Falls Lake Boat Ramps: Open Or Closed?

Falls Lake, spanning Wake, Durham, and Granville counties, is a 12,000-acre lake with several boat ramps. These include the Upper Barton Creek Boat Ramp, the Highway 50 Boat Launch, the Hickory Hill Boat Ramp, the Ledge Rock Boat Ramp, and the Holly Point Boat Ramp. While there is limited information on whether these ramps are open, Falls Lake State Park is managed by the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation, and the Falls Lake State Recreation Area provides 24-hour access to campers during the campground's operating season.

Upper Barton Creek Boat Ramp

The Upper Barton Creek Boat Ramp is easily accessible, situated 7 miles north of I-540 and about a mile south of Highway 98. The address is 12900 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, North Carolina. Visitors can find directions by searching for "Upper Barton Creek Boat Ramp" on Google Maps.

The boat ramp offers multiple parking areas, providing convenience for those arriving by car. In addition to the parking facilities, there are three docks and four boat ramps available for boaters to launch their vessels into the lake.

Highway 50 Boat Launch

The Highway 50 Boat Launch is one of several boat ramps on Falls Lake, a 12,000-acre lake that spans Wake, Durham and Granville counties in North Carolina. The Highway 50 Boat Launch is located about 3 miles north of the intersection of Creedmoor Road (Highway 50) and Highway 98. From the intersection, head north on Creedmoor Road and you'll find the boat ramp on your right, just past the Falls Lake Administration building.

The scenery includes a nice island that can be explored by boat, as well as the Rolling View Marina, which is a convenient turnaround point. There are also plenty of other boats in the area, so it's a great spot for those who want to be around other boaters. However, this also means motor boats are everywhere, so it's important to be careful.

The boat ramp itself has a convenient put-in area on the upper right side, with a peninsula that provides easy access to the water. There is also parking available near this peninsula. From the put-in area, you can head straight out and go under the Highway 50 bridge. The Falls Lake Administration building is also a great resource for boaters, as they provide maps of the area.

Overall, the Highway 50 Boat Launch provides a great access point to Falls Lake, with convenient amenities and a scenic route to explore by boat.

Hickory Hill Boat Ramp

The Hickory Hill Boat Ramp in Durham County, North Carolina, is located off Redwood Road, just 1.5 miles from the I-85 exit ramp and 15 minutes from Downtown Durham. The boat ramp is sampled weekly from May 23rd to September 3rd, and has passed water quality tests 60-95% of the time. The area contains a large paved parking lot with three boat ramps and one public dock, which is marked by a North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commissions Sign containing regulations for the area as well as wildlife to look out for.

The boat ramp also provides access to the Falls Lake Trail, a 16.1-mile out-and-back trail that is generally considered an easy route and takes an average of 5 hours and 6 minutes to complete. The trail is open year-round and is great for activities such as backpacking, birding, and hiking. Dogs are welcome on the trail but must be kept on a leash. The trail offers beautiful views of Falls Lake and leads to a small airfield where I-85 crosses the lake. It then continues north and west, passing under I-85 through a tunnel, and offers a quiet stretch of Redwood Road before crossing a railroad spur and skirting a pond.

The Hickory Hill Boat Ramp is a great option for boaters and outdoor enthusiasts, providing access to the lake and the surrounding trails. It is conveniently located and offers ample parking, making it a popular choice for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Overall, the Hickory Hill Boat Ramp serves as a gateway to the serene waters of Falls Lake, catering to boating enthusiasts and hikers alike. With its central location, well-maintained facilities, and proximity to the picturesque Falls Lake Trail, it stands as a testament to the region's commitment to outdoor recreation and environmental preservation.

Ledge Rock Boat Ramp

The boat ramp offers ample parking space, featuring two docks and three boat ramps that provide easy access to Falls Lake. The lake itself spans across Wake, Durham, and Granville counties, covering an area of 12,000 acres. Ledge Rock Boat Ramp is a popular choice for fishermen and boaters alike, providing a beautiful setting for recreational activities.

Water quality at the Ledge Rock Boat Ramp is regularly monitored, with weekly sampling conducted from May 23rd to September 3rd. The site has consistently met water quality standards, passing the tests 60-95% of the time, which makes it a historically safe place to enjoy during the summer months.

To reach the Ledge Rock Access, follow Olive Grove Church Road in Creedmoor until you reach a parking lot overlooking the blue waters of Falls Lake. You'll find a sandy patch of land adjacent to the busy boat ramps, providing a convenient spot for kayakers to launch onto the lake. The peaceful water and scenic greenery surrounding the lake enhance the overall experience for visitors.

Holly Point Boat Ramp

The boat ramp is for registered guests only and offers 24-hour access. It is described as being in good condition, with docks, parking, restrooms, and a picnic area available. There is no ramp fee, fuel, bait, or ship store. Cross currents may be present, so boaters should exercise caution when launching from this ramp.

The address for the Holly Point Boat Ramp is 14424 New Light Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587. This location is about 18 miles north of Raleigh, North Carolina. For further information, you can contact the Falls Lake State Recreation Area directly.

In addition, there is a boat ramp with the same name in Florida. The Holly Point Park Boat Ramp is located at 3336 Winterberry Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, in Nassau County. This ramp also has docks and a picnic area, and it is open 24 hours a day.

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