The Top 20 Lakes around Durham
Looking to visit the best lakes around Durham? After all, there’s nothing better than the serenity of the lakeshore — or a quick dip when the weather’s warm. So, browse our list of Durham’s top lakes below as recommended by the komoot community, and experience more on your next adventure!
Last updated: November 14, 2025
Lake Crabtree on the Crabtree Creek Greenway
Highlight (Segment) • Lake
The Crabtree Creek Greenway Trail stretches over 19 miles, connecting Morrisville, Cary, and Raleigh. This asphalt trail runs through forested greenways, city parks, residential areas, and business districts. It offers …
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Fred G. Bond Metro Park
Highlight • Rest Area
Also accessible for wheelchairs.
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Reedy Creek Trailhead at Lake Crabtree
Highlight • Trail
This trailhead sits along Lake Crabtree at the north end of Black Creek Greenway. There is ample parking, restrooms, water, and a bike station, making it an ideal spot to …
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Reedy Creek Lake Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
It's a multi use trail, crossing Crabtree Creek and passing by Reedy Creek Lake. Wide and open, goes between vibrant green trees, with a good view to the lake.
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Mountains-to-Sea Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
North Carolina's Mountains to the Sea Trail is a brilliant 1,175 mile hiking trail that stretches across from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks. As it meanders across …
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Big Lake
Highlight • Lake
Nice place to take a break and enjoy this beautiful lake surrounded by trees, it's also a good place for bird watching.
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George and Julia Brumley Family Nature Preserve
Highlight • Forest
The George and Julia Brumley Family Nature Preserve, also known as the Brumley Nature Preserve, is a 673-acre nature preserve with mixtures of mature and young hardwoods and pines. The …
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University Lake
Highlight • Lake
University Lake spans over 200 acres and is super popular for a bunch of different recreational users. You get a pretty great view of the water from here on the Jones Ferry Road bridge.
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Lake Lynn
Highlight • Lake
A manmade lake within Lake Lynn Park that was created for flood control purposes in the 1970's. The area around the lake is mostly known for its hiking/ walking trails and the large community center near it.
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Jordan Lake
Highlight • Lake
Jordan Lake is a 13,940-acre reservoir built in 1974 and serves as a major water supply for central North Carolina. Jordan Lake offers boating, camping, fishing, swimming, and a full-service marina.
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Brumley Forest Pond
Highlight • Lake
Brumley Forest Pond is a small reservoir within the Brumley Forest Nature Preserve. There is a singletrack trail that hugs the shores of the pond, which connects to the many miles of other trails on the property.
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