Lake Tillery

Stanly & Montgomery Counties, North Carolina, USA

Lake Tillery is a popular Piedmont lake near Charlotte, known for boating and fishing and easy access from nearby towns.

5,260 acres

Surface Area

70 ft

Average Depth

118 miles

Shoreline

1928

Created

**Photo Courtesy of Kimrey Lash Realty

Kimrey Lash Realty

Serving Stanly & Montgomery Counties. Your Guides to Lake Tillery

With over 40+ years of experience specializing in Lake Tillery Homes and Lots, we'll help you find your perfect waterfront home.

704-984-8837

Phyllis@kimreylash.com

adrian@kimreylash.com

www.kimreylash.com

Find Your Lake Home

About Lake Tillery

Lake Tillery is a recreational lake for boating and fishing. Lake Tillery was created in 1928 when the Tillery (Norwood) Dam was completed on the Pee Dee River. It spans Stanly and Montgomery counties within the Yadkin–Pee Dee River system. The lake supports strong recreational use with species such as largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and striped bass.

Shoreline is a mix of main channel homes and beautiful wooded coves in established neighborhoods. Charlotte is roughly 45–60 minutes away depending on route and traffic, making Tillery a convenient weekend destination.

Key Features

Boating & Water Sports

Fishing (Diverse Species)

Marinas & Boat Services

Uwharrie National Forest & Morrow Mountain State Park

Public Access (Boat Ramps & Marinas)

Minimal Water Level Fluctuation

Wildlife Viewing

Quick facts (at-a-glance)

Location: Stanly & Montgomery counties, North Carolina.
Formed by: Tillery (Norwood) Dam; part of the Yadkin–Pee Dee system.
Surface area (normal pool): ~5,260 acres (surface elevation ~278 ft).
Depth: Approximately 72 ft at the dam.
Shoreline: ~118 miles.
Primary uses: Hydropower, boating, fishing, paddling, lakeside residences.
Public swimming: No designated public swimming beaches on Lake Tillery. Public access is via ramps/marinas.
Primary crossing: James B. Garrison (Lake Tillery) Bridge on NC-24/27/73.

Lake Tillery Vacation Homes For Rent

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Lake Tillery EVENT GUIDE

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Lake Tillery DINING GUIDE

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What you can do there

Boating & water sports
Broad main-lake reaches for cruisers and wake sports; quiet coves for kayaking and paddleboards. Observe posted no-wake zones and operator advisories.

Fishing
Largemouth bass, striped/white bass, black crappie, bluegill, and catfish (blue/channel/flathead). Seasonal patterns drive tactics; check NC regulations before you go.

Scenic Cruises
No scheduled tour boat. Enjoy a private captained pontoon or a self-guided sunset loop from Lilly’s Bridge area toward the James B. Garrison Bridge for wide open views.

Trails & Outdoor Recreation (Uwharrie National Forest)
Nearby Badin Lake Recreation Area offers hiking, camping, equestrian routes, mountain biking, and one of the Piedmont’s only public OHV trail systems (ATV/UTV/4x4) in season. Morrow Mountain State Park adds overlooks, historic sites, and boat rentals.

Access, marinas & ramps

Public Ramps:
Lilly’s Bridge Rd, Norwood Boat Ramp, Stony Mountain, and other designated launches (confirm hours/fees/seasonal status before travel).

Marinas:
Local marinas provide fuel, supplies, and services around Norwood/Mt. Gilead areas. (Phone/hours vary.)

Primary Road Crossing:
Primary Road Crossing – James B. Garrison Bridge (NC-24/27/73).

Water Access:
In addition to public ramps and marinas, visitors can explore Shift Island — the largest island on Lake Tillery — accessible by boat and popular for day anchoring and picnicking.

Nearby towns:
Norwood, Mount Gilead and Albemarle provide fuel, supplies, restaurants and lodging for lake visitors.

Safety & regulations

Boating safety: Wear life jackets, carry required visual and sound signaling devices, and obey posted speed/wake restrictions and no-wake zones near shorelines and launch areas.
Dam safety: Stay well clear of dam and intake structures; there are dangerous currents and submerged hazards downstream of spillways. Obey posted signage and closures.
Fishing & wildlife rules: Follow NC Wildlife and Fisheries regulations for licenses, size/creel limits and seasons. Respect private property along much of the shore—many areas are residential.

Gallery

Photo Courtesy of Kimrey Lash Realty

Nearby highlights & suggested day trips

The Uwharrie National Forest: Spanning over 50,000 acres just west of Lake Tillery, this forest features hiking, biking, horseback riding, and one of the Piedmont’s only OHV trail systems. A perfect spot for camping, birdwatching, and outdoor adventures year-round.
Morrow Mountain State Park: Trails, overlooks and lake access—great for hiking before or after a boat trip.
James B. Garrison Bridge & Swift Island Bridge: Historic crossings with good vantage points for photos and sunsets.
Local eats & towns: Visit Norwood and Mount Gilead for lakeside dining, bait shops and local events.
Vineyards & Breweries: The region around Lake Tillery features a rich selection of vineyards and craft breweries, from scenic wine-tasting rooms with panoramic views to laid-back taprooms pouring local brews. Popular stops include Stony Mountain Vineyards, Uwharrie Vineyards & Winery, and Uwharrie Brewing, all just a short drive away.

Events & community

Lake Tillery’s community revolves around the water and the woods: weekend boat meetups, marina-hosted gatherings, and club fishing tournaments on the lake, plus a full slate of outdoor programs across the Uwharrie National Forest and Morrow Mountain State Park—from guided hikes and birding walks to equestrian routes and OHV days around Badin Lake. Nearby towns—Norwood, Mount Gilead, and Albemarle—add farmers markets, live music, seasonal festivals, and small-town parades that keep the calendar lively year-round. To plug in, follow local marinas/ramps and lake businesses on social for tournament and event posts, check the Uwharrie and Morrow Mountain calendars for trail and ranger-led activities, and watch town event pages for concerts and pop-ups. Note that there are no designated public swimming beaches at Lake Tillery; most gatherings are centered on marinas, boat ramps, parks, and neighborhood docks, with permits or seasonal closures applying to some Uwharrie trail and OHV areas.

Lake Tillery is also surrounded by a strong golfing community, with several scenic and challenging courses nearby — including Tillery Tradition, Piney Point, Old North State, and Denson Creek. These clubs host tournaments, social gatherings, and seasonal events that draw both residents and visitors.