Park Information

10th Anniversary of Harris Lake County Park

	Harris Lake County Park staff

Park Rules and Regulations: Safety and enjoyment go hand in hand at Harris Lake County Park. The following rules and regulations have been established to ensure a safe and pleasant visit.

Park History

A Bit of History

Long before Progress Energy purchased the land that comprises Harris Lake County Park and the surrounding area, a small community of farms and home-sites existed. The Womble family had resided in the area since the 1700s.

Information about the cultural history of the area was compiled through interviews by NCSU graduate students Scott Bode and Sarah Nothstine with the previous landowners. The homes of the Womble, Smith and Holleman families were researched through family interviews and archives. Park staff are fortunate to have this valuable historical information and plan to construct interpretive exhibits to educate visitors on the history of the area.

Agriculture was a way of life for the families living in the area. Livestock was raised, and cotton was grown. Additional crops included tobacco, peanuts and sweet potatoes. Sugar caning was a popular activity, to produce molasses. Occasional trips to the city market in downtown Raleigh provided income from the families' produce.

Remnants from the home-sites can still be seen along the trails at the park.

Park Office

The park office is located at the first right turn once inside the park.

Playground

The playground is unsupervised and includes a kids lot (ages 5-12) and tot lot (ages 2-5).

Primitive Camp Site

Primitive camping is offered for organized groups supported by a governing body (i.e., Scouts). The primitive camping site contains minimal improvements, includes a fire ring but no running water. Firewood can be provided by park staff. The site has a capacity of 50 persons including children and adults.
Fee: $30 per night (call the park office for more information and/or reservations)

 

Trails

Hog Run Mountain Bike Trail Hog Run consists of a series of loops designed for any skill level. The beginner loop is blazened with blue circles and starts at the trail head. This loop is relatively flat with few obstacles. This loop is signed for one-way traffic only.

The intermediate loop is blazened with yellow circles and connects the beginner loop with the advanced loop. This loop is designed to challenge mountain bike riders with average skills and experience.

The advanced loop is blazened with red circles. This loop offers the longest ride and is made up of a series of loops that offer more challenges for skilled riders. Log jumps and more elevation changes are found along this loop.

All trails are subject to closure during inclement weather, special events and natural recovery. For updated trail conditions contact the park office.

All mountain bike trail users must use ANSI- or Snell-approved safety helmets.

*Mountain Bike Trails will be closed to the public on Sunday, August 16, in order to host the RACE at the REACTOR!  Event is from 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Peninsula Hiking Trail
The Peninsula Trail is composed of four loops. These loops give hikers a choice of what distance to hike. The entire trail is nearly 5 miles in length and can take more than two hours to hike.

The Peninsula Trail will lead hikers along the lakeshore through a variety of forest habitats, including a longleaf pine stand and mixed oak/hickory hardwoods. If you're quiet, you may catch a glimpse of a deer, turkey or a variety of waterfowl along the way.

 

Restroom Facility

Restrooms are located in the center of the picnic area. Snack and drink machines are located in the area during the summer season.

Open Play Area

The large turfed area offers a place to throw a Frisbee, fly a kite or enjoy lunch on a picnic blanket.

 

Canoe/Kayak Launch Site

Cartop boats may be launched from the park. The launch site is located near the peninsula trail head and picnic area. Canoes and kayaks must be unloaded in parking area and hauled a short 147 yards to the launch site.

No watercraft with trailers or motors may be launched from inside the park. These users must use the Holleman or Highway 42 Wildlife Resource Commission boat ramps located in other areas of Harris Lake.