Think Twice Before Swimming In This Serene Lake Between Virginia And North Carolina

When you drive through the border between Virginia and North Carolina, you'll find a tempting body of water nestled beautifully among forests and rolling hills. From afar, you can tell it's the perfect place for you because the water is calm, inviting, and picturesque. Instantly, you might picture yourself booking a weekend getaway, or spending a lazy summer afternoon lying along the lake's shores or swimming in its serene water. But before turning those idyllic thoughts into action, learn why you may not want to swim in this popular U.S. lake: Lake Gaston can be as dangerous as it is inviting. Beneath its depths, snakes and leeches are not uncommon.

Lake Gaston attracts many tourists thanks to over 20,000 acres of surface area and over 350 miles of shoreline. But before you finalize your plans to try out some new water sports this summer, it's important to know what other creatures you might be sharing the water with. After all, your safety should be on top of your priority list.

As tempting as it might be for you to dip your head inside that calm-looking water, here is why it might be better if you remain on the boat: Lake Gaston houses many snake species which include water snakes and venomous types such as cottonmouths and copperheads. Although it's rare to encounter venomous ones, all snakes can fight back with bites if they're threatened or startled. You should not only be extremely cautious while swimming, but also when wading around the shoreline. Many snakes like basking near logs or submerged vegetation, so you have to be careful not to accidentally surprise them, and consequently force them to react. At a place where vegetation and water become inseparable, you have to apply a handbrake, then proceed carefully.

Aside from snakes, there's a chance you'll encounter leeches as well. While little attention is paid to leeches at Lake Gaston, there have been reports of them in the area, especially in shallow, vegetated areas. However, the presence of leeches is not something to be worried about, as they are more of a nuisance than a threat. Leeches don't carry any known diseases to humans, and when they bite, it's often harmless. What most people dread is having leeches attached to their skin in the middle of swimming. That fear alone is enough for some people to keep out of the water.

Leeches and snakes should not make you give up on Lake Gaston. Rather, you can go on a boat ride by renting a pontoon, kayak, or paddleboard. Enjoy the water surface, and explore coves. Move away from weeds and the mud, for these are the areas where leeches and snakes are hiding. Another option is to go fishing. The best time to cast a line is very early in the morning. Lake Gaston is rich in fish and other (less creepy) wildlife. And if you must swim, look for the areas marked safe. Don't move near overgrown banks, for those areas may harbor leeches or snakes.

The communities around Lake Gaston have more than enough to observe without even touching the water. There are spots for picnics, and plenty of local eateries. The area around the lake is a top location for real estate investors, as everyone wants to enjoy the beauty and recreational opportunities the lake has to offer. But even though Lake Gaston offers a cool space where you can hide from the city noise, it still hides some creatures that may make swimming a little uncomfortable. Keep in mind that snake-infested lakes are common in the summer, so always do your research and tread lightly, no matter where you choose to swim.