As you guys know if you’ve been following this blog for more than a hot second, Ryan and I absolutely love hiking. It’s something we fell in love with when we were dating and it’s a hobby we’ve continued to enjoy for years. We’ve scoped out awesome hiking trails every place we’ve lived – when we lived in Orlando we loved Weikwa Springs and our favorite Ocala trails were located in Silver Springs State Park – and it didn’t take us long to find a favorite hiking trail after we moved to the Charlotte area.
When you ask many Charlotte residents where to go for great hiking relatively close to the city, many people will point you toward the Whitewater Center (love it!) or Crowders Mountain. Crowders Mountain is a great recommendation and a wonderful hike but it’s almost always a little too popular to feel like you’re getting away from everything and enjoying the quiet calm of nature.
Our go-to recommendation for those who want to get out and explore and experience some of the best hiking in the area is to make the drive up to Lake Norman State Park in Troutman, North Carolina and hike the Lake Shore Trail!
For today’s blog post, I wanted to break down a handful of the trails you can find within Lake Norman State Park as well as a few other things you may want to do within the park in case you find yourself in the area!
Lake Norman State Park Trails
- Lake Shore Trail — This is Ryan and my favorite trail!! It’s a 5-mile loop; moderate; good for lake views, a longer quiet hike, birdwatching, and adventure! There are lots of little outcroppings on this hike where you can get right up close to the lake, throw rocks along the beaches, etc. In my mind, this is the perfect hiking distance for a long morning or afternoon hike that feels both challenging and rejuvenating. The hike is one large loop which I also appreciate since I’m not the biggest fan of out-and-back trails. (You get to see more with loops and I don’t find myself fixating on when I’ll get to the turnaround point.) The Lake Shore Trail is also extremely well marked with both mile-markers and white diamond blazes (more than 400 of them!) hammered into the trees to make it easy to know you’re on the right track at all times.
- Lake Shore North–Short Turn Loop — 2.6-mile loop; moderate; good for a medium-length hike toward the swim-beach side of the park. We love do to this one with the boys!
- Lake Shore South–Short Turn Loop — 3.2-mile loop; moderate; good for a medium-length hike toward the campground side of the park. This is another one of our favorites to do with the kids!
- Alder Trail — 0.8-mile loop; easy; good for a short woodland walk, young children, and visitors wanting a quick hike near the visitor center
- Dragonfly Trail — 0.25-mile paved loop; easy and accessible; good for strollers, wheelchairs, toddlers, and a very brief nature walk
- Lake Shore Trail and Group Camp Spur — 6.3-mile loop; moderate; good for hikers wanting the park’s longest hiking-only route and additional shoreline and woodland mileage.
One big perk for the animal lovers out there: Lake Norman State Park is very dog friendly! We always see dogs trotting along on various trails and our dogs (all three of them — even teeny Pepper!) have absolutely loved the days we’ve spent at Lake Norman State Park.
(Hi Sadie!)Â
In the summertime, I think the dogs especially love the way many of the trails offer multiple lake-access points where pups can hop in the water to cool off for a bit before continuing their hike.
Itusi Trails
One very important thing to keep in mind when considering the below trails for a hike within Lake Norman State Park is to understand that the Itusi trail loops are shared by mountain bikers and hikers. Hikers should remain alert, listen for approaching riders, and step aside when bikes are seen and heard on the trails.
- Hicks Creek Loop — 1 mile; easy; good for beginner mountain bikers, children developing trail skills, and hikers wanting a short taste of the Itusi system.
- Fallstown Loop — 1.25 miles; easy; good for new riders, families, warmups, and short shared-use hikes.
- Norwood Creek Loop — 2.5 miles; easy to moderate; good for progressing beginners and hikers seeking a manageable woodland loop.
- Fox Loop — 2.5 miles; easy to moderate; good for an approachable single-track ride or a short shared-use hike.
- Hawk Loop — 3 miles; easy to moderate; good for riders ready for a little more distance and variety without committing to a long ride.
- Wildlife Loop — 4.25 miles; easy to moderate; good for wildlife watching, a moderate-length hike, and beginner-to-intermediate riding.
- Monbo Loop — 6.25 miles; easy to moderate; good for a longer, flowing single-track ride, building endurance, or taking an extended shared-use hike.
- Laurel Loop — 9.75 miles; moderate; good for experienced or fit riders wanting the longest individual loop and for hikers prepared for a lengthy shared-use outing.
- Entire Itusi Trail System — 30.5 miles total; easy to moderate overall; good for linking several loops into anything from a short beginner ride to a long-distance mountain-biking day.
Please keep in mind that mountain-bike trails are weather-dependent and may close when wet, so check the park’s current trail status before leaving.
What To Do At Lake Norman State Park
While hiking is the main reason we visit, there are plenty of other things to do at Lake Norman State Park. Whether you’re visiting alone, planning an outdoorsy date (our favorite!) or looking for a fun way to spend the day outside with kids, the park offers a little something for everyone.
- Swimming: Lake Norman State Park has a designated sandy swim beach that is especially appealing during the hot summer months. The roped-off swimming area, bathhouse, restrooms and changing facilities make it a convenient option for families with kids. Swim passes may be required when lifeguards are on duty.
- Boat Rentals: Canoes, kayaks, pedal boats and stand-up paddleboards are available to rent for use on the quieter waters of Park Lake. Rentals are weather-dependent and currently run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily through the visitor center, but it is always a good idea to confirm availability before your visit.
- Camping: If you want to turn your trip into an overnight adventure, the park offers tent camping, RV and trailer sites, group campsites and camper cabins. Some RV sites include electric, water and sewer hookups, making the campground an option for everyone from traditional tent campers to families who appreciate a few more comforts.
- Picnicking: Pack lunch or snacks and take advantage of the picnic tables and shelters scattered throughout the park. A picnic is an easy way to extend a solo visit, turn a hike into a fun day date or give kids time to refuel and relax after exploring the trails. Shelters may be reserved for larger gatherings, while unreserved picnic areas are generally available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Is It Safe To Swim In Lake Norman?
Rather than giving a blanket yes-or-no answer about swimming throughout Lake Norman, I recommend sticking to the designated swim beach at Lake Norman State Park. The sandy beach has a marked swimming area, making it a much better choice than entering the water from an unmonitored stretch of shoreline where boat traffic, changing depths and underwater hazards may be harder to assess. We are quite comfortable swimming in the lake right off any of the beaches on the Lake Shore Trail but I know everyone has different comfort levels!
Lifeguards are typically on duty at the state park swim beach from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. between Memorial Day and Labor Day, though staffing and operating hours can change. A swim fee is generally charged when lifeguards are present. Check the official Lake Norman State Park page or call the visitor center at 704-528-6350 before visiting if lifeguard coverage is important to you. And of course you’ll want to pay attention to posted notices, weather conditions and instructions from park staff, and always, always supervise children.
Lake Shore Trailhead Directions And Parking
If you are using Waze or another navigation app specifically to reach the Lake Shore Trail, enter the following address:Â 193 Shortleaf Drive, Statesville, NC 28677
This address takes you to the Shortleaf Drive parking area beside the Lake Shore trailhead. The parking lot is close to the trail kiosk and provides direct access to the Lake Shore Trail and the shorter Short Turn Trail route.
The park’s main address—759 State Park Road, Troutman, NC 28166—will take you to the general park entrance and visitor-center area, not directly to the Lake Shore trailhead. If you arrive through the main entrance, follow the park roads and signs toward Shortleaf Drive, the picnic area and swim beach until you reach the Lake Shore Trail parking area.
Parking is free, but the lot can fill on beautiful weekends and during peak summer and fall hours. Arriving earlier in the morning is your best bet if you want easier parking and a quieter hike. Before heading onto the trail, look for the trailhead kiosk and white diamond blazes marking the five-mile Lake Shore Trail Loop.
More Hiking Trails Near Charlotte
If hiking the Lake Shore Trail at Lake Norman State Park leaves you eager to explore more of the best hiking trails near Charlotte, there are plenty of great options near the city and a short drive away. These hikes range from easy, kid-friendly nature walks to strenuous climbs with beautiful views at the top.
- Crowders Mountain State Park: Located approximately 35 miles west of Charlotte, Crowders Mountain State Park is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the area. The strenuous Pinnacle Trail travels two miles each way and rewards hikers with expansive views from King’s Pinnacle. The 0.8-mile Backside Trail is another challenging option known for its steep climb and many stairs. Arrive early on weekends because parking lots often fill quickly.
- Latta Nature Preserve: Latta Nature Preserve in Huntersville offers more than 16 miles of trails through forests, fields and along Mountain Island Lake. The approximately five-mile Hill, Split Rock and Cove Trail loop is a favorite for hikers who want a little bit of everything, including hills, rocky sections and beautiful water views. Shorter trails make Latta a wonderful option for families hiking with younger children.
- McDowell Nature Preserve: Located in southwest Charlotte along Lake Wylie, McDowell Nature Preserve is a convenient choice when you want to hike without leaving the city. The 1.1-mile Chestnut Trail winds through a hardwood forest and around a small creek valley, while several connecting trails make it easy to create a longer route. The nature center, picnic areas and waterfront views also make McDowell appealing for families.
- Reedy Creek Nature Preserve: Reedy Creek Nature Preserve offers a network of mostly easy-to-moderate trails through woods, around ponds and past historic ruins. It is a great option for beginner hikers, trail runners and families looking for a low-key outdoor adventure close to Charlotte. The neighboring nature center and playground are an added bonus for kids.
- Stone Mountain State Park: If you do not mind driving a little farther, hiking Stone Mountain is well worth the trip. The 4.5-mile Stone Mountain Loop Trail is known for its granite summit, sweeping mountain views, historic homestead and waterfalls. It is one of our favorite hiking day trips from Charlotte, but be sure to check the park’s current trail status before visiting because sections occasionally close for maintenance.
- Carvers Gap and the Balds: For a gorgeous hiking day trip from Charlotte, Carvers Gap and the Balds is hard to beat. The hike follows the Appalachian Trail across Round Bald, Jane Bald and toward Grassy Ridge Bald, delivering incredible mountain views for most of the route. You can turn around whenever you wish, but hiking from Carvers Gap to Grassy Ridge Bald and back is approximately five miles. Expect steady climbs, changing weather and very little shade along the exposed balds.
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We just started hiking here in GA and we LOVE it!! I never really wanted to or had the idea till we moved to an area away from the beach!! I think the peppermint one would be my absolute favorite! Anything that flavor is so so refreshing! I hear good things about Redtop mountain in my area.. we are going to check it out soon! 🙂
Georgia has some amazing hiking!!! Glad you are enjoying it! <3
Yes Redtop Mtn is very similar with loops by the lake. Enjoy!
Love Hint! Best non sweet flavored water out there. I like the Mango Grapefruit, Pineapple and Pomegranate. Have never seen the Peppermint. Sounds awesome.
the peppermint is a shy little flavor! i’ve only seen it around the holiday season! it’s so refreshing!
I moved on a few hours from flat eastern shore Delaware to Maryland last year and I have grown to love hiking! I had know idea western Maryland got so hilly and beautiful. I would recommend Sugarloaf Mt and Patapsco state park 🙂
I live in New Jersey and am trying to find a good hiking trail for my boyfriend and I to do. I have you and Ryan to “blame” for my desire to go hiking 😉
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We’re visiting Lake Norman soon to check out some neighborhoods in the area! Hiking i by far our favorite day date to do together, this was a great overview on where to go! Hint’s one of my favorites too 🙂 Not too sweet, and the perfect pick me up!
So fun! You have to check out Lake Norman State Park for sure! The hiking is amazing and there’s also lake access there so you can swim if you want to!
This looks like so much fun! I’m looking forward to going hiking in Pennsylvania next month 🙂
I love Hint!! They make great flavored water. So great for the summer time and to make cocktails with! You and Ryan totally inspire me to do more hiking!
Mmmm those water flavors sound delicious and refreshing! And Lake Norman sounds like my kind of hike. I like it to be long and challenging and not overcrowded. We have a few small hiking trails in our area, but I prefer trails that over looks the water.
I love Hint water as well! Watermelon is my favorite flavor. For hiking in the New England area, I would definitely recommend Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire.
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Hint is awesome. My girls are super picky and this was one of the only way she my oldest would drink water for a while.
Love your hat!! Where is it from????
Thank you! It’s Calia by Carrie Underwood and I got it at Dick’s Sporting Goods for around $25!
One of my fondest memories growing up was hiking with my family – I’m glad my parents got me hooked on hiking at an early age because its still one of my favorite things. Hopefully Chase feels the same!
My husband and I love hiking every so often, too! There’s just something so relaxing about being in the middle of the woods to clear my mind and calm me down.
I currently live in Southern Connecticut, and I would recommend Mianus River State Park in the Greenwich/Darien area and Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden, CT (a bit further north)! Both are most amazing during the New England fall, but everything is nice and green in the spring and summer. Hiking is not really an option during New England winters, though. 😉
Hiking is favorite activity of mine too. I’m very lucky to live in Calgary, which is only a hour’s drive away from the mountains. There’s so many gorgeous hikes to pick from when I’m in Kananaskis or Banff.
One of my favorite hikes is Grassi Lakes. You hike up an old fire road to two beautiful lakes. The water is incredibly clear and you can see right down to the bottom of them. You also get some amazing views of the other nearby mountains.
One of my favorite easier hikes is Lower Bank head, which takes you down into a valley with the remains of a ghost town. The town was built around a col mine in the early 1900’s. When the mine shut down, the town was done too. It’s pretty cool to see what’s left of the buildings.
Morrow mountain state park in Albermarle is great too! Many trails of multiple lengths and difficulties! The mountain hike had a bathroom, water fountain, and benches also.
Yum, I love Hint. I have never seen their sparkling variety in the store, but will have to look for them. Hope you have a nice day!
love all these pictures!! <3 Such a beautiful family! Ps. where is your hat from?
Dick’s Sporting Goods but the brand is CALIA by Carrie Underwood! 🙂
Just wanted to drop by to say I love how authentic all your sponsored posts are – it’s so cool that you had mentioned the brand almost three years ago, and now are working with them today! That’s so awesome.
I absolutely love Hint water. So refreshing and just enough flavor to keep water interesting!
Totally agree!!
Hiking is a favorite activity for my husband and I as well. We are lucky that we live in area (Greenville, SC – not too far from Charlotte) with so many wonderful trails nearby. If someone were to ask me for advice, I would have to consider the level of difficulty. My two favorite trails are in Table Rock State Park (Pinnacle Trail) and Jones Gap State Park (Raven Cliff Falls); both of these hikes are definitely strenuous but dog friendly 🙂 If someone were to request a moderate hike, I would suggest one of the Falls at Dupont State Forest or the closer Paris Mountain State Park (along with a trip to our waterfall downtown
Gotta have a flavored beverage on a hike, that’s for sure. I wish my little dog could handle a hike better hehehe, but he is more of a short-walk kinda guy. Cute pics, Julie! 🙂
Fish Creek Falls is always a winner if you are in Steamboat Springs, CO! Just be careful of the moose 😉
Is Hint Water sold in retails stores or do you have to order it online? I would love to try the flat flavored one! Thanks!
Both!! I’ve bought it at Fresh Market, Harris Teeter and Target in our area!
Thanks!
We love hiking as well! We are exactly going today! =)
So basically you’re telling me I need to check out some hiking trails near me! So far all we have been to is the Crabtree Falls hike – it’s a shorter out and back hike with awesome views of a waterfall.
We moved back to Virginia from Florida last year and we have been to Silver Springs! Not the most challenging of trails but still fun 🙂
We hiked a lot more during college, my husband and I both went to Virginia Tech in Blacksburg VA and there are some great hikes out there in the mountains! We have done the Cascades, McAfee Knob, Dragon’s Tooth, and Kelly’s Knob.
I can’t wait to get back out and hike once our little girl gets bigger!
In the Portland area, Multnomah Falls is by far the most popular. It is an incredible hike and an incredible sight. Another wonderful, and lesser known hike, is called Catherine Creek. It’s also in the gorge, and you have 3 route options. One of them is paved and stroller friendly. The other two are not, but are only 2-2.5 miles long and safe for little ones (no cliffs or anything). You are rewarded wth a spectacular view overlooking the gorge on both of those. Highly recommend this one!
Also, thanks for the Hint water recommendation! Can’t wait to try it.
I just moved to North Charlotte from Rock Hill (right over the SC border!) and i hiked the Riverwalk trail at minimum once a month. They just connected it to another part of the trail to make it longer, but they have several shorter options. They get kind of busy on the weekends because of all of the river access but my dog loves it and I like it so much that every once in a while I’ll drive back over to hike there before I hike at the parks near my house! They have lots of wildlife to see but I haven’t seen a snake yet. PS yes watermelon hint!!
We live in Northern Utah (less than a year) and this place has definitely made me a lot more “outdoorsy”!! So far I’ve only done 2 hikes but they are both hikes I would recommend to anyone visiting. They are both waterfall hikes: Adams Canyon and Waterfall Canyon. They are out and backs however the scenery is SO beautiful in the mountains that I don’t feel I concentrate on when I’ll get to the turn around (which is the waterfall). The waterfalls are breathtaking and very impressive, especially in the spring because of the snow melt! If you ever find yourself in Northern Utah you should check them out!
Love finding good hiking trails. Thanks for the recommendation! And I LOVE Hint water! Watermelon and blackberry are my favorite too!
We live in Charlotte and I want to give this a try- what address should I put in Waze to get us to the start of the trail? Thank you in advance!
I LOVE hiking! Our (hubby and I) first date was a super long hike in Tucson, Arizona. Now with our dog, it surprises me how many trails are not dog friendly so annoying! I bet carrying chase makes it an even better workout!
Looks like a great family hike for sure– I love seeing dogs and kids on trails, makes it a family affair. I haven’t seen that water anywhere, but I’ll be on the lookout! We have a great park near us in Greenville called Paris Mountain and my favorite thing to do their is actually mountain bike. We have friends with bikes that let us go with them and it takes a lot of concentration on the downhill, but it’s fun!
You have the cutest little family! ? I’ve been following your blog for years- but this is my first time actually saying hi! My boyfriend and I are slowly starting to get into hiking so I’m loving your posts even more than usual lately.
Great post! The trail looks beautiful. If you’re ever in Ohio, Hocking Hills has some great trails with waterfalls, caves, etc. The terrain has quite a few hills so, It feels less like you’re in flat OH.
Did I miss the Friday Favorites? I always look forward to that. 🙂 Just wanted to say that I love that the things you recommend are actually things you really love. So even though some may be sponsored, I trust that you really do love it. I’ve gotten so many things from your Friday Favorites. Love your blog!
I love your hat!! Where’s it from? Hiking with the family is fun ?
It’s CALIA by Carrie Underwood but I got it at Dick’s!
Hi Julie! Love your long sleeve shirt in the first pic of you and Sadie! What brand is it? X
Lululemon! 🙂 I got it 2(ish) years ago!
We’ve been in Charlotte for almost 10 years and haven’t made it out to this trail, can’t believe it! Will most definitely check it out!
Hi Julie! Thanks for the tip. I noticed that Sadie might be a Vizsla! My husband and I are new to the area but we started a small group called Viz Whizz North Carolina on Facebook where some of us get together for hiking with our Vs. would love to team up with you on the trails!