Jordan Lake Ramps - The Hull Truth

shemstreet · 05-17-2006, 02:23 PM

I work near the intersection of 40 and 55 in Durham. I am considering dragging a boat to work some day and taking an afternoon off to try Jordan.

What ramps should I consider, and how would I get to them?

How do they compare to ramps like Upper Bartons at Falls Lake or Flemington Road at Kerr Lake? Preferably free ramps, but would consider the pay ramps if there is plenty of parking and good access to the ramps.

Not huge boats, but I prefer a set up with a pier to tie off to along the ramp, as I would probably be launching and retrieving alone from a roller trailer.

Capt Rick/NC · 05-17-2006, 02:55 PM

Take 40 West to 751S until you hit 64. Take a right onto 64 and go to the next traffic light. There is an Exxon station on the left that has bait and tackle. Turn left at that light and proceed ~ 3 miles to the Ebenezer boat ramp, it will be on your right. I launch there all the time by myself with my 18'6" KW. Easy ramp to launch from and right in the main part of the lake. Plent of good safe parking!

HOTSPOT · 05-17-2006, 02:59 PM

The easiest thing to do is to take Hwy 55 South to Hwy 64 and go West for 7.5 miles.

Just after you cross over the lake, look on the left for the Seaforth Boat Ramp.

This ramp is in the center of the lake.

Click here for Jordan Lake State Parks

Click here for Jordan Lake Weather.

Click here for Jordan Lae Army Corp Data.

shemstreet · 05-17-2006, 09:16 PM

Thanks guys. So am I right that this means one is on the east side and one is on the west side? Can you drive out to either one without a boat without having to pay an entrance fee (considering checking them out before taking a boat). That is one of many things I do not like about the ramp off Rte 50 on Falls, and why I use Upper Barton there.

Yes, I'm cheap, but see no reason to pay to look at a ramp without using it.

Do either of you use Navionics Hotmaps, and can they be trusted on Jordan? I notice they are off some on Falls and Kerr, but close enough to get where I want to without running aground.

Capt Rick, how do you like your 186? Which model? From Overby's?

TrollnHeel · 05-17-2006, 11:10 PM

Ebenezer is free during the week....but I think they may start charging during the week after Memorial day.

mj1angier · 05-18-2006, 10:25 AM

shemstreet,

The Ebenezer ramp is a good ramp, almost as good as Hwy 50 ramp on Falls. I put in my 23 ft boat at it about 2 weeks ago. Ask at the gate- they will probly let you check them out with -out charging you.

Capt Rick/NC · 05-18-2006, 11:57 AM

Yes, I got my 186 from Overby with a 130 Honda. I love it. You cannot really get into trouble on Jordan as you can on Falls. Jordan is basically wide open from the 64 bridge south. If you can see water you are safe. I live right by 55 and 64 if you want to meet up after work one day I will gladly show you the whole lake. it is a 5 minute ride for me to either ramp! Just let me know!

shemstreet · 05-18-2006, 05:30 PM

Made it out to the Ebeneezer ramp today. Looks to be between 20 and 21 miles from the office. I don't know why I thought it was closer (evidently Falls is actually closer to my office by about 10 miles). Anyway, 4 lane ramp that seems decent if a bit steep. Parking seemed pretty good as well.

Went to the 1st entrance (also camp site entrance) and the road to ramp was closed, so followed directions and went to second entrance down the road. I did not see a place to pay a fee at that entrance, where is it so I don't miss it when I go?

Will try looking for Hotspot's ramp next, one of the people here in the office crosses the lake on 64 all the time going to and from work and tells me it is a bigger ramp, and looks to be a mile or two closer. Will find out if this is correct.

Pity there aren't any ramps on 751 north of 64, that would be really convenient.

Once again, thanks for the good directions and information.

On Edge · 05-22-2006, 12:28 PM

There is also a ramp at Farrington that would be closer to your work. It is about 5 miles North of 64. As you come South on 751 take a right on Marthas Chapel Road. Go to the end take a right on Farrington Rd. After you cross the bridge it is the 1st area on your left. There are 2 sets of ramps there and has always been free. Not sure why so many ramps- there are 4 straight ahead and 3 or 4 down to the left. No docks but sandy bottom to beach boat at.

shemstreet · 05-24-2006, 08:20 PM

And that was the next ramp for me to ask about.

Ran out to Seaforth this afternoon. Also approx 20.1 miles from the office. I liked it a little better than Ebeneezer, a little less slope to the ramps, and looked like parking could be a little better. Did not like the hand rails on the wooden bridge or metal bridge, what a way to screw up launching and retrieving. Will try to check out Farrington next, I imagine it is probably one of the better ones, as it is also a Wildlife commission ramp, just like Upper Bartons on Falls and Flemington on Kerr, which are both very nice ramps. I was wondering the name of that cross road off 751 to it, thanks.

shemstreet · 05-25-2006, 05:34 PM

Thanks for the tip On Edge.

I made it out to look at the Farrington ramps today. You were right, about 5 miles closer to my office (15.2 miles by the above directions). Two ramps without pier to the left, four ramps, with one pier between the last two of them at the end. Looks like the floating pier is new, same type they use at Upper Bartons, and no hand rails to get in the way of docking. Parking also looks decent.

Any fish in that part of the lake? If they are all below the 64 bridge, then the cruise down there would eat up any savings in the shorter drive to the ramp, but if crappie and striper are available in the area, it looks like a decent ramp to use. Of the three, since it does have a pier now, it seems to be the best ramp. If it did not have the ramp, then it would probably be Seaforth followed by Ebeneezer.