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Access Site NC

Smithey's Creek Park

Yadkin River (W. Kerr Scott Reservoir) Lewis Fork Yadkin River

Source: u_s__geological_survey Updated 1 year ago

City: Wilkesboro, NC
County: Wilkes County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 36.12581884, -81.26210426
Air Temp: --
Location
Nearby Gauge Conditions
About This Access Site
Smithey's Creek Park offers a convenient boat ramp access point to W. Kerr Scott Reservoir, a 1,475-acre impoundment of the Yadkin River near Wilkesboro. The park provides amenities including a fishing pier, picnic area, parking for both vehicles and boat trailers, and restrooms. This is an ideal launch site for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboaters looking to explore the reservoir's calm waters, which support excellent opportunities for paddling, fishing, and swimming.

The Yadkin River upstream of the reservoir is a large stream (Stream Order 7) with a drainage area of over 4,100 square miles and an average flow of 5,200+ cubic feet per second. However, the reservoir itself offers protected paddling conditions compared to the river's natural gradient of 16.1 feet per mile. Day-use access requires a fee; visitors must purchase a day-use pass from the on-site cashless fee machine or present a USACE Annual Pass, America the Beautiful Pass, or current camping pass from one of the three W. Kerr Scott campgrounds. For specific information about hours, current fees, and facility conditions, contact the park at 336-921-3390 or visit Recreation.gov.
Federal Facility Information
336-921-3390 Free Access Reservations Available

Overview
Fish Dam Creek Shelter is located directly adjacent to W Kerr Scott's Dam. This shelter features horseshoe pits, and has a panoramic view of the reservoir.
Recreation
The 1,475-acre reservoir offers excellent boating, canoeing, kayaking and swimming opportunities. Anglers will find channel catfish, large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, threadfin shad, spotted bass, striped bass, and...

Overview
Fish Dam Creek Shelter is located directly adjacent to W Kerr Scott's Dam. This shelter features horseshoe pits, and has a panoramic view of the reservoir.
Recreation
The 1,475-acre reservoir offers excellent boating, canoeing, kayaking and swimming opportunities. Anglers will find channel catfish, large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, threadfin shad, spotted bass, striped bass, and hybrid striped bass.

Miles of multi-use trails, that allow hiking and mountain biking, surround the lake, including the Dark Mountain Trail which can be accessed from the shelter. The Warrior Creek and Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail feature an additional 25 miles of trails.Facilities
The Fish Dam Creek shelter offers eight, 8-foot picnic tables and one, 10-foot ADA-accessible picnic table. A water spigot and charcoal grill are close by. The electrial outlets currently do not work due to an underground problem. Along with scenic views, you can enjoy other park amenities which include horseshoe pits, grill, vault toilets, hiking trails and five mini-shelters (first come-first serve). (The power to this shelter is currently off)
Natural Features
The gentle Yadkin River flows through its scenic namesake valley in the foothills of the eastern Blue Ridge Mountains. Forests of mixed hardwoods, including sycamore, poplar, oak and hickory, cover the region. Wildlife is abundant in the valley. White-tailed deer, black bear, eastern cottontails and more can be found among the hills. Birds in the area include wild turkey, woodpeckers, Carolina chickadees, red-eyed vireo, ovenbirds, mallards and wood ducks.
Nearby Attractions
W. Kerr Scott Lake has 3 main trail systems. Dark Mountain, OVT, and Warrior Creek trail systems. 
The Visitor Assistance Center is located at 499 Reservoir Road. W. Kerr Scott Lake is 10 minutes from Wilkesboro, NC. 
Charges & Cancellations
All reservations, changes, and cancellations must be made by the guest using Recreation.gov, by calling 877-444-6777, or using the Recreation.gov moblie app. 
All refund request will need to be submitted via recreation.gov. 

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Nearby Recreation Areas
W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir Located within
Nearby Boat Facilities
Wilkes Skyline Marina On-site