Top 11 Lakes around Holly Springs

For public recreation, Bass Lake in Holly Springs is a central feature, offering walking trails, fishing, and non-motorized boating. Nearby, Harris Lake and Lake Wheeler are also highly favored for their extensive recreational opportunities, including paddling, fishing, and park amenities.

Yes, several lakes are excellent for families. Bass Lake features easy walking trails, a nature center, and picnic areas. Harris Lake County Park at Harris Lake offers playgrounds, disc golf, and accessible fishing. Lake Wheeler Park at Lake Wheeler also has playgrounds and opportunities for wildlife viewing, making them all great choices for family outings.

The lakes are rich in wildlife. At Bass Lake, you can often spot waterfowl, osprey, eagles, snakes, and turtles along the trails. Jordan Lake and Falls Lake State Recreation Areas are particularly known for birdwatching, including sightings of bald eagles, especially during the summertime.

Yes, many lakes offer excellent hiking opportunities. Bass Lake Park has a 1.90-mile loop trail. Harris Lake County Park at Harris Lake features interpretive trails and mountain bike trails. Both Jordan Lake and Falls Lake State Recreation Areas boast extensive trail networks, with Falls Lake offering 25 miles of hiking trails, including a portion of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail. You can find more hiking routes in the area on our Hiking around Holly Springs guide.

Fishing is a popular activity at several lakes. Bass Lake is regularly stocked with catfish and also has largemouth bass, brim, and crappie. Apex Community Lake has a fishing dock and is stocked with channel catfish, though a Town of Apex fishing license is required. Harris Lake, Lake Wheeler, Jordan Lake, and Falls Lake are also popular fishing destinations.

For non-motorized boating, Bass Lake offers rentals. Lake Wheeler is a favorite for paddling. Apex Community Lake allows canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and john boats with a Town of Apex boating permit. Jordan Lake and Falls Lake State Recreation Areas provide extensive opportunities for various water sports, including boating, kayaking, and sailing, with multiple boat ramps and rentals available.

Yes, Bass Lake is publicly owned and accessible. It features a two-mile walking trail, a nature center, and picnic shelters. You can enjoy fishing, rent non-motorized boats, and observe local wildlife. Swimming is not permitted to preserve water quality.

Harris Lake County Park, adjacent to Harris Lake, offers an accessible fishing pier and various amenities designed for accessibility. Bass Lake also has an easy mulch-surfaced path along the lakeshore, making it suitable for many visitors.

For fishing, a North Carolina fishing license is generally required for individuals 16 and over. Additionally, for fishing or boating at Apex Community Lake, a specific Town of Apex fishing or boating permit is needed. Entrance fees may apply during peak seasons at Jordan Lake and Falls Lake State Recreation Areas.

The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for hiking, paddling, and wildlife viewing, with vibrant foliage in autumn. Summer is ideal for swimming and water sports at designated areas like Jordan Lake and Falls Lake. Winter can be quieter, offering serene views and opportunities for birdwatching.

Yes, both Jordan Lake State Recreation Area and Falls Lake State Recreation Area offer extensive camping facilities. Jordan Lake has over a thousand campsites across seven access points, ranging from primitive to RV hookups. Falls Lake provides over 300 campsites across its seven access areas, catering to various camping preferences.

Harris Lake, a 4,100-acre reservoir, is popular due to Harris Lake County Park. The park offers diverse activities including mountain biking on trails like Hog Run, disc golf, volleyball, and an accessible fishing pier. It's an excellent spot for active recreation and family outings.

Lake Wheeler, part of Lake Wheeler Park, is a favorite for paddling, playing volleyball, and wildlife viewing. It also features playgrounds and offers fishing, with a tackle loaner program available, making it a versatile recreational spot.