Life at the Lake: Why High Rock Lake is Rowan County’s Hidden Gem
There’s nothing quite like life at the lake. The serene sunsets, gentle breeze, and sweet memories of barefoot summers beg you to stay just a little while longer. Located in eastern Rowan County, High Rock Lake spans a staggering 15,180 acres, making it the second largest lake in all of North Carolina. Known for its scenic beauty, fishing opportunities, and relatively quiet atmosphere, it’s often considered a “hidden gem” compared to more developed lakes in the state.
Created in the late 1920s, it was formed as a result of the construction of the High Rock Dam on the Yadkin River. The dam was built by the Aluminum Company of America, better known as ALCOA, to generate electricity for their smelting operations.
Since High Rock Lake’s humble beginnings, a lot has changed. From a lake that was once known for its rustic fishing cabins of weekend warriors, you can now find lakeside restaurants, marinas, and even multimillion-dollar estates. Real estate development around the lake has surged in recent years, attracting a growing number of year-round residents — a clear sign that High Rock Lake isn’t just a vacation spot, but a wonderful place to call home.
Through all the changes High Rock Lake has seen, one tradition holds strong — the fishing. Anglers will find these waters brimming with a wide variety of species, including largemouth bass, white and black crappie, blue, channel, and flathead catfish, yellow perch, bluegill, and many more. In fact, competitive fishermen following tournament trails flock to the lake each year in search of trophy fish. Local professional fisherman Rodney Bell, a Salisbury native, put it best: “It’s hard to beat the bass fishing on High Rock Lake. From March to November, it takes more weight to win consistently than any other lake in North Carolina.”
But there’s more to lake life than casting a line. High Rock Lake serves as a hub of recreational activity, offering something for everyone who enjoys being on the water. You’ll find boaters cruising its open stretches in pontoons, kayakers and paddleboarders exploring its quieter coves, and kids on tubes erupting with laughter as they’re pulled behind ski boats. Each year as the weather heats up, so does the energy on the lake. One of the most popular gathering spots on the lake is Goat Island — a social oasis where friends and families alike drop anchor and hop in the water to cool off.
As the sun starts to dip below the treetops, you’ll find people slowly start to make their way to one of the lake’s growing number of lakeside restaurants. Whether it’s Water’s Edge Dock and Grill, Tamarac Marina and Restaurant, or Lakeview Family Restaurant, these casual spots offer a place to grab a bite to eat, catch up with old friends, and relax under orange skies after a long day on the water.
Perhaps the most cherished tradition of all is High Rock Lake’s annual Fourth of July fireworks display put on by the High Rock Lake Association. Boats fill the water along the main channel, families gather along their docks, and the sky lights up with sparkling colors that reflect off the lake like a mirror. It’s a moment where everyone, whether permanent resident or weekend visitor, feels like part of something special.
At the heart of it all is a sense of community. The lake is a place where neighbors become friends, traditions run deep, and memories are made with every sunset, every splash, and every shared smile across the water. It’s a place where summer never feels too far away, and that’s what makes High Rock Lake the hidden gem of Rowan County.
