Hyco and Mayo Lake
Hyco and Mayo Lake
Hyco Lake General Information
Hicotaminy is what the native Indians called the area which means "great turkey
buzzard". Seems the turkey buzzards have been around a long time since we still
see them daily at Hyco as we now call it.
Hyco Lake (also known as Carolina Power Lake) was constructed in the early 60's
by Carolina Power and Light Company (now Progress Energy) as a cooling reservoir
for their steam electric generating plant. Hyco Lake is located in Person
County, NC 10 miles west of Roxboro, NC on NC Highway 57. Since its
establishment, the lake and its recreation park has been under the jurisdiction
of the Person-Caswell Lake Authority which is responsible for governing and
developing the recreation potential of the lake and park. The water is
regulating by the N.C. Natural Resources. CP&L owns the land the lake is
contained by and up to the 420' mark.
The lake covers 3,750 acres (25 billion gallons of water!) with 160 miles of
shoreline. The lake was filled in the Spring of 65 after Hurricane Hilda dumped
her bounty and has provided exceptional outdoor recreational opportunities which
continue to delight residents and visitors alike. The lake was constructed on
the Hyco River and has 3 main tributaries, North Hyco Creek, South Hyco Creek
and Cobbs Creek.
Mayo Lake
This 2800 acre lake with a shoreline of 85 miles is highlighted by a 120 acre
park. Camping, walking, canoeing, kayaking, picnicking, and fishing are enjoyed
daily. The park is located off Hwy. 49 North of Roxboro on Neal's Store Road (SR
1515). For a map, brochure and reservations, call 336-597-1755.
Camp Sites
Walking/Hiking Trail - features plant identification plaques for self-guided
tours. Guided interpretative hikes are provided during the summer.
Canoes and Kayaks - are available for rent.
Other amenities include playground equipment, tent camping sites, picnic
shelters and grills, restroom/shower facilities and bank fishing. A full-time
park ranger is available to answer questions for your convenience.
