Vista Point State Recreation Area

By Will Cook

Overview: The aptly-named Vista Point has a commanding view of the heart of Jordan Lake, opposite Ebenezer Point. It's also great for landbirding. This area is not as frequently birded as Ebenezer, but it has the potential for many of the same rarities.

Getting there: From US 64 just west of the lake, take Seaforth Road south to its end. (Seaforth is opposite Big Woods Road). Turn left on SR 1700 and soon you'll come to the well-marked entrance.

Coordinates for Google Earth/Maps: 35 42 13.3 N, 79 02 48 W

Where to go: Drive all the way to the end of the main road and park. Walk, with scope in hand, to the very point for the best vantage. There is a nice 3 mile long loop nature trail that can be good for passerines - park near the bathrooms.

What to look for: Diving ducks, loons, grebes, and gulls are common during the winter. The wooded areas are good for piney woods birds, such as Brown-headed Nuthatches and Pine Warblers, as well as migrants, and the open areas are good for Blue Grosbeaks and sparrows.

Facilities: Bathrooms, picknicking, boat ramps, water, camping, handicapped accessible. Gate hours: November-February 8am-6pm; March, October 8am-7pm; April, May, September 8am-8pm; June-August 8am-9pm. Entrance fee is $4 per car, $3 for senior citizens 62 years of age or older. The fee is collected every day from May through Labor Day, only on weedends in April and September (after Labor Day). No fee from October through March. There is no pass you can buy, but you can get a booklet of 10 tickets for $30. If you pay a fee on a certain day here, you can also visit other S.R.A.'s at Jordan Lake without paying more. See http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/jord/main.php for more details on facilities. Call Park office at (919) 362-0586 for more details on the fees.

When to visit: Fall through Spring.

Revised 12/28/2008 cwcook@duke.edu