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The Visitor Assistance Center conference room is located beside the dam at W. Kerr Scott Reservoir in northwestern North Carolina.
The gentle Yadkin River flows through its scenic namesake valley on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills. Forests of mixed hardwoods, including sycamore, poplar, oak and hickory, cover the region. Wildlife is abundant in the valley. White-tailed deer, black bear, eastern cottontails and more can be found among the hills. Birds in the area include wild turkey, woodpeckers, Carolina chickadees, red-eyed vireo, ovenbirds, mallards and wood ducks.
The 1,475-acre reservoir offers excellent boating, canoeing, kayaking and swimming opportunities. Anglers will find channel catfish, large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, threadfin shad, spotted bass, hybrid striped bass and tiger muskellunge. Miles of hiking trails surround the lake, including the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, which has a trailhead a short walk from the Dam Site shelter. There are now over 45 miles of multi-purpose trails surrounding the lake.
The conference room offers eight, 8-foot tables, 40 chairs, and is ADA-accessible. Flush bathrooms and a water fountain are located within the building. There is no kitchen available. The area around the Visitor Assistance Center has scenic views and is close to other park amenities which include a boat ramp, two reservable shelters, a museum and Environmental Education Center in the Visitor Assistance Center, and access to the Overmountain Victory Trail and Native Tree Trail.
From Charlotte, North Carolina, take I-77 North (approximately 60 miles) before merging into Highway 421 North towards Wilkesboro / Boone. Continue to Exit 286B (approximately 20 miles), turn left onto Highway 268, continue for approximately 4 miles and turn right on Reservoir Road. Turn left into the Visitor Assistance Center parking lot after 0.25 miles.
From Winston-Salem, North Carolina, take Highway 421 North (approximately 55 miles) to Exit 286B, turn left onto Highway 268, continue for approximately 4 miles and turn right on Reservoir Road. Turn left into the Visitor Assistance Center parking lot after 0.25 miles.
From Wilkesboro, North Carolina, head west on Main Street / Hwy 268 / Hwy 18 (approximately 4 miles) and turn right on Reservoir Road. Turn left into the Visitor Assistance Center parking lot after 0.25 miles.
My boys thought it was cool to drive over the dam. On the other side is a trail if you want to hike. And you can access the lake for kayaks, fishing and swimming. It is big and roomy, plenty of space to do the social distancing that is suggested right now. The water was dirty and the bottom of the lake was grassy but my boys had a good time. We saw a couple families of geese, they came up on the shore where we were to eat. This was the only access point that was open today, probably due to the Governor's executive orders.
Have had a few fun trips there. Great mtb and lots of space to kayak. Although on the weekends there is a ton of boat traffic so don't expect a smooth lake for kayaking. If you go on the weekdays early it is much less busy.
beautiful lake with views of the mountains in the background. great for kayaking and paddle boarding with some little creek offshoots to explore. we caught some fish here which was fun for the kids. plenty of swim beaches with playgrounds which the kids also enjoyed. impressive dam adds to the interest. three fantastic mountain biking trails around the lake, which you can link and ride together if you have the energy. multiple RV and tent camping locations.
This is a great place for a quiet and enjoyable time on the lake. With easy boat ramp launching, and parking big enough for a Chevy 2500 Crew cab and a 24' trailer, you can get on the water quickly and maximize your mini vacation!
