Harris Lake

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

In 1985, Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space signed a lease with Progress Energy for a 680-acre regional park facility on Harris Lake. Park construction began in 1997 with Phase 1 construction. This phase was built with the 1993 Bond Referendum money.

Details

Harris Lake is one of the best places for beginner mountain bikers to increase their skill level, while more advanced riders enjoy steady cruising and keeping their cadence and heart rates up.

A stacked loop system, the trails offer more obstacles and longer trails the further away from the parking lots you get. All technical trail features have bypass trails. Trails are clearly marked and arrows indicate the fastest way to the parking lot from the advanced trails. Lots of pine trees are in the area and in the fall trails may become a little slick. Very few rocks are apparent, especially when compared to other triangle trails; Harris Lake is one of the smoothest trails in the Triangle.