Falls Lake State Recreation Area

Geobox Protected Area
name = Falls Lake State Recreation Area
native_name =
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category_local = North Carolina State Park
category_iucn = III

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image_caption = Boating access at Falls Lake
etymology_type = Named for
etymology = Falls Lake
country = United States
state = North Carolina
region_type = Counties
region = Wake
region1 = Durham
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location =
lat_d = 36
lat_m = 01
lat_s = 00
lat_NS = N
long_d = 78
long_m = 41
long_s = 45
long_EW = W
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area_unit = acre
area_imperial = 30000
area_round = 1
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established_type =
established = 1981
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management_body = North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
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map_caption = Location of Falls Lake State Recreation Area in North Carolina
map_locator = North Carolina
map_first =
website = [http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/fala/main.php Falls Lake State Recreation Area]

Falls Lake State Recreation Area is a North Carolina state park in Durham and Wake Counties, North Carolina in the United States. Near Wake Forest, North Carolina, it covers over 30,000 acres (121 km²) and includes the 12,000 acre (49 km²) Falls Lake.

History

Prior to 1978, flooding of the Neuse River caused extensive damage to public and private properties including roadways, railroads, industrial sites and farmlands. The Falls Lake Project was developed by the US Army Corps of Engineers to control damaging floods and to supply a source of water for surrounding communities. Construction of the dam began in 1978 and was completed in 1981. In addition to recreation opportunities, Falls Lake now provides flood and water-quality control, water supply, and fish and wildlife conservation.

Hiking

Falls Lake hiking trails on the south side are part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail which stretches from Clingmans Dome in the Great smokey Mountains to Jockey's Ridge State Park on the Outer banks of North Carolina. There is also a camp site on the north side at B.W. Wells state recreation area with a one mile (1.6 km) loop that passes the home of botanist and ecologist Bertram Whittier Wells. Trails are easy to moderate on some steep ridges.

Mountain Biking

The Beaver Dam bike trails at Falls Lake are easy to intermediate and have trails for everyone. Check the TriangleMTB web site for trail maps and closings due to rain or maintenance. Trail heads are accessible from inside park entrance on Highway 50 only.

Kayak & Canoeing

Launching kayaks and canoes leads to endless possibilities with the many miles of water to explore in Falls Lake. Visit camp sites, swimming areas, local marinas and see wildlife such as catfish, turtles,deer and osprey. Use caution on popular holidays such as Memorial Day, the lake will be teaming with water skiers and jet skis. Beaver Dam lake boat launch, just north of the Hwy 50 boat launch does not allow motor boats and is safer for the beginner paddler. It also has a beach with swimming area. Falls lake is accessible by kayak from Beaver Dam lake. Fees apply to both ramps in the summer and unfortunately summer passes for one ramp don't apply to the other.

ee also

*Falls Lake

External links

* [http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/fala/main.php Park home page]