Dukeville, North Carolina, started as a mill village to house Duke Energy's Buck Steam Station employees in the 1920s. One of the greatest draws of Dukeville is that it is nearly the perfect halfway mark between Charlotte and Greensboro and has water and mountains to explore nearby.

If you're a hiker, you have some lovely peaks to choose from. Youngs Mountain has the more prominent point, raising an extra 1,200 feet in elevation. The summit offers a panoramic view, with Lake Lure, the lower Hickory Nut Gorge, and Mt. Mitchell in view. There are plenty of trails to explore, including a 4.2-mile strenuous out-and-back hike with beautiful wildflowers along the way. Although it isn't quite as high, Dunn Mountain offers hiking and has distinctive features. The 83 acres of protected land has long-range binoculars to peer through at the summit.

If you like the outdoors but prefer to spend time on the water, Dukeville is the perfect spot for you. It's right down the road from the Yadkin River State Park, which has open boat access, fishing along the bank, a brand-new dog park, and 1.25 miles of trails for both hikers and bikers. Within the park, you'll find the Historical Wil-Cox Bridge, one of only eight concrete arch pedestrian bridges in the United States.

The Yadkin River is one of the longest rivers in North Carolina, and across its 215-mile stretch, it often fans out into reservoirs. One of those right by Dukeville is High Rock Lake, the second-largest lake in the Tar Heel State. Although the reservoir functions as a generator of hydroelectric power for both Davidson and Rowan Counties, it's also a great place to go fishing. Opportunities are ripe for those looking to catch bass, catfish, crappie, striper, and bream on a boat or on solid ground. Or, of course, you can just lay back and enjoy your time by the water.

If you build up an appetite after a day out, there are plenty of fantastic restaurants just a few minutes away. For a laid-back feel, try LA Murph's Café. You'd find yourself in the right place if you want all-American Meatloaf, Italian Chicken Parmesan, Mediterranean Lime-Caper Chicken, or Mexican Chicken Enchiladas. If you're looking for a more upscale experience, check out Ivan's Fine Dining, where the menu specifically states its aged steaks are too high in quality to cook past medium with a good conscience. Pair that with lobster tail or grilled scallops, and enjoy seasoned waffle fries or sauteed asparagus on the side.

Dukeville is a beautiful place, but with so much natural beauty surrounding it, people living here share the space with bugs and rodents. However, that doesn't mean they should be in your home or business. If you have a pest problem in Dukeville or the surrounding areas, contact At Ease Pest Solutions. We are a veteran-owned and operated company proud to be part of our community and the top-rated pest control service in North and South Carolina.