OAK HOLLOW LAKE
© 2003 Dennis Burnette 

Oak Hollow Lake is an 800-acre impoundment in High Point. The office and marina are at 3431 Centennial St. From I-40 take the US 68 exit south toward High Point. The lake is on the west side of US 68 (Eastchester Drive) about 5 miles south of I-40.
          From a birding standpoint, this may not be so much a destination as a convenient home base for exploring the rest of the county. Besides the nearby motels for the traveler, it features a nice rustic lakeside campground in a wooded area where a sampling of the common birds of the area may be seen. In winter, the marina is the best place in the county to see a large flock of American Coots, which become almost as tame and approachable as the resident Mallards and Canada Geese. The lake and shore line may be explored by boat. Sail boat rentals are available at the marina, which is at the end of Centennial Street.
          The North Overlook Park on Eastchester Drive (US 68) is on a hill, so it provides an elevated view of the dam and the central portion of the H-shaped lake. From here, it is possible in fall and winter to spot Ring-billed and occasional Bonaparte’s Gulls, and during migration, Caspian and Common Terns. Ducks usually stay in the upper arms of the "H" in shallower water. About 0.3 mile further south is Festival Park, also overlooking the lake. At the entrance is a map of the lake and associated public facilities. The map is essential for locating the marina and nearby campground, from which one may search for winter ducks.
          For further information, call 336-883-3494 (marina), or 336-883-3492 (campground).