City: Raleigh, NC

Category: Parks & Recreation

Description: Jordan Lake is a 14,000-acre body of water in eastern Chatham and western Wake counties, traversed by U.S. 64. The state parks system manages the lake and its recreation areas. Boat ramps at each of Jordan Lake’s 11 developed recreation areas allow access to the water. The ramps and docks at Ebenezer Church and Robeson Creek are open 24 hours per day. All others close when the park does. Most of the traffic is motorized—boats and jet-skis—but sailboats often leave from Vista Point, and windsurfers like Ebenezer Church. You can call (919) 387-5969 for temperature and wind speed information. Jordan Lake is a good place to cast for bass, crappie, catfish, and pan fish.Privately owned Crosswinds Marina on the east shore of the lake rents fishing and pontoon boats and offers boat storage. The marina is at 555 Farrington Rd. For more information, call (919) 362-5391 or (919) 362-1615.