northeast tip of the lake features a boathouse offering kayak, canoe, pedal boat, sailboat, and rowboat rentals.
During the months from April to October, visitors can enjoy live music and local cuisine on the first Friday of each month. The boathouse generally operates from November to March depending on weather conditions, although the remainder of the park remains accessible.
11. Lake Benson; 921 Buffaloe Road, Garner
Located south of Raleigh, Lake Benson can be accessed through Lake Benson Park, situated along the northern shoreline of the lake. This large lake is ideal for boating and fishing, with opportunities to fish from boats or the dock at the nearby boathouse.
The Lake Benson boathouse, located west of the park, rents out Jon boats, canoes, and kayaks from March to October, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. Furthermore, Lake Benson Park offers picnic areas and trails, both paved and unpaved, for hiking. The park also features playgrounds and picnic shelters.
12. Durant Nature Preserve; 8305 Camp Durant Road
Once the headquarters for the Occoneechee Council of the Boy Scouts, the site is now transformed into the Durant Nature Preserve, which continues to host summer camps while remaining open to the public.
The preserve contains two lakes where fishing is permissible from the dock of the lower lake. However, the reserves do not permit other activities at the lakes, making them a serene setting for visitors.
The nature preserve also offers a variety of attractions, including a bird garden, butterfly garden, and an interpretive tree trail. Numerous trails meander through the area, including those along the shorelines of the lakes.
13. Harris Lake; 2112 County Park Drive, New Hill
Located just southwest of Raleigh and in proximity to Jordan Lake, Harris Lake encompasses 1,700 hectares, created by impounding Buckhorn Creek. The northeast side of the lake houses Harris Lake County Park, which facilitates recreational activities.
This park is particularly known for its 18-basket disc golf course, in addition to featuring eight kilometers of hiking trails and nearly 13 kilometers of mountain bike trails. Picnic shelters, playgrounds, and a volleyball court are also present in the park.
Visitors to Harris Lake can engage in fishing, canoeing, and kayaking, and there are primitive campsites that cater to the authentic outdoor enthusiast.
14. Bass Lake; 900 Bass Lake Road, Holly Springs
Bordered by Bass Lake Park, Bass Lake offers a serene environment for outdoor enjoyment. The park features various trails, including a three-kilometer loop that encircles the entire lake.
Two fishing docks line the north side of the lake, supplemented by picnic tables and concession facilities. Canoe or Jon boat rentals are available, while personal boats are not permitted.
The park includes greenway trails as well as several secluded picnic shelters. For those seeking a deeper connection with nature, visiting the park’s nature center is highly recommended.
15. Buckhorn Reservoir; 8177 Rock Ridge School Road, Sims
Situated east of Raleigh in Sims, Buckhorn Reservoir primarily serves as the water supply for the city of Wilson, while also providing opportunities for recreation.
This 930-hectare lake hosts a triathlon every September and boat racing in October. When not hosting these events, visitors can enjoy boating and fishing within the lake.
A 2.5-kilometer horse trail runs along the southeast shoreline, adjacent to Sullivan Road, along with a park shelter. A boat ramp is positioned at the lake’s northeast corner.
