Mountain Island Lake

Mountain Island Lake is a lake northwest of Charlotte, North Carolina created in 1924 to coincide with the building of Mountain Island Hydroelectric Station. It is named after the mountain which appears as an island in the lake, and the surrounding area is identified by the lake's name. The shape of the lake follows the meander of the Catawba River's course, dammed near the Mount Holly Wastewater Plant. Full pond elevation is approximately 647.5 feet. The lake has around 3,281 acres of surface area and 61 miles of shoreline. Mountain Island Lake is managed by Charlotte-based company Duke Energy. The primary function of Mountain Island Lake is to provide drinking water for over 1 million residents of Charlotte and surrounding Mecklenburg County, as well as Mount Holly and Gastonia in Gaston County. The lake is also accessible to the public for boating and fishing use. There are two boating access areas on the lake and a tailrace fishing platform for bank fishing in cooperation with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.  This typically means a clean and clear water supply that makes it a popular, publicly accessible lake for boating, sking, canoeing, paddle boarding, fishing, multiple water sports and leisure time. Some of the popular communities along Mountain Island Lake include: Mt. Isle Harbor, Overlook, Stonewater and others. Mountain Island Lake has long been considered a hidden gem within the Charlotte area but is recently becoming known throughout the community as an excellent place to call home . Located just 20 minutes from uptown Charlotte and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, Mountain Island Lake is one of the easiest lakes in the area to access via Highway 16 which is why many professionals are opting to plant their roots here. In this thriving lake community, one can have it all. One can enjoy nature to its fullest on beautiful Mountain Island Lake while enjoying the proximity to modern conveniences, entertainment and cultural offerings that are just minutes away. Come out today for a visit and learn why Mountain Island Lake has become Charlotte's premier lake community. The lake has no designated swimming beaches, but several public boat ramps provide access to the water.