Lake Murray

Locations

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Lake Murray: Description

Lake Murray, one of the largest lakes in South Carolina, spreads out over approximately 50,000 acres and stretches an incredible 41 miles long and 14 miles wide. Built to provide the area with hydroelectric power, the Saluda Dam was the largest earthen dam in the world upon its completion date in 1930. Now, in addition to power generation, Lake Murray is one of the state's finest recreational areas.

Located just 15 miles from the state's capital of Columbia, Lake Murray's watery acres are home to thousands of fish. Anglers make their pilgrimage every year, hoping to make some of their dreams come true. Known as a wonderful bass-fishing lake, it teems with striped bass and black bass, plus bream, crappie, and catfish. Host to many different aquatic environments, inviting many fish to inhabit its depths, Lake Murray provides a fishing experience you won't soon forget.

A uniquely enjoyable experience when visiting the lake is an outing to Dreher Island State Recreation Area. Actually comprising three islands connected to the mainland by two bridges and a causeway, the Recreation Area offers visitors twelve miles of shoreline, picnic facilities, hiking trails, a campground, cabins, a boat ramp, and hundreds of nooks and crannies waiting to be explored.

Boating is one of the most popular pastimes at Lake Murray, whose smooth, blue waters call out to power boaters, canoeists, kayakers, and anyone else who hears the call of the water. An unforgettable experience awaits boaters who make the trip to the purple martins' nesting ground, as the birds fly 125-mile daily practice runs in preparation for their winter migration to Brazil. Once counted at over one million of this soaring species, Lake Murray is home to the most purple martins in the country.

Of course, the lake area offers more than just a water playground, so after a long day of fun, you can enjoy a meal and fine wine, visit the Newberry Opera House, or travel into Columbia for some culture. When you're vacationing at a destination as central as Lake Murray, both tranquil afternoons and bustling city life are within your grasp.