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Recreation Areas and Campground Database

W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir

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W. Kerr Scott Reservoir is located in the beautiful Yadkin River Valley in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Authorized purposes of the reservoir are flood control, water supply, recreation, and fish and wildlife management.

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From Winston-Salem, north on US 421 to Wilkesboro, then 5 miles west on NC Highway 268.From Charlotte, NC, north on 77 to Wilkesboro, then 5 miles west on NC Highway 268.

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Direction

From Big Pine, go west on Crocker Ave. which becomes Glacier Lodge Rd. and follow to the end of the road. Alternate trail start point at the pack station and large paved backpackers parking lot. Day use parking near Glacier Lodge, at end of the road.


Important Information

DOWNLOAD AREA MAP FOR THIS TRAIL:Click Here

Big Pine South Fork Area:


USFS Webpage for: Big Pine Creek South Fork.


Long Description

The South Fork Trail climbs beneath the Palisades Glacier and jagged peaks of the Middle Palisades to reach Brainard and Finger Lakes. The bridge across the South Fork was destroyed by avalanche (spring 2011) so expect to get your feet wet and use caution with high spring runoff. The trail beyond Willow Lake becomes indistinct with rock cairns marking the way to the upper lakes. This trail is not recommended for stock. The Big Pine North Fork Trail and other area trails have separate quotas. Please refer to the area map for trail names.


Facilities


BANDITS ROOST Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

Bandits Roost Campground is located on the south side of W. Kerr Scott Reservoir in western North Carolina.

Constructed in the beautiful Yadkin River Valley, the lake offers extensive opportunities for outdoor recreational activities.

Recreation

The 1,475-acre reservoir offers excellent boating, canoeing, kayaking and swimming opportunities. Anglers will find channel catfish, large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, threadfin shad, spotted bass, striped bass, and hybrid striped bass. Miles of multi-use trails, that allow hiking and mountain biking, surround the lake, including the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, which has a trailhead at the campground. An additional 25 miles of trails can be found at the Warrior Creek and Dark Mountain areas.

Facilities

The campground offers 102 campsites, including 17 tents sites and 85 standard sites with water and electric hookups. The popular group tent area offers a covered shelter with water and electricity, a grill, six tables and seven tent pads. Amenities include flush and pit toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station. A boat ramp, swim beach, playground, basketball court and amphitheater offer additional recreation opportunities.

Natural Features

The gentle Yadkin River flows through its scenic namesake valley in the foothills of the eastern Blue Ridge Mountains. Forests of mixed hardwoods, including sycamore, poplar, oak and hickory, cover the region. Wildlife is abundant in the valley. White-tailed deer, black bear, eastern cottontails and more can be found among the hills. Birds in the area include wild turkey, woodpeckers, Carolina chickadees, red-eyed vireo, ovenbirds, mallards and wood ducks.


WARRIOR CREEK Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

Warrior Creek is located on the south side of W. Kerr Scott Reservoir in western North Carolina.

Constructed in the beautiful Yadkin River Valley, the lake offers extensive opportunities for outdoor recreational activities.

Recreation

The 1,475-acre reservoir offers excellent boating, canoeing, kayaking and swimming opportunities. Anglers will find channel catfish, large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, threadfin shad, spotted bass, striped bass, and hybrid striped bass. The Warrior Creek trail system completely encircles the campground as it scenically follows the fold of the surrounding landscape. It is recognized by the International Mountain Biking Association as one of the top bike trails in the world. There are 17 miles of single track trail in Warrior Creek with multiple points-of-entry throughout the campground. These trails are also used extensively by hikers and trail runners.

Facilities

The campground offers 61 family campsites, 6 of these are tent only sites that do have electric hookups. The other 55 sites have full electrical and water hookups to support RV's. There are also two group camping areas that are perfect for large groups. Amenities include flush and vault toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station. An amphitheater, swim beach, playground, basketball court and hiking and biking trails offer additional recreation opportunities. A boat ramp and three fishing piers, one of which is ADA accessible, can be found at Keowee Park which borders the campground.

Natural Features

The gentle Yadkin River flows through its scenic namesake valley in the foothills of the eastern Blue Ridge Mountains. Forests of mixed hardwoods, including sycamore, poplar, oak and hickory, cover the region. Wildlife is abundant in the valley. White-tailed deer, black bear, eastern cottontails and more can be found among the hills. Birds in the area include wild turkey, woodpeckers, Carolina chickadees, red-eyed vireo, ovenbirds, mallards and wood ducks.


FORT HAMBY PARK Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

Fort Hamby Park is located on the north side of W. Kerr Scott Reservoir in western North Carolina.

Constructed in the beautiful Yadkin River Valley, the lake offers extensive opportunities for outdoor recreational activities.

Recreation

The 1,475-acre reservoir offers excellent boating, canoeing, kayaking and swimming opportunities. Anglers will find channel catfish, large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, threadfin shad, spotted bass, striped bass, and hybrid striped bass. Miles of multi-trails, that allow hiking and mountain biking, surround the lake, including the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail. An additional 25 miles of trails can be found at the Warrior Creek and Dark Mountain areas.

Facilities

The campground offers a thick canopy of forest on one side and the scenic lake shore on the other. There are 32 campsites available, all with electric hookups, and one large group site that can accommodate up to 100 guests. Modern amenities like flush toilets, drinking water and showers create a comfortable camping experience, while a playground, sandy beach, basketball court and horseshoe pit provide additional recreation opportunities.

Natural Features

The gentle Yadkin River flows through its scenic namesake valley in the foothills of the eastern Blue Ridge Mountains. Forests of mixed hardwoods, including sycamore, poplar, oak and hickory, cover the region. Wildlife is abundant in the valley. White-tailed deer, black bear, eastern cottontails and more can be found among the hills. Birds in the area include wild turkey, woodpeckers, Carolina chickadees, red-eyed vireo, ovenbirds, mallards and wood ducks.


Wilkes Skyline Marina Facility

This recreation area is part of W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir


KEOWEE PARK SHELTER Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

Keowee Park Shelter is located within Keowee Park at W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir in northwestern North Carolina.

Recreation

The 1,475-acre reservoir offers excellent boating, canoeing, kayaking and swimming opportunities. Anglers will find channel catfish, large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, threadfin shad, spotted bass, striped bass, and hybrid striped bass. Roughly 30 miles of multi-purpose trails surround the lake, including the Warrior Creek trails which are easily accessible from the shelter. All of the trails, including Warrior Creek, are now recognized as some of the best mountain biking trails in the country attracting riders from all corners of the world.

Facilities

The shelter offers six, 8-foot picnic tables. Water and electricity are not available at the shelter, please plan accordingly. Along with scenic views, you can enjoy other park amenities which include a boat ramp, playground, horseshoe pit, grill, vault toilets, and three fishing piers (one is ADA accessible).

Natural Features

The gentle Yadkin River flows through its scenic namesake valley in the foothills of the eastern Blue Ridge Mountains. Forests of mixed hardwoods, including sycamore, poplar, oak and hickory, cover the region. Wildlife is abundant in the valley. White-tailed deer, black bear, eastern cottontails and more can be found among the hills. Birds in the area include wild turkey, woodpeckers, Carolina chickadees, red-eyed vireo, ovenbirds, mallards and wood ducks.


Dam Site Shelter Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

Dam Site Park Shelter is located directly below W. Kerr Scott Dam's visitor center, and features a beautiful view of the dam & reservoir.

Recreation

The 1,475-acre reservoir offers excellent boating, canoeing, kayaking and swimming opportunities. Anglers will find channel catfish, large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, threadfin shad, spotted bass, striped bass, and hybrid striped bass. Miles of multi-use trails surround the lake, including the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, which has a trailhead a short walk from the shelter. An additional 25 miles of multi-use trails can be found at the Warrior Creek and Dark Mountain areas.

Facilities

The shelter offers eight, 8-foot picnic tables and two, 10-foot ADA-accessible picnic tables. A water spigot and electric hook-ups are available at the shelter as well. Along with scenic views, you can enjoy other park amenities which include a boat ramp, horseshoe pit, grill, vault toilets, a museum and Environmental Education Center located at our Visitor Assistance Center, and access to the Overmountain Victory Trail and Native Tree Trail.

Natural Features

The gentle Yadkin River flows through its scenic namesake valley in the foothills of the eastern Blue Ridge Mountains. Forests of mixed hardwoods, including sycamore, poplar, oak and hickory, cover the region. Wildlife is abundant in the valley. White-tailed deer, black bear, eastern cottontails and more can be found among the hills. Birds in the area include wild turkey, woodpeckers, Carolina chickadees, red-eyed vireo, ovenbirds, mallards and wood ducks.


Fish Dam Creek Park Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

Fish Dam Creek Shelter is located directly adjacent to W Kerr Scott's Dam. This shelter features a playground, and has a panoramic view of the reservoir.

Recreation

The 1,475-acre reservoir offers excellent boating, canoeing, kayaking and swimming opportunities. Anglers will find channel catfish, large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, threadfin shad, spotted bass, striped bass, and hybrid striped bass. Miles of multi-use trails, that allow hiking and mountain biking, surround the lake, including the Dark Mountain Trail which can be accessed from the shelter. The Warrior Creek and Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail feature an additional 25 miles of trails.

Facilities

The shelter offers eight, 8-foot picnic tables and one, 10-foot ADA-accessible picnic table. A water spigot and electric hook-ups are available at the shelter. Along with scenic views, you can enjoy other park amenities which include a playground, horseshoe pit, grill, vault toilets, hiking trails and five mini-shelters (first come-first serve).

Natural Features

The gentle Yadkin River flows through its scenic namesake valley in the foothills of the eastern Blue Ridge Mountains. Forests of mixed hardwoods, including sycamore, poplar, oak and hickory, cover the region. Wildlife is abundant in the valley. White-tailed deer, black bear, eastern cottontails and more can be found among the hills. Birds in the area include wild turkey, woodpeckers, Carolina chickadees, red-eyed vireo, ovenbirds, mallards and wood ducks.


BERRY MOUNTAIN PARK SHELTER Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

Berry Mountain Park Shelter is located in Berry Mountain Park at W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir in northwestern North Carolina.

Recreation

The 1,475-acre reservoir offers excellent boating, canoeing, kayaking and swimming opportunities. Anglers will find channel catfish, large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, threadfin shad, spotted bass, striped bass, and hybrid striped bass.

Facilities

This ADA-accessible lakefront shelter offers six, 8-foot picnic tables. A water spigot can be found at the shelter but there is no electricity available. You can enjoy other park amenities which include a playground, grill, flush toilets, showers, swim beach and a basketball court.

Natural Features

The gentle Yadkin River flows through its scenic namesake valley in the foothills of the eastern Blue Ridge Mountains. Forests of mixed hardwoods, including sycamore, poplar, oak and hickory, cover the region. Wildlife is abundant in the valley. White-tailed deer, black bear, eastern cottontails and more can be found among the hills. Birds in the area include wild turkey, woodpeckers, Carolina chickadees, red-eyed vireo, ovenbirds, mallards and wood ducks.


BOOMER PARK SHELTER Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

Boomer Park Shelter is located in Boomer Park at W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir in northwestern North Carolina.

Recreation

The 1,475-acre reservoir offers excellent boating, canoeing, kayaking and swimming opportunities. Anglers will find channel catfish, large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, threadfin shad, spotted bass, striped bass, and hybrid striped bass.

Facilities

This lakefront shelter offers six, 7-foot picnic tables. A water spigot can be found at the shelter but there is no electricity available. You can enjoy other park amenities which include a playground, grill, accessible vault toilets, swim beach, and a boat ramp.

Natural Features

The gentle Yadkin River flows through its scenic namesake valley in the foothills of the eastern Blue Ridge Mountains. Forests of mixed hardwoods, including sycamore, poplar, oak and hickory, cover the region. Wildlife is abundant in the valley. White-tailed deer, black bear, eastern cottontails and more can be found among the hills. Birds in the area include wild turkey, woodpeckers, Carolina chickadees, red-eyed vireo, ovenbirds, mallards and wood ducks.


West Yadkin Trail Access Facility

This recreation area is part of W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir


W. Kerr Scott Visitor Assistance Center Conference Room Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

The Visitor Assistance Center conference room is located beside the dam at W. Kerr Scott Reservoir in northwestern North Carolina.

Recreation

The 1,475-acre reservoir offers excellent boating, canoeing, kayaking and swimming opportunities. Anglers will find channel catfish, large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, threadfin shad, spotted bass, striped bass, and hybrid striped bass. Miles of multi-use trails, that allow hiking and mountain biking, surround the lake, including the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, which can be accessed from the parking lot outside the Visitor Center. An additional 25 miles of trails can be found at the Warrior Creek and Dark Mountain areas.

Facilities

The conference room offers eight, 8-foot tables, 40 chairs, and is ADA-accessible. Flush bathrooms and a water fountain are located within the building. There is no kitchen available. The area around the Visitor Assistance Center has scenic views and is close to other park amenities which include a boat ramp, two reservable shelters, a museum and Environmental Education Center located in the Visitor Assistance Center, and access to the Overmountain Victory Trail and Native Tree Trail.

Natural Features

The gentle Yadkin River flows through its scenic namesake valley in the foothills of the eastern Blue Ridge Mountains. Forests of mixed hardwoods, including sycamore, poplar, oak and hickory, cover the region. Wildlife is abundant in the valley. White-tailed deer, black bear, eastern cottontails and more can be found among the hills. Birds in the area include wild turkey, woodpeckers, Carolina chickadees, red-eyed vireo, ovenbirds, mallards and wood ducks.


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