Lake Mackintosh is a long, irregularly shaped reservoir located in Alamance and Guilford counties in North Carolina. It is a medium-sized lake, formed by a concrete damn on Great Alamance Creek. Located between the neighboring cities of Greensboro and Burlington, it provides drinking water and recreational opportunities to more than 500,000 residents.
Since Lake Mackintosh is closed to the public during December and January, it provides winter recreational opportunities only during the warmer months of February and March. This shortened winter season and the area's temperate climate make the lake's recreation areas unsuitable for snow-based winter activities.
There are two main recreation areas that provide access to the lake. The Guilford-Mackintosh Marina is a municipal park operated by the City of Burlington. It provides access to the west side of the lake via Route 61. The lake's east side may be accessed via Lake Mackintosh Park and Marina off of Huffman Mill Road. Both parks have visitor facilities, including marinas where visitors may rent and launch electric- and human-powered watercraft. Boats powered by gasoline engines may be launched from the eastern marina, but they are subject to some restrictions.
Each of the lake's two parks contains about three miles of hiking and biking trails. The eastern park features a section of nature trails, lined by hardwood forests and scenic exposed rock from an old quarry. Power walkers and mountain bikers find the cool temperatures of late winter an ideal time to explore the woods around Lake Mackintosh.
Lake Mackintosh provides one of the premier bird watching venues in the southeastern United States. It offers 19 key bird species, and late winter is generally considered the best time for birding.
Late winter angling opportunities abound at Lake Mackintosh. United Crappie Fishermen sponsors a late winter crappie fishing tournament on the lake, which is open to all anglers. The lake is rated as a five-star fishing haven by ncangler.com. In addition to the crappie, species such as largemouth bass, bluegill and catfish are all waiting to be hooked. North Carolina Wildlife maintains fish feeders and underwater fish attractors throughout the year, always ensuring a good bite. Shoreline, pier and boat fishing are all available.
The City of Burlington maintains volleyball courts, horseshoe pits and a children's playground at the Guilford-Mackintosh Marina. These facilities are open to all visitors.
