Jordan Lake

Conveniently, Raleigh and Durham are both just west and south of Jordan Lake. There are several activities available in this sizable reservoir, which has a surface area of 13,940 acres. Along the lake, there are more than 1,000 campsites, ranging from basic tent camping to complete RV hookups. Seven beaches are also found along the coastline, tucked within 17 miles of hiking paths.

Animals can be found in great numbers near the water due to the lake's booming ecology system in recent years. You can also go to the exhibit hall at the visitor center to find out a little bit more about the nearby wildlife!

A large portion of the land underwent permanent modification during the reservoir's construction. Although it was moved from the New Hope basin to higher land, the Durham and South Carolina Railroad's stations were never restored, and the route itself was soon abandoned. As the project was created, many rural people were evacuated, and several highways in eastern Chatham County were either diverted or shut down. Some of the roads were simply left to flow over rather than being demolished. Many of these roads are still visible when the lake has little water in it, and some of them have even been used as temporary boat ramps.

Location: Chatham / Durham counties