Top 10 Lakes in Durham County
Best lakes in Durham County offer a range of recreational activities and natural beauty. This North Carolina region features diverse landscapes, including forests and wetlands, surrounding its various water bodies. The area provides opportunities for outdoor pursuits across its natural attractions.
Best lakes in Durham County
- The most popular lakes is Falls Lake Causeway, a bridge that connects Cheeks Road over Falls Lake. This section offers views out over the lake.
- Another must-see spot is B. Everett Jordan Project, a lake area with trails leading through wetlands. Visitors can spot wildlife like reptiles and birds.
- Visitors also love Falls Lake Trail, a trail that uses the same route as the Mountain-to-Sea Trail. This trail leads through dense forest with views of the lake.
- Durham County is known for large reservoirs like Falls Lake and Jordan Lake, as well as smaller, more secluded options like Lake Michie and Little River Lake. The region offers a variety of lakes for different outdoor interests.
- The lakes in Durham County are appreciated by the komoot community, with 8 highlights and 3 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: April 28, 2026
B. Everett Jordan Project
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Falls Lake Causeway
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Falls Lake Trail
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Falls Lake Trail near Wake Forest Highway
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Redwood Campsite on Falls Lake
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Beach overlook
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Section of the Falls Lake Trail
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Tips from the Community
This viewpoint from the northern end of the Rolling View Recreation Area offers an expansive view over Falls Lake. You can see across the water to the Sandling Beach Recreation Area and Butner-Falls of Neuse Game Lands, and there are even restrooms and a water fountain here at the beach parking lot if you are in need.
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Originally named New Hope Lake Project, the reservoir was renamed in 1974 in memory of B. Everett Jordan Project. It includes several parts located around the lake and hosts nice trails, leading through beautiful wetlands with endless opportunities to spot wildlife like reptiles and birds.
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This viewpoint from the northern end of the Rolling View Recreation Area offers an expansive view over Falls Lake. You can see across the water to the Sandling Beach Recreation Area and Butner-Falls of Neuse Game Lands, and there are even restrooms and a water fountain here at the beach parking lot if you are in need.
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Once the path leaves the highway, it makes its way to the shoreline of the lake. This section of trail offers expansive views of the water for miles at a time. The visitor's center to the east and the Rolling View Recreation Area to the north are popular starting and finishing points when running on this part of the trail.
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This small campsite on the edge of the water is a great turn around point (or just a rest stop) for your run. There are wide open views onto the lake from the shore. The entirety of the Falls Lake Trail in this area offers views of the reservoir.
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This section of the Falls Lake Trail starts at the Hickory Hill Boat Ramp, where you can get picturesque views of the lake and take great photos. From here, the trail leads in a northern direction until it reaches Red Mill Road. This part of the Falls Lake Trail only leads partially along the lake, but is no less impressive than the other sections.
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Beautiful connecting causeway that takes Cheeks Road over Falls Lake. Going over the causeway is super nice with great views out over the lake. Don't whizz past too fast on your bike as it really is a nice section of road with nice lake views.
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Originally named New Hope Lake Project, the reservoir was renamed in 1974 in memory of B. Everett Jordan Project. It includes several parts located around the lake and hosts nice trails, leading through beautiful wetlands with endless opportunities to spot wildlife like reptiles and birds.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What recreational activities are available at Falls Lake?
Falls Lake offers a wide range of activities including boating, swimming, fishing, paddling, camping, hiking, and biking. It's particularly known for its mountain bike trail systems, such as the intermediate Outer Loop and advanced South Loop. Portions of North Carolina's Mountains-to-Sea Trail also run through Falls Lake. You can also find diverse hiking trails and observe monarch butterflies during migration. The Falls Lake Causeway provides great views over the water.
What makes Jordan Lake a popular destination?
Jordan Lake is a vast and picturesque aquatic destination, excellent for boating and sailing due to its size and gentle breezes. It features sandy beaches for swimming and is a popular spot for fishing, especially for bass and crappie. Other activities include kayaking, paddleboarding, and camping, with over 1,000 campsites available. The B. Everett Jordan Project area offers trails through wetlands where visitors can spot wildlife.
Are there any secluded lakes in Durham County for a quieter experience?
Yes, for a more tranquil escape, consider Lake Michie or Little River Lake. Lake Michie is a smaller, serene body of water known for excellent trout fishing. Little River Lake also offers a quiet, less crowded fishing spot, primarily for bluegill and crappie, and is typically open from March to November.
What kind of hiking trails can I find around Durham County lakes?
Durham County lakes offer a variety of hiking trails. Falls Lake, for instance, has diverse trails ranging from easy to moderate, including sections of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail like the Falls Lake Trail. Jordan Lake features 14 miles of family-friendly hiking trails. For easy hikes in the region, you can explore options like the Falls Lake Trail: Baptist Road to Santee Road, or the Mountains-to-Sea Trail from River Forest Park. Find more details on easy hikes in Durham County.
Are there family-friendly activities at the lakes in Durham County?
Many lakes in Durham County are family-friendly. Falls Lake and Jordan Lake both offer swimming beaches, picnic areas, and camping facilities. Jordan Lake has 14 miles of family-friendly hiking trails. The B. Everett Jordan Project is noted for its trails through wetlands, offering opportunities to spot wildlife, which can be engaging for families.
What are the best lakes for fishing in Durham County?
Jordan Lake is a popular spot for fishing, known for its abundant bass and crappie populations. Lake Michie is particularly noted for its excellent trout fishing, as it is regularly stocked. Little River Lake is also a good option for recreational fishing, with bluegill and crappie commonly found.
Can I go cycling near the lakes in Durham County?
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. Falls Lake is renowned for its mountain bike trail systems, including the Outer Loop and South Loop. You can find various cycling routes in the area, such as the Jordan Lake loop or the American Tobacco Trail loop. For more cycling options, check out cycling routes in Durham County.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around the lakes?
The lakes and surrounding areas are rich in wildlife. At Jordan Lake, particularly around the B. Everett Jordan Project, visitors can spot various reptiles and birds in the wetlands. Falls Lake is also a great place to observe monarch butterflies during their spring and fall migration.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots around the lakes?
Yes, there are several scenic viewpoints. The Falls Lake Causeway offers great views over Falls Lake. Sections of the Falls Lake Trail, such as the one near Wake Forest Highway, provide expansive views of the water. The Hickory Hill Boat Ramp also offers picturesque views of Falls Lake.
What is the best time to visit the lakes in Durham County?
The lakes offer activities year-round, but spring and fall are particularly pleasant for hiking and outdoor activities due to milder temperatures. These seasons are also ideal for observing monarch butterflies at Falls Lake. Little River Lake is typically open for the season from March to November for recreational activities.
Where can I find information about the current status of Lake Michie?
As of recent information, Lake Michie's open date was unknown due to flooding damage. It's advisable to check for updates from local authorities before planning a visit to ensure access and current conditions.
Are there opportunities for trail running near the lakes?
Yes, the Durham County area provides excellent opportunities for trail running. While not directly on the lake shores, nearby options include the Al Buehler Trail, American Tobacco Trail, and Mountains-to-Sea Trail: Laurel Bluffs. You can explore more options for running trails in Durham County.
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Still not found your perfect lake in Durham County? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
