Buzzard Rock

Latta Plantation is a historic site in Huntersville that served as a cotton plantation in the 19th century. It’s part of the Latta Nature Preserve and offers visitors an opportunity to explore history through tours of the preserved plantation house and grounds, along with living history programs that often showcase early American farm life, crafts, and customs. The surrounding nature preserve also features trails, a nature center, and access to Mountain Island Lake, providing a blend of historical and outdoor experiences.

Mountain Island Lake was developed in 1924 as part of Mountain Island Hydroelectric Station, but the plantation itself was built in 1800 and was called Latta Place after its owner James Latta. Latta was a successful traveling merchant through 1820, but Mr. Latta retired and turned his property into a cotton plantation until his death in 1837.  The property changed hands over the years and eventually was purchased by Crescent Land and Timber, a subsidiary of Duke Power, because of its proximity to the Catawba River. This is a short hike on the property that travels to Buzzard Rock for a roughly one mile and thirty minute roundtrip hike at Latta Plantation.