North Carolina State Parks

Lake Norman

159 Inland Sea Lane, Troutman, NC 28166 · (704) 528-6350 · E-mail

At Lake Norman State Park, fun is just a matter of scale. On one hand, there's the largest manmade lake in the state, Lake Norman. When filled to capacity, its surface area is 32,510 acres with a shoreline of 520 miles and a main channel 34 miles in length — thus its nickname, the "Inland Sea." Thirteen miles of the shoreline are in the state park, which provides boating access.

On another hand, the park boasts its own 33-acre lake where fishing and boating are enjoyed. And with hiking trails, picnic areas, interpretive programs and campgrounds, there's more to Lake Norman State Park than merely water.

Boating

Pedal boats and canoes are available for rent. They are available daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the summer and are available from noon to 4:15 p.m. on weekends in spring and fall. Privately owned boats and watercraft may access Lake Norman from the boat launch area located at the south end of the park. Use of the area is free, but cars must leave the parking area by the park's closing time.

Camping

Tent pads, picnic tables and grills are available at 33 sites on a first-come, first-served basis for a fee. Occupancy is limited to one family or six people per site. Park gates are locked at the posted closing hours. Campers may not leave the park after closing or before 8 a.m. except in an emergency.

Walk-in group campsites may be reserved by organized groups for a fee. Campers without reservations must confirm site availability with park staff before occupying a site. No more than 25 people are permitted on each site. Drinking water and restrooms are available nearby; picnic tables and a fire ring are provided at each site.

Community building

A community building located near the group camping area may be rented for events. The facility has a large meeting room, kitchen facilities, restrooms and a fireplace. The building may be occupied between 8 a.m. and a half hour before park closing. Contact the park office to reserve the facility.

Fishing

Popular game fish in Lake Norman include crappie, bluegill and yellow perch, as well as striped, largemouth and white bass. The smaller park lake also has some choice fishing spots. Regulations of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission apply for both lakes.

Hiking

Alder Trail: Begin this easy .8-mile loop at the parking lot near the swim beach. The trail crosses the picnic area, circles the peninsula between Norwood and Hicks creeks, and then skirts the edge of the lake. Take a short side path to the dam and view the spillway and gates that control the lake's water level before returning to the trailhead.

Lake Shore Trail: The trailhead for this moderate but lengthy 6.7-mile trail is at the parking lot near the group camping area, but the trail may also be entered at several other points. Approximately a half mile from the trailhead, venture right or left for a loop around the peninsula bordered by Lake Norman and Hicks Creek. The trail follows the lakeshore, passes the family campground and returns to the trailhead. Take the Short Turn Trail for a shorter hike of 3.9 miles.

Hiking is also allowed on the Itusi Trail, a mountain bicycle trail. See the description for this trail in the mountain biking section below.

Mountain biking

Itusi Trail: Designed, built and maintained by volunteers, this 4.2-mile mountain bicycle trail winds through mature hardwood forests and offers a unique mountain bicycling experience. Novices as well as accomplished riders will enjoy the gentle but lengthy climbs of this single track trail. As volunteers continue their efforts to extend the trail, it will eventually cover a minimum of 10 miles. To protect the Itusi Trail from damage, the trail will be closed whenever conditions are too wet to allow riders. Accordingly, riders should contact the park prior to arrival to confirm that the trail is open.

Picnicking

One of Lake Norman's two picnic areas is near the swimming area on a ridge overlooking the beach. Tables, grills and drinking water are provided. Another picnic area is located near the park entrance. Picnic tables are scattered throughout the woods. Picnic shelters area available at each area and may be reserved for a fee. Restrooms are also provided at each area.

Swimming

A lakefront swimming area and beach are located near the southernmost picnic area. Lifeguards may be present from 10 a.m.-5:15 p.m. daily from early June through early August, but call the park before your visit if you need to confirm that a lifeguard will be on duty.

For more information visit: North Carolina State Parks - Lake Norman State Park