Activities

Hiking

The park is a great place for a hike! See the Trails page for more information.

Accessible Activities

Persons with disabilities will find access to a wide range of recreational facilities, including accessible picnic shelters, swim beaches, campsites, and courtesy docks. Most parking lots have special spaces available, and the restrooms are accessible as well. Accessible camping is available at Parker's Creek, Poplar Point, and Crosswinds campgrounds. Accessible group camping is available at both Vista Point and Parker's Creek group camps. The beaches at Ebenezer and Seaforth are accessible, and all the campground beaches are accessible as well. Park staff will guide you to facilities best suited to your needs.

Bald Eagle Watching

On your next visit to Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, see if you can spot our national symbol, the bald eagle, soaring over the waters of Jordan Lake. As Jordan Lake supports the largest concentration of bald eagles in the eastern United States, these majestic birds can often be spotted soaring over the lake in search of fish and other prey.

Though bald eagles are active throughout the daylight hours, the chances of observing an eagle are best during the early morning hours or late in the day. The best time of year for observing eagles around Jordan Lake is during the spring migration northward, generally April, May and June. Areas that offer a wide view of the lake are your best choices. These would include Vista Point, Ebenezer and Seaforth recreation areas.

Boating

Each recreation area has boat-launching ramps providing easy entry to the water. Boat ramps and courtesy docks located at Ebenezer Church and Robeson Creek recreation areas are open 24 hours per day.

All other boat ramps are open during park hours, and visitors must exit the park before the park's closing time. Boating facilities open during park hours include six boat ramps at New Hope Overlook. Seaforth offers six both ramps and Vista Point offers four boat ramps. Boat ramps at day-use areas are open to the public. Crosswinds and Poplar Point campgrounds offer boat ramps and courtesy docks for campers only. Parker's Creek has a small boat ramp for campers only. The Parker's Creek boat ramp has very limited parking and does not have courtesy docks.

Be cautious of underwater hazards such as stumps, logs and rocks. The Uniform Waterway Marker System has been installed for your safety and convenience. Obey all buoys and markers.

Test your sailing skills on Jordan Lake. The most popular area for sailing is Vista Point while windsurfers enjoy Ebenezer Church. Wind speed information can be obtained by dialing 919-387-5969.

The nearby, privately-owned Crosswinds Boating Center rents kayaks and pontoon boats. For more information about the marina and its services, call 919-387-7011.

Check lake levels at the US Army Corps of Engineers website.

Fishing

Fishing is a popular sport on the lake. Underwater stumps, logs and rocks help create the perfect environment for bass, crappie, catfish and pan fish. A state fishing license is required, and rules of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission must be obeyed.

Heritage Day

Every fall on the first Saturday of October, Jordan Lake holds a festival to celebrate the unique cultural and natural resources of the region. It gives participants an opportunity to experience hands-on activities, demonstrations and view exhibits from the past to the present. 

Area Attractions

Learn more about area attractions at the Pittsboro-Siler City Convention & Visitors Bureau.