If you’re looking for an outdoor recreation area that is close to Wake Forest, you’ve probably heard of Falls Lake Dam Recreation Area. It has a lot to offer and is located near the city. Hiking trails are easy to follow and there are no steep sections. It also has multiple parking lots, so there’s no need to worry about finding a space. Click here for more info.
Falls Lake Dam
The US Army Corps of Engineers uncovered an ancient wooden dam during the construction of the Falls Lake Dam in the late 1970s. The dam was 150 years old and had been covered by water, silt, and mud. Dana Matics has been working for the Corps of Engineers at Falls Lake for over 20 years. She started as a co-op student in college and then went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Science. After graduating from college, she was hired by the Corps of Engineers on a permanent basis.
The construction of the dam on the Neuse River created the lake. The original purpose of the project was to prevent flooding and protect the water quality downstream of the lake. The project also created recreation opportunities for the area’s residents. Today, there are seven recreation areas that are open to the public and offer boating, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. The site has over thirteen thousand acres of protected habitat for wildlife.
Hiking trails
The hiking trails in Falls Lake Dam Recreation Area are ideal for anyone looking for a good workout and scenic views. The Falls Lake Trail runs along the south shore of Falls Lake and is part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. It starts near the Falls Dam/Tailrace area and dips into the woods. At a split with the Blue-Dot Trail, stay on the white-blazed trail. This trail winds around the lake’s shore, passing by coves and clearings.
You can even follow the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, which extends more than 1,000 miles from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks. The trail starts at Wilkerson Nature Preserve and connects on the north end of the park to Falls Lake Dam Visitor Center. It passes through diverse landscapes, plant life, and wildlife. You can even take a break at the picnic areas or restrooms to enjoy the fresh air and views of nature. Discover more exciting places here.
Boat ramps
This popular recreational area is home to many boat ramps and camping areas, including four campgrounds and day use areas. Four of the boat ramps are open to the public and are operated by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. Falls Lake is also home to Blue Jay Point County Park, which has an Environmental Education Center and Penny’s Bend Nature Preserve. Visitors can also use the kayak launch at Beaver Dam Lake.
You can also access the water from the park’s seven boat ramps. These access points are located around the 12,000-acre Falls Lake Reservoir. Falls Lake has five swimming beaches and a network of mountain biking trails. The area is also home to the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail. It’s the perfect location for an afternoon of biking or fishing. You’ll never have to worry about parking.
Camping spots
If you’re looking for a nice camping spot near the water, then you’ve come to the right place. The Falls Lake State Recreation Area in Wake Forest NC is a beautiful state park that covers 5,035 acres along the shores of Falls Lake. You can find camping spots just about anywhere in the park, which has both primitive and powered sites. If you’re planning a family vacation, you can bring the whole family here.
The Falls Lake campground offers more than 300 camping sites. You can pitch your tent, bring your RV, or enjoy hiking in the forest. Guests will appreciate the well-maintained restrooms, which feature flushing toilet paper. The women’s restroom features changing rooms, and there are outside showers to wash off the sand and lake smell. The campground has designated areas for tents, travel trailers, and RVs. Discover more interesting article.
Driving directions from Distinct Lawns to Falls Lake Dam Recreation Area
Driving directions from Falls Lake Dam Recreation Area to Hill Ridge Farms
