Discover the Outdoors in Wilkes County, NC
Multiple attractions and amenities grace the entire community
Adventures from mild to wild are available to residents and tourists at several attractions throughout Wilkes County, including the following:
In This Article
State-Owned Lands
If you want a good workout with a scenic view, head to Stone Mountain State Park. Activities can include trail hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding or just kicking back at a lazy picnic. Also offering a premium place to picnic is Rendezvous Mountain Educational State Forest, which schedules several family-friendly educational programs.
Fishing and Campgrounds
Cast a line at the many fishing holes in Wilkes County to catch rainbow, speckled and brown trout along with bass and walleye. Popular fly-fishing spots include Stone Mountain Creek, Reddies River, Roaring River, W. Kerr Scott Reservoir and dozens of creeks and streams. An annual Kids Fishing Day occurs every second Saturday in April and every third Saturday in October at Cub Creek Park, with the creek stocked prior to the event.
Campgrounds in Wilkes County are easy to find. Stone Mountain State Park has many sites for backpackers and RVs, while Bandits Roost Campground on the south side of W. Kerr Scott Reservoir is another popular camping destination.
Yadkin River Greenway
Since 2002, Yadkin River Greenway has been an exercise facility for walkers, joggers and bicyclists, while preserving wildlife, vegetation and streams. Expansion projects have taken place throughout the Greenway’s history, including a recent half-mile section of outdoor trail that was added from the Yadkin River Bridge downstream to where Cub Creek enters the Yadkin River. Current expansion projects include a Moravian Creek extension to Wilkes Community College.
Water Recreation
W. Kerr Scott Reservoir welcomes 700,000 guests annually for water skiing, wakeboarding, canoeing, kayaking and more. The 1,475-acre lake has 55 miles of shoreline, seven boat launches and a marina. Meanwhile, Foothills Outdoor Adventures provides everything you need for a safe and enjoyable water experience. The company has rentals for fun on both the Yadkin River and W. Kerr Scott Reservoir, with equipment choices like canoes, paddle boats, tubes and river tubs that hold up to eight people – and even dogs.
Lawnmower Races
Lawnmower races? Yes, North Wilkesboro Rotary Fairgrounds has hosted dirt track Mow Down lawnmower racing since 2005 on several Saturday nights from May through October. Hot-rod riding lawnmowers with motors up to 18 horsepower compete on the racing oval, with thousands of fans in attendance.