Badin Lake

Locations

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Badin Lake: Description

Badin Lake, a reservoir built in 1917 for hydroelectric power by the Aluminum Company of America, covers 5,350 North Carolina acres with its sparkling clear waters. The lake is part of a Uwharrie Lakes Region, created by the damming up of the Yadkin-Pee Dee River, which also includes High Rock Lake, Tuckertown Reservoir, Lake Tillery, and Blewett Falls Lake.

Ideally situated only an hour from Charlotte, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Badin Lake lends itself to all sorts of land and lake activities. One of the lake's strong points -- and a visitor favorite -- is the intense greenery that encompasses the area. Badin Lake's 115 miles of tranquil shoreline are punctuated by the flora and fauna of Morrow Mountain State Park and the Uwharrie National Forest; both are havens for birders, nature enthusiasts, and those who just love to get away from it all.

Activities at the lake are so diverse that they will please any taste. Anglers love the lake for its reputation as being well-stocked with bream, catfish, largemouth bass, striped bass, and white bass. Naturally blessed with several different aquatic environments, anglers are encouraged to search downed trees for crappie and bass and rocky areas for largemouth bass. Prepare your rod and your boat, and head out into Badin Lake in pursuit of the highly-sought 20 pound stripers, 60+ pound record-winning catfish, 8 pound largemouth bass, and other trophies.

Perhaps one of the most enjoyable and exhilarating lake activities is boating: jet skis, sailboats, powerboats, and cabin cruisers dot the lake. Water skiers and tubers gleefully speed around behind boats, enjoying the refreshing splash of clean, cool water. The boaters on Badin Lake are known for being very pleasant and friendly, so join the crowd and surround yourself with peaceful waters and green shores.

If you'd like to enjoy some time out of the water, try one of the several hiking trails that the Uwharrie National Forest offers. Ranging from easy to moderately difficult, the park offers guests the Uwharrie National Recreation Trail, Dutchmans Creek, Densons Creek, Badin Lake Hiking Trail, and the Birkhead Mountains Wilderness Trail System. All trails are guaranteed to give you a first-hand look at the flora and fauna of the region, coupled with beautiful views, so strap on your hiking shoes, grab some water, and head out to stretch your legs.

Possibly the most unique experience at Badin Lake is going gold panning and rock hounding. No fee or permit is required for this great family activity; all you need to bring with you is a shovel, shaker pan, and a good dose of patience for the day's activity. And while the gold deposits in the area's streams will not make you rich, finding your own gold should certainly be an activity high on everyone's Must Do list!

After a fun-filled day at the lake or in the forest, take some time to relax and enjoy Badin Lake's unspoiled shores. Birds swooping over the water in twilight, animals calling to each other at night, and a sky filled with sparkling stars all await you. And don't forget: sunsets here are incredible, especially when accompanied by a glass of wine and the ones we love.