Lake Norman

Lake Norman is a reservoir in North Carolina that covers four counties and features more than 800 kilometers of shoreline. This body of water forms the state's largest artificial lake by volume and draws its supply from the Catawba River.

Duke Energy Company created the reservoir between 1959 and 1964 by building the Cowans Ford Dam. Several farms and settlements disappeared beneath the rising waters, leaving their remains below the surface today.

The name honors Norman Atwater Cocke, a former leader of Duke Power Company who initiated plans for this reservoir. Vacation homes and boat docks now line sections of the shore, while anglers and water sports enthusiasts use the open expanses.

The reservoir supports boating, fishing, and swimming throughout the year, with water temperatures reaching their warmest in summer. Public access points and parking areas are spread along various sections of the shore.

The reservoir holds 60 islands scattered across its surface, some covering just a few square meters. Average depth measures around 10 meters (33 feet), while the deepest point descends more than 34 meters (112 feet).

Location: North Carolina

GPS coordinates: 35.48333,-80.93333

Latest update: December 12, 2025 22:39