Lake Norman State Park is located in Iredell County. The lake is the largest man-made lake in the state, and hosts nearly a million visitors a year. This spot is home to beautiful sunsets, great hiking and biking trails, and peaceful paddling.
Lake Norman grew out of a Duke Power Company power project on the Catawba River begun in 1959 and completed in 1964; the parked formed in 1962, while the lake was still filling. Among the recreational benefits resulting from the new Lake Norman was the opportunity to take a long lakeshore hike. Actually, only about half of the Lake Shore trail subscribes to its name, and technically the water it buddies up to is Hicks Creek before it becomes part of the lake. While most trails aren’t ideal for summer hikes, this one is, passing near the park’s swimming area.
The largest man-made lake in the state at 32,510 acres (with a main channel 34 miles long), Lake Norman attracts a goodly number of motorboats. But because of that size and because of the vast number of watery fingers snaking off the main channel, there are opportunities for peaceful paddling. Plus, 33-acre Park Lake, which is exclusive to the park, offers speedboat-free passage. Add to that 6 miles of hiking-exclusive trail and 13 miles of mountain bike trail (also open to hiking) and you have a weekend full of recreational escape. Lake Norman is a must-see in the Piedmont.
More info here.
Expert Picks
JaalaI love my Cloudsurfers! Just the right amount of cushioning and really lightweight. I use them for almost all of my road running–anything from 3-10 miles. There’s enough space in the toebox without being too roomy everywhere else and my heel stays in place. I love the color too!
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JessicaMy favorite sweater! I have it in almost every color because it is both cozy and flattering!
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Scott WoodI like the interesting texture of the fleece. It feels a bit more durable than other fleece jackets I’ve had. Nice and cozy, but still looks nice when I’m out on the town.
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Amy QuinnThis fleece is so versatile. It’s not too thick, so it layers just right and is enough by itself for most of the cooler months. The short pile means that whatever my kids find to roll around comes off pretty easily. Both my son and daughter love theirs!
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SusanMy favorite flannels for fall! They’re so soft and get softer every time I wash. Love the great colors!
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Rich ChisholmI’ve been a fan of the standard Grayl Geopress, but this new titanium version is so much better. I can also use it to boil water for cooking, and it keeps all the same features as the original but at a lower weight and a tougher material.
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Bittu AliThis is the pinnacle of Hobie Mirage Drive technology. It is the only Pedal Drive Fishing Kayak that offers forward and reverse, Kickup Fins and 360 degrees of directional propulsion. The 2024 XR model has been upgraded to allow for tool-free adjustments and directional lockout.
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Amy QuinnThis jacket is so lightweight but definitely takes the chill off. It’s a great 3 season jacket, and so versatile!
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DrewI’m an avid paddler and spend a lot of my days on the water. The 10×25 NOCS binos are perfect to keep in my boat bag. They’re brightly colored and waterproof so I know I’ll be able to find them when my kids drop them in the water! At least close to the shore, that is.
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Anna LawrenceThese are a go to through fall and winter! I just throw on socks when it gets colder. So comfortable!
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Rich ChisholmOn my recent trip to backpack the Teton Crest Trail with my family, this tent really made a difference. It is super lightweight but still roomy enough for 3. Under 3 lbs and really compact with very user friendly features like the light pocket and vents built into the vestibule on both sides.
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Lee QuinnMy go-to flannel once the weather turns cool! I just keep getting more colors!
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Rich ChisholmI think this pack is perfect for my trips that are single overnight, or for a long day hike. It is just big enough without being a full-on backpack size.
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Rich ChisholmThese are affordable Aviator sunglasses with style! I love all the colors but the best thing is how they don’t slip on my nose, are polarized, and only cost 35 bucks!
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Travis ZarinsThis is my go to jacket for cooler months. It’s the perfect weight for the Southeast.
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Johanna BreedI love this pant! I’ve done everything with it from being on a plane for hours to hiking. I think the tapered cut is so flattering!
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Scott WoodThis is a beautifully designed bag that takes the stress out of airline travel with fly fishing gear. I am able to fit at least 4 rods, 4 reels, tippet, leader, and fly boxes for a week of trout fishing with room to spare. I’ve also started using it for local bass and saltwater trips. Everything is safely in the same bag with no bulky rod tubes rolling around in the bed of a truck.
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Rich ChisholmThis is a great carry-all bag for those little items you need but don’t have room in your pockets for. I like the over-built design even for something this small – will last practically forever. Detachable crossbody strap so it can convert to a belt bag is awesome!
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Zach RobertsI’m in my second pair of Bozemans! They are my preferred work shoe and casual wear shoe. The more supportive midsole takes care of my feet and legs all day, while being stylish and comfy for travel and social excursions.
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StacyThis bag goes everywhere! I take it to the park, to the grocery store, to the trail and to the beach. It fits just the right amount of stuff with just the right amount of pockets.
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