W Kerr Scott Dam Reservoir, Wilkesboro, NC

If you’re looking for a great outdoor adventure in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, you must consider visiting W Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir. Not only is the area beautiful, but it also offers some excellent outdoor activities for recreational fun. In addition to being a great day trip for families and outdoor enthusiasts, it’s also a great place to spend a week. In this post, you will discover some fantastic outdoor activities at W Kerr Scott Dam Reservoir.

My family and I have enjoyed Kerr Scott Dam for years. There is something for everyone. Nature lovers will love the miles of trails and countless species of birds. Plus adventurous bikers will be thrilled with the amazing trails to be found at the Kerr Scott Dam Reservoir. Familes have lots of options to like swimming, playgrounds and Ranger led programs. Of course, the dam created a magnificent lake that is a boater and fisherman’s paradise. So come with me as we learn a little bit more about this amazing recreation area.

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History of W Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir

In the early 1900s, the Yadkin River caused numerous deadly and damaging floods to Wilkseboro and the surrounding communities. The Dam was built to halt much of the flooding. In collaboration with the US Army Corps of Engineers, the state of North Carolina worked to build the Dam successfully. The Kerr Scott Dam was completed in 1962. As a result of the project, the flooding in the area was resolved. In addition to resolving the flooding problems, Wilkesboro, North Carolina, gained a wonderful place to visit for incredible outdoor activities.

Also, if you’re ready to head to North Carolina, check out these great deals here.

Outdoor Activities at W Kerr Scott Dam

Mountain Biking

One of the most popular awesome outdoor activities at W Kerr Scott Dam Reservoir, is mountain biking. As a result, you can find some of the best mountain biking trails in the Blue Ridge along the scenic shores of the dam & reservoir. In addition, you can find another 40 miles of mountain biking trails at the Warrior Creek Campground, Dark Mountain Park, and Visitor Assistance Center areas. By the way, the trails here are built by mountain bikers for mountain bikers. You can find a complete list of all the trails, as well as maps here.

Hiking

Of Course, if there are biking trails, then there are hiking trails. Miles of hiking trails surround the lake. These include the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail. The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail traces the route used by the patriot militia during the Kings Mountain campaign of 1780. Many of the same trails for biking are used by runners and hikers alike. You can find out more information about these trails, as well as maps, here.

Boating & Fishing

This magnificent 1,475-acre reservoir also offers excellent boating, canoeing, and kayaking opportunities. This is just another of the fantastic outdoor activities you can enjoy at K Scott Dam. There are seven boat ramps and three canoe launches for easy access to the lake. Additionally, fishermen will love the numerous types of fish to catch at Kerr Scott. Not only can you catch channel catfish, large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, and spotted bass, but you may find hybrid striped bass and tiger muskellunge as well.

Camping

There are three campgrounds offering water and electric sites and tent sites. They include Bandit’s Roost, Fort Hambly, and Warrior Creek. Facilities at each campground include a shower house, dump station, swim beach, basketball court, playgrounds, and multi-purpose trails. In addition to this, Fort Hambly also offers a disc golf course, an archery course, and a 900-seat amphitheater. With this in mind, camping reservations are available and highly recommended. You can make reservations at www.recreation.gov. The current camping rates are approximately $23 per day.

Other Things to Do at W. Kerr Scott Reservoir

Many of the wonderful things to do at W Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir make fabulous family day outings. Children and adults will love the idea of swimming, disc golfing, birdwatching, and more. There are so many reasons why W Kerr Scott Dam Reservoir is fun to visit.

Swimming

Another key feature is there are swimming beaches at each campground. However, Kerr Scott also offers daily outdoor activities, so another swimming beach is available for day-trippers. In addition to swimming, you are also welcome to snorkel and scuba dive at your own risk. It’s important to note to not attempt to swim by boat launch ramps and other designated areas. The daily parking rate per car is $6 on weekdays and $7 on weekends and holidays.

Enjoy a Picnic

In addition to the swim beach, day trippers can access large picnic pavilions where you can grill and enjoy the day. Not to mention there are playground facilities for the kids and volleyball too.

Disc Golfing

A new addition to the W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir Recreation Area is the Fort Hamby Disc Golf Course. The course not only offers scenic views of the reservoir but also features a backdrop of rolling mountains. 

The intriguing 18-hole course features long and short tee pads for those who are new to the sport and for advanced players.  Many features are included on the course, such as water hazards, uphills and downhills, and wooded areas. You can access a map of the course here.

Bird Watching

Another of the excellent outdoor activities at Kerr Scott is bird and wildlife watching. There are numerous birds in the Kerr Scott Dam Reservoir. Some of the birds you might see here are wild turkeys, red-eyed vireos, ovenbirds, and woodpeckers. You may encounter some others, including Carolina chickadees, mallards, and wood ducks. Additionally, you may have opportunities to see deer, rabbits, and other furry critters.

Ranger-Led Trail Tours

Last but not least, in regards to incredible outdoor activities at Kerr Scott are the educational options they provide. You can visit the Environmental Education Center to learn more about the Ranger-led tours and access programs in the center, at community events, and in local schools. Many programs are also presented at the campgrounds during the summer that sometimes feature local guest speakers.

Is W Kerr Scott Dam Pet Friendly?

As a final point, pets are allowed except in park buildings and swim areas, but they must be on a leash no longer than six feet, even on a campsite, and cannot be left unattended.

Things to Know About W Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir

• Construction and Purpose: W Kerr Scott Dam was constructed in the 1960s with a primary aim to provide flood control, water supply, and recreational opportunities for the surrounding communities.
• Recreational Haven: The reservoir is a local favorite for boating, fishing, camping, and hiking, with miles of scenic trails and numerous campsites.
• Wildlife and Environment: It serves as a habitat for a wide range of wildlife and helps maintain the balance of the local ecosystems.
• Cultural Significance: The area surrounding W Kerr Scott Reservoir is full of rich history, offering a glimpse into the early settlement and industrialization of the region.
• Community Involvement: The reservoir’s management actively encourages community participation and regularly hosts events that foster environmental stewardship and education.
• Amenities and Facilities: The reservoir has excellent facilities, including boat ramps, picnic spots, and visitor centers, all maintained with a focus on environmental sustainability.
• Accessibility: It is easily accessible for locals and tourists, providing a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
• Ongoing Conservation: There are ongoing efforts to preserve the natural beauty of W Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir, ensuring it can be enjoyed by generations.

Final Thoughts

W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir is also a thriving ecosystem that provides endless recreational opportunities for the community. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking for adventure or a nature lover seeking tranquility, this location has something to offer everyone.

It is one of my favorite places to visit in the Wilkesboro area, and I think you will love it too. With its rich history and ongoing conservation efforts, it’s clear that W Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir holds immense cultural and environmental significance. So, next time you plan a trip, add this beautiful destination to your list!

By the way, if you’re ready to visit W. Kerr Scott Dam to enjoy some fantastic outdoor activities, you can find some of the best rates on Tripadvisor.

Similarly, if you’re looking for more things to do in the area, check out my Outdoor Fun Activities near North Wilkesboro post, or Fun Things to Do in North Wilkesboro.

If you have any other suggestions for the best things to do in this area, please share a comment below. I would love to hear from you! Also, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter at the bottom of this post for more destinations and positive messages!

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