Lake Norman State Park

Less than 30 minutes from Charlotte, Lake Norman is North Carolina’s largest human-made lake, a 32,500-acre reservoir where lake life thrives. Dock at lakefront restaurants and discover countless outdoor adventures by water or land with hundreds of coves to explore and extensive trail systems to hike. Rentals for jet skis, pontoons and paddleboards are widely available, and nearby towns offer everything from lakeside breweries to boutique shopping. It's a destination that invites both high-energy weekends and lazy dockside afternoons.

And if you’re lucky, or just looking in the right shadowy cove, you might catch a glimpse of Normie — the elusive lake monster that’s sparked local legend. Learn more about this mysterious creature in our First in Fright episode, Carolina Cryptids.