The shoreline of North Carolina's largest artificial lake, covering an area of 1,900 acres, is maintained by Lake Norman State Park. It's one of the most exciting state parks in the country, with great opportunities for kayaking and hiking. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned veteran of this park. and before we get into our favorite ways to explore Lake Norman State Park, which is located in Statesville area, let's take a brief historical detour as there is always something to learn! Long before Europeans arrived in the area, the Catawba tribe owned the land on which the lake now rests. The Catawba tribe peaked at around 5,000 individuals in 1600, but sickness and warfare with the Iroquois reduced them to a mere 60 fighting men by 1700.
The tribe dispersed to the south in 1762, allowing European colonists to lay claim to the territory they had abandoned. About 200 years later, in 1959, the Cowans Ford Dam was constructed by Duke Power Company to generate electricity. The dam that built Lake Norman also contributed to Charlotte, North Carolina's economic growth and industrialization.
In September of 1962, Duke Power Company gave 1,328 acres of land along the lake's northeastern side to be used as a state park, which led to the formation of the state park that surrounds the lake.
Perhaps one of the most notable and slightly unnerving things about Lake Norman are the towns, buildings, and roads that lie at the bottom of the lake. The stretch of land that is presently occupied by the lake was once home to the East Monbo and Long Island cotton mills, as well as the workers who worked there. In the 1950s, in order to make room for the construction of the dam, these mills were forced to shut down, which resulted in the relocation of hundreds of workers and their families. At the present day, these houses, mills, roads, and even graveyards are all untouched where they were originally positioned at the bottom of the lake.
Trail users will appreciate Lake Norman State Park's extensive network of paths. The family-friendly Dragonfly route is a 0.15-mile circle, and the Itsutsi Trail is a single-track route that spans over 30 miles. The Lakeshore Trail is a 6.2-mile loop that provides hikers with a variety of forested trails and lakeside overlooks. We love it all year, but especially in the colder months. Another beautiful trail that begins at the visitor center and travels primarily alongside Park Lake is the Alder Trail (a circle of 0.8 miles).
If you have any questions regarding Lake Norman's trails or history, the Visitor Center is the place to go. The park's history is well explained through interactive displays. You can also hire canoes and pedal boats from the visitor center if you want to get out on the water. On an annual basis, they rent out stand-up paddleboards. A boat rental for up to four people may be had for ten dollars an hour, making it an affordable option for a family excursion.
Take a load off on the chairs located behind the center and enjoy the beautiful afternoon. They provide an unobstructed view of Park Lake.
Mac Anderson Park, Statesville, NC
Safe Storage Club