Lake Norman Loop via Lake Shore Trail(edit)

based on 39 tracks & routes | |

EASY

#2 hike out of 4 in Lake Norman State Park |

EASY

2.7 mi

Distance

1 hrs 33 min

Time

95 ft

Elev Gain

Overview

This is an easy loop trail in Lake Norman State Park. You can find other trails in the park at Lake Norman.

This is a very busy loop trail that offers beautiful views of the lake almost the entire way. This trail uses the short turn trail to cut the distance off the entire Lake Shore trail in half. The entire Lake Shore Trail is listed as 5 miles from the trailhead or 6.3 if you include the trail from the campground. Be sure that you check the park map before you go.

The hike is a nice walk through the woods with just a few minor up and downs. The lake is visible nearly the entire trail. The trail is well marked, well maintained, and there is good cell signal throughout the trail. There is some roots on the trail, but they are not excessive.

Getting Started

This park is located near Charlotte so it will be busy nearly all the times, be willing to deal with lots of people. Parking is also limited due to the popularity of the park. When you enter the park, follow the signs that point you to the hiking area. When you get to the parking lot near the Lake Shore Trailhead on the map, the trail is just about a 1/10 of a mile up the road from the parking lot. The trail is well marked and there is a large map of the park at the trailhead. Going clockwise or counter clockwise will make no difference is trail rating, it is easy either way, with an equal number of minor ups and downs.

Taking Children

Children will do well on this trail, although it is 3 miles for the loop. Lots of places to stop and check out the lake. Strollers can make it if they have large wheels, be willing to deal with some roots on the trail in various places.

Sights to See

Lake Norman

Rate this Hike

★★★★★

fmarchie 2 years, 6 months ago

This is a beautiful walk that sticks pretty close to water the majority of the hike. Very peaceful most times of day.

★ ★ ★ ★

Brandon 2 years, 8 months ago

This is an enjoyable hike with pretty views of Lake Norman. The trail is wooded, mostly a hard-packed surface when dry but sometimes covered in pine needles. There are a lot of roots to avoid tripping over. For anglers willing to do a little hiking, there are plenty of great spots to fish right off the trail. There is not a bathroom at the main trailhead, but there is one about 3 miles into the 5-mile length.

★ ★ ★ ★

Clowman 4 years ago

This trail has beautiful views of the lake, however it is extremely busy. I was there on a warm day in November and passed over a hundred people in the short 2.7 mile trail I completed. I can only imagine it being double that in the summer when the lake is full of boaters. Also parking can be a problem, I felt I was lucky to find a spot when I arrived. The trail itself is an easy walk through the woods with plenty of opportunity to step off the trail to view the lake. Lots of dogs walking as well. Maybe going in the winter and early spring will give you a more secluded walk but just know that April-November it will be very crowded. Not the place to go if you are looking for solitude.

★ ★