Lees-McRae College recreation area provides swimming, paddling and family fun through Labor Day weekend
BANNER ELK, N.C. — As summer temperatures continue to climb across the High Country, Wildcat Lake is offering residents and visitors a refreshing way to beat the heat without spending a dime.
Located on the South Campus of Lees-McRae College along Hickory Nut Gap Road, the mountain lake is open to the public through Sept. 7 with free admission. Visitors can swim, relax on the sandy beach or enjoy a variety of outdoor activities surrounded by the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains.
The lake is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 6 p.m., making it an accessible destination for families, vacationers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to cool off during the warmest weeks of the season.
Students enrolled in Lees-McRae College’s Outdoor Recreation Management program staff the facility as lifeguards and oversee equipment rentals, providing visitors with opportunities to explore the water by paddleboard, kayak or canoe. Personal flotation devices also are available, along with hammocks and field games for those who prefer to stay on shore.
Beyond swimming and paddling, Wildcat Lake offers picnic tables, changing rooms and a playground, creating a family-friendly setting for spending an afternoon outdoors. Anglers can also enjoy year-round fishing at the lake.
With mountain-fed water, a sandy beach and a variety of recreational opportunities, Wildcat Lake has become a popular seasonal destination for those seeking relief from the summer heat while enjoying one of the High Country’s outdoor gathering places.
As temperatures remain high, the lake continues to provide a simple reminder that some of the region’s best ways to cool down can still be found in the mountains’ natural beauty.
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