What’s the Largest Artificial Lake in North Carolina

North Carolina is a beautiful state full of lush greenery and multiple waterways. There is no end to the outdoor adventure possibilities. A favorite pastime in the state is to spend time on the water. And it is no wonder! North Carolina has many beautiful lakes that are ideally suited for recreation. However, they are not all natural lakes. The state has several stunning man-made lakes as well. 

So, if you want to hit the water and have the best chance of avoiding crowds, you should choose a larger lake. But what is the largest artificial lake in North Carolina? Keep reading to discover the answer and learn more about the wildlife you may encounter while you are there.

What Is the Largest Artificial Lake in North Carolina?

Lake Norman is the largest artificial lake wholly in North Carolina. It is also relatively new. Its creation dates back to 1963 when Duke Energy constructed the Cowans Ford Dam on the Catawba River. And its name was even derived from the president of Duke Energy at the time. Colloquially, Lake Norman is often called the “inland sea” due to its size. It has a surface area of 32,475 acres and a whopping 520 miles of shoreline. 

Where Is Lake Norman Located on a Map?

Lake Norman is located 39.5 miles north of the city of Charlotte. It can be reached from that point following a 44-minute drive.

Is Lake Norman the Largest Lake in North Carolina?

The short answer is no. Officially, Lake Norman is the one of the three-largest bodies of water in North Carolina. Lake Mattamuskeet is a natural lake, putting it in a different category from Lake Norman. This shallow coastal lake covers approximately 40,000 surface acres, averages 2-3 feet in depth, and is located completely within the Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge on the Albemarle-Pamlico Peninsula.

About three hours northeast of Lake Norman likes Kerr Lake (or Bugg’s Island Lake). While the lake is in North Carolina, it is also in Virginia. As such, Lake Norman is the largest artificial lake completely located within the state’s borders. Technically, however, Kerr Lake is larger. Covering more than 50,000 surface acres, Kerr Lake boasts 850 miles of shoreline in three North Carolina counties and three Virginia counties. This reservoir came to be when construction of the John H. Kerr Dam was completed across the Roanoke River in 1952. The lake shares its name with the North Carolina congressman who sponsored the reservoir’s creation.

What Can You Do at Lake Norman?

The better question is, “What can’t you do?” Lake Norman is known throughout the state for its wide variety of fun activities. If you prefer water sports, you have come to the right place. At Lake Norman, you can waterski, paddleboard, kayak, head out on jetskis, go boating, or take a chartered cruise.

Or, for a quieter experience, pick up your fishing gear to try and catch one of the over a dozen fish species. You can grab a secluded spot along the shore to fish. Alternatively, with such a large lake, there is plenty of room to take your boat out. You just want to look for a quiet area away from the larger boats and waterskiers.

The numerous hiking trails will get you out in the fresh air and offer a chance to appreciate local wildlife. And the area has plenty of parks so your kids can run off their energy. 

What Wildlife Lives Near Lake Norman?

The diversity of wildlife around Lake Norman is astounding. When you spend time on or near the water, you may get treated to spectacular animal watching. 

Fish and Shellfish

Lake Norman has an abundance of fish and shellfish in its water. Anglers love spending the day trying to catch black bullheads, blue catfish, channel catfish, crappie, flathead catfish, largemouth bass, sauger, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, and striped bass. There are also walleye, white bass, and yellow perch. Several species of sunfish (bluegills, shellcrackers, redbreasts, and warmouths)—colloquially referred to with the catch-all term “bream” by Carolina anglers—become very good fishing in May during their spawning season when they seek out shallow waters for their beds.

However, don’t forget the shellfish! The lake has plenty of crayfish and heelsplitter mussels.

Mammals

There is also a diverse ecosystem on land. When out hiking, you may come across beavers, coyotes, raccoons, muskrats, eastern moles, eastern cottontails, eastern gray squirrels, Virginia opossums, or white-tailed deer.

Make sure to keep your distance, though. The wildlife does not like it when we get too close.

Others

But those are not the only amazing wildlife examples you might see at Lake Norman. There are also healthy populations of frogs, turtles, and water snakes.

However, if you are outside looking for animals, you may want to take your earbuds out. The area is home to nearly 40 species of birds! Take some time to listen and delight in their songs. It is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.