Harris Lake (New Hill, North Carolina) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Harris Lake |
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Panorama of the sun setting over Harris Lake with the nuclear power plant in view.
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 Harris Lake
Location in North Carolina
Harris Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Chatham / Wake counties, North Carolina, United States |
| Coordinates | 35°37′24.852″N 78°55′2.22″W / 35.62357000°N 78.9172833°W |
| Lake type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Buckhorn Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 4,100 acres (1,700 ha) |
Harris Lake is a large, man-made lake located in New Hill, North Carolina. It covers about 4,100 acres (which is about 16.6 square kilometers). You can find it in both Wake County and Chatham County.
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Harris Lake: A Cool Place to Visit!
Harris Lake is a special kind of lake called a reservoir. This means it was created by people, not by nature. It was formed by building a dam across a stream called Buckhorn Creek.
Why Was Harris Lake Built?
The main reason Harris Lake was created was to help cool down the Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant. This power plant uses water from the lake to keep its systems from getting too hot. The lake acts like a giant cooling system for the plant.
Getting Around the Lake
If you want to visit Harris Lake, there are two public places where you can launch a boat. One is located near the southern part of the lake, close to North Carolina Highway 42. The other is found near the northern end, by Avent Ferry Road.
Exploring Harris Lake County Park
On the northeastern side of Harris Lake, you'll find a fantastic place called Harris Lake County Park. This park is huge, covering 680 acres! It's a great spot for outdoor fun and adventure.
Fun Things to Do at the Park
- Hiking Trails: The park has five miles of trails where you can walk and explore nature.
- Bike Trails: If you love biking, there are almost eight miles of trails perfect for cycling.
- Picnic Areas: You can enjoy a meal outdoors with your family and friends.
- Fishing Pier: If you like to fish, there's a special pier where you can cast your line.
- Disc Golf Course: The park also has a fun disc golf course, which is like regular golf but you throw a frisbee instead of hitting a ball.
Harris Lake is a great example of how a lake can be used for both important industrial purposes and for fun outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy!
