Jordan Lake State Recreation Area facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jordan Lake State Recreation Area |
|
|---|---|
View from Ebenezer Church shoreline
|
|
 Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
Location in North Carolina
|
|
| Location | North Carolina, United States |
| Area | 4,558 acres (18.45 km2) |
| Elevation | 216 ft (66 m) |
| Established | 1982 |
| Named for | B. Everett Jordan |
| Governing body | North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation |
| Website | Jordan Lake State Recreation Area |
The Jordan Lake State Recreation Area is a fun state park in North Carolina, United States. It covers parts of Chatham County and Wake County. This park includes 4,558 acres (18.45 km2) of forests. These woodlands are found along the shores of Jordan Lake, which is a huge lake covering 13,940-acre (56 km2).
Contents
History of Jordan Lake
The area around Jordan Lake has a long and interesting past. For over 10,000 years, different groups of people have lived here. Archaeologists have found many old sites and Native American items. Later, Scottish families settled here in the 1740s. The land was even part of battles during the Revolutionary War and the Civil War.
Why Jordan Lake Was Built
In 1945, a very bad hurricane hit the Cape Fear River area. This storm caused a lot of flooding. To prevent future disasters, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers started studying the area. They wanted to find ways to manage the water.
The plan for a new lake was approved in 1963. Construction on the lake began in 1967. At first, it was called New Hope Lake.
Naming Jordan Lake
In 1973, the lake's name was changed. It became B. Everett Jordan Dam and Lake. This was done to honor B. Everett Jordan, who was a senator from North Carolina.
How Jordan Lake Helps Us
Jordan Lake is much more than just a place for fun. It provides drinking water for nearby cities. The lake also helps control floods and keeps the water clean. It is a safe home for many fish and other wildlife.
Fun Activities at Jordan Lake
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area is split into many smaller sections. These sections are found along both the eastern and western sides of the lake. Some popular spots include Farrington Point, White Oak, and Ebenezer Church. On the western side, you can visit Seaforth and Vista Point.
Things to Do at the Park
There are tons of activities for visitors to enjoy at Jordan Lake. You can go swimming in the lake or take a boat out on the water. Many people enjoy hiking on the trails. Fishing is also very popular here. If you like watching birds, this is a great place to spot different species. Families often come to the park for picnics.
Park Facilities
The park has many useful facilities to make your visit enjoyable. There are three boat ramps for launching boats. You can also find a special launch area for canoes. The park has two swim beaches where you can cool off. Kids will love the two playgrounds. There are also three fishing piers, including one that is easy for everyone to use. A marina is available for boats, and there are five campgrounds if you want to stay overnight.
Who Manages the Park
Many different groups help manage Jordan Lake State Recreation Area. The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation helps run the park. Other groups include the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Special Events
The park often hosts cool events for visitors. For example, park rangers sometimes offer monthly skywatching sessions. These events are great for learning about stars and planets. They are often held with help from the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. Volunteer astronomers also join in to share their knowledge.
Images for kids
-
View from Ebenezer Church shoreline
-
Recreational map of Jordan Lake. State park lands are depicted in tan.
