High Rock Lake

For those attracted by both the tranquility and adventure of being by the water, Rowan County offers access to High Rock Lake – the second largest lake in North Carolina.

Created in 1929, High Rock Lake covers an impressive 15,180 acres (61 km2) and boasts 365 miles (587 km) of shoreline. The lake’s name is derived from neighboring “High Rock Mountain,” the tallest mountain in the Uwharrie Mountains.

High Rock Lake has something for everyone. Access to year-round water activities, an active, outdoor lifestyle, hundreds of acres of natural beauty, a variety of birds and wildlife, and lakeside living are among the many perks High Rock Lake offers.

Nearby is Dan Nicholas Park, which is home to a campground, lake, carousel, train, gem mine, aquarium and nature center, animal habitats, and more. Eagle Point Nature Preserve is available every weekend year-round for hikers, bird watching or nature walks. Weekend camping and lakefront rental property are also popular activities on High Rock Lake. And each July, High Rock Lake serves as home to the annual Dragon Boat Festival, sponsored by the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce.

High Rock Lake has been considered one of the best fishing lakes of North Carolina for a long time. It has been the host of the Bassmaster Classic on three separate occasions and is the site of frequent other angling competitions.

Whether you enjoy kayaking, canoeing, motor sports or a lazy day on the pontoon, you can gain access to High Rock Lake through several public ramps that can be accessed at no charge, and private ramps that can be accessed for a small fee. Several marinas offer slips, supplies, fuel and other amenities.

High Rock Lake housing offers the perfect combination of residential living and natural beauty. The lake area offers many residential choices including lakefront homes, wooded acreage, and condominiums. High Rock Lake is close to many local restaurants, area shopping, and recreational facilities. And, it’s just a short drive to North Carolina’s majestic mountains to the west or Atlantic Coast beaches to the east.

A major advantage you find at High Rock is the “better balance” lifestyle found in Rowan County. You can enjoy the rural setting and still be close to energy of major metropolitan areas. Situated halfway between the Charlotte and Piedmont Triad regions of North Carolina near the historic town of Salisbury, at High Rock Lake, you can enjoy the grandeur and tranquility of lakeside living while enjoying all of the cultural benefits of major metropolitan centers.

High Rock Lake is also a source of clean, renewable energy. It serves as a reservoir for hydroelectric power generation managed by Cube Hydro Carolinas with a total generating capacity of nearly 215 megawatts of electricity when operating at peak capacity.

For more information on High Rock Lake, visit the High Rock Lake Association.