Location: Littleton is in Halifax County, in the northeastern area of NC. It’s perched just south of Lake Gaston and east of Roanoke Rapids and the I-95 corridor, and anchored by the intersection of NC Hwy 158 and 903.
History: Given that its town limits encompass about 1 square mile, and its official population within those town limits is less than 1,000 people, you might think Littleton was named for its size. But it was actually named for its state senator at the time of its founding. It boasts several sites on the National Register of Historic Places, including Person’s Ordinary, a Revolutionary War era tavern that continued operating into the 1800s. It was once known for nearby hot springs, its railroad depot, and its support for nearby tobacco and cotton farms.
Location: Straddling the North Carolina and Virginia border between I-85 and I-95, Lake Gaston is a recreational gem born from the Roanoke River. With an impressive 20,000-acre expanse and 350 miles of shoreline, it’s a serene escape within reach, located only 1.5 hours away from the Triangle area in NC and the Richmond area in VA.
Origins: Lake Gaston came into existence in the early 1960s through a hydroelectric dam that generates power for the Dominion Energy grid and also provides drinking water for VA.
Unique Features
Steady Water Level: Thanks to the management of the upstream Kerr Lake dam, Lake Gaston maintains a consistent water level, ensuring that its shoreline remains stable, which is perfect for The Lucky Duck’s fixed-height boat docks.
Eaton Ferry Bridge: The sole bridge that spans the lake is a beautiful landmark, barely visible miles in the distance from The Lucky Duck.
Activities
Wakeboarding: With homegrown talent like world champion wakeboarder, Adam Fields, Lake Gaston frequently hosts wakeboarding contests and exhibitions, and is the perfect spot for your family to take some lessons and catch some air! We recommend wakeboarding earlier in the morning or just before dusk when the lake surface is at its calmest, but wakeboarders, wake surfers, water skiers and tubers can be seen carving up Lake Gaston at any time during the day.
Boating: Lake Gaston is perfect for family boaters – both those with their own boats and those who rent them to get out on the water. Whether you’re on the dock, deck, or balconies, you’ll see all manner of watercraft sailing past The Lucky Duck.
Fishing: Angling enthusiasts will be pleased to find that the lake is brimming with game fish such as striped bass, largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, and various catfish species.
Ferncliff: A Slice of Lakeside Paradise
Historic Roots
Origin: Ferncliff owes its establishment to Betsy Medlin, who developed it on her family’s land alongside the Roanoke River, which became a lovely lakefront property after the building of the dam that created Lake Gaston.
Distinctive Features
Geography: Perfectly positioned on a peninsula, one side of Ferncliff offers stunning west-facing views of the large main lake, while the other overlooks the serene Pretty Creek tributary. The Lucky Duck is located on the western, main lake shore of the Ferncliff peninsula.
Tree-Lined Streets: Committed to preserving its natural beauty, Ferncliff is a haven for shaded strolls with its dense tree cover.
Amenities & Attractions
The Orchard: A lush common area, it boasts of open fields perfect for recreational activities, flanked by wooded areas often visited by deer. While rental guests do not have access to specific locked amenities like the pickleball courts, the expansive field is open for various fun-filled activities.
Neighborhood Access Area: Ferncliff provides a small boat ramp and dock for community members, ensuring a seamless water experience.