If you would have told me there was a lake in the China Grove/Landis area, I wouldn’t have believed you. Lo and behold, there are actually two lakes – Landis Lake and Lake Corriher – the latter being the largest of the two.
Of course, being the water bug that I am, I had to see for myself. I visited Lake Corriher Wilderness Park for the first time a few weeks ago and I was pleasantly surprised by how remote it felt. My experince was so rich in peace and beauty that Your Rowan added these lakes to their post about 10 Things To Do In Rowan County.
Lake Corriher Wilderness Park is located at 265 Tranquil Lake Drive in Landis, North Carolina. The funny thing about getting to this wilderness area is it’s located in the very back of a neighborhood; however, it doesn’t take long before you’re surrounded by nature.
When you pull into the parking lot, the first thing you’ll see is a building that houses a store and office space. The store sells fishing supplies, drinks, snacks, disc golf supplies, Lake Corriher merchandise, and Orca brand coolers and tumblers. The environment and staff are friendly and inviting. Make sure you grab a map before exploring the park!
History of the Lakes in Landis
Lake Corriher and Landis Lake came to be in the mid-1900s when the town of Landis realized it needed to upgrade its water system to include a water treatment plant. The two lakes were used as retention ponds for the treatment plant, as well as a third lake called Lake Wright. Lake Wright is located on the Warrior Golf Club. About 10 years ago, Landis began purchasing its water from Salisbury and Kannapolis, no longer needing the lakes as water sources. The park came to be because of these two lakes, which cover about 98 acres within the park. Once the lakes were classified for recreational use, trails opened up and fishing became popular. The park grew into what it is today from there. Thank you to Jessica Coates and her article in the Salisbury Post for this information. You can read the article here.
Kayak, canoe, and paddle boat rentals are available from the park, or you can bring your own boats and use the soft launch for a small fee. The park also rents jon boats with trawling motors, but you are not allowed to launch your own jon boat or fishing boat. Fishing is a major draw for the park, where you can keep what you catch. The lakes are stocked with bass, carp, crappie, and some catfish.
A Great Destination for Hiking, Camping, Disc Golf & More!
Lake Corriher Wilderness Park contains five trails – Raider Trail, DC Linn Trail, Blue Ridge Trail, Mt. Moriah Trail, and Swamp Trail. While these trails are relatively easy hikes, they are definitely worth taking. The Blue Ridge Trail is the hardest in my opinion, as it is a little steep and rugged in some areas. This trail has a mountainous feel to it and is my favorite trail. There are great views of Lake Corriher from this trail. These trails are also great for trail running and mountain biking. Please have a map with you while on your hike and make sure you follow the trail blazes.
The park contains four tent camping sites and two cabins. Each site includes a fire pit, grill, and a water pump. A bathhouse is also located inside the park within easy walking distance of the camp sites. The cabins contain electricity, as well as bunkbeds and a small eating area. There is a nice covered picnic shelter overlooking Landis Lake that is also available for rent.
The park is home to a 12-hole disc golf course. The course is free to use. You may bring your own discs, or you can rent them in the park store. If you’re hiking, make sure to look out for disc golf players as some of the holes are right beside the trails.
Landis Parks & Recreation Events for All Ages
The park hosts several events throughout the year. An upcoming event is a guided plant walk and scavenger hunt on May 11 from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. for recommended ages 8 – 12. To RSVP for this event, email jstamper@townoflandis.com. Other events have included fishing tournaments, Yoga on the Lake, Campfire Christmas by the Lake, a wildflower seed exchange, and wreath making classes. Most of these are events that the park staff plan on hosting regularly. The wreath making classes are unique in that participants make their wreaths out of natural material, such as berries, vines, and cinnamon sticks. These classes usually take place in November and December and make for great Christmas decoration or gifts. The last class had so many people sign up they had to split it into three separate classes!
More events and classes are being planned, such as a wilderness first aid workshop and yoga classes, so be sure you stay connected with Lake Corriher Wilderness Park to get all the latest updates. You can find them on Facebook, Instagram, or at their website.
I hope you take a day and go explore this local wilderness area. It truly is another hidden gem in Rowan County, and we are lucky to have such beautiful parks such as Lake Corriher Wilderness Park. I want to give a big thank you to Jessica Stamper with the Town of Landis Parks and Recreation Department for meeting with me and giving me all of this great information!
If you have any story ideas, comments, or questions, please contact me at greenspace@yourrowan.com.
