Other Triad Lakes
Belews Lake, by far the largest of any men- tioned before at over 3,863 acres, is formed by Belews Creek, a small tributary of the Dan River. There are several access points including Carolina Marina, Humphrey’s Ridge, Piney Bluff and Pine Hall. This lake is very popular for motor boats and water skiing in the summer. You can bank fish at the Duke Energy wildlife accesses and there are both paid and free places to launch. You may see raccoon families on this lake as well as deer, belted kingfisher and more. If you head to the quiet areas called the “blackwater” and if kayaking or stand up paddleboarding, go off season to avoid the multitude of motor boaters. There are several islands on the lake but be care- ful of broken glass and many have lots of trash. Consider taking a trash bag to follow Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics and leave the area better than you found it. In the 90’s folks camped on the islands but when they started leaving their trash and glass behind, camping was banned. The free accesses it is open 24/7 so you can paddle later or earlier to catch the sunrise.
Salem Lake: at 365 acres this lake is a small oasis in Winston-Salem very close to Kern-
ersville. This lake also has a flat, gravel, 7 mile walking/biking/equestrian path (you will rarely see horses on the path due to all the bikes). There is a fishing pier and boating (smaller than 50 horsepower) is allowed. You can launch your kayak or stand up paddleboard for a small fee.
Thom-a-Lex: so named because of its loca- tion between Thomasville and Lexington. It is considered a small lake at 650 acres. The abundance of small coves and interest- ing wildlife makes this an excellent choice for a quiet day trip. Jet skis and motor boats are not allowed so it is a quiet lake for kayaking and stand up paddleboarding and there are four shelters for rent.
Randleman Lake: is a very large newer lake, formed in 2004 by damming the Deep River (more on the origin of our lakes in Part 3 of this series). There are two launches for boats, the main marina and park office which allows all watercraft, and the Southwest launch which only allows human propelled craft or trolling motors (no gasoline). 4 miles of hiking/biking trails wind throughout Southwest Park’s 513 acres. This launch is quiet and if you head up the Deep river to the right after putting in, you will be able to see a variety of birds
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So, whether you are drawn to water for the excitement of water sports, or the tranquility of paddling, an outdoor work- out or yoga session on a paddleboard, stunning sunsets, or the gathering of friends and family, or perhaps camping or hiking/biking, these are 9 amazing bodies of water that are probably within an hour’s drive or less for you from home or work to enjoy. We are so fortunate to have so much water available to us and this is just a small sampling of what’s available! So as the air and water starts to warm this spring and summer, we hope to see you on or at the water utilizing these healing and rejuve- nating resources this upcoming season!
References for more information: each lake listed has a website with seasonal hours that change each year and rates for rentals/launching fees. I also cited exten- sively from “Piedmont Lakes, A Practical Guide for Boating in the NC Piedmont” by yours truly. The book can be checked out for FREE at the Kathleen Clay Edwards Family Branch Library (or requested at any GSO library). If you’d like a copy for your library, have them contact me for a copy. We love supporting our local libraries!
“Water quiets all the noise, all the distractions, and connects you to your own thoughts.”
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JoAndra (Jo) Proia is the Outdoor Writer for Natural Triad. Her nature writing has been published in several outdoor maga- zines and she published her first guide- book, “Piedmont Lakes” in the spring of 2017. She is an ACA Certified Kayak In- structor and Guide with GET:OUTDOORS WOMEN ON THE WATER, a kayak shop in Greensboro. She can be reached at
jo.proia@
naturaltriad.com
or LIKE her Greensboro, NC 27408
page at
www.facebook.com/getoutdoor- swomenonthewater. You can also find her book at Get:Outdoors Paddlesports, or order it online at
www.shopgetoutdoors. com, at Scuppernong Books in Greens- boro, or Wild Birds Unlimited Greensboro.
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