YOUR BEST LIFE
Take a Hike Connect with the outdoors close to home
by Allie Spencer
Living in Lake Norman we are spoilt for choice with access to a variety of landscapes, from the lake on our doorstep, to the mountains and beaches within a few hours’ drive. We’ve rounded up some of the best places to get into nature for a good hike within 1.5 hours of Lake Norman. Grab your water, pack some snacks, lace up your hiking boots, and don’t forget the sunblock and bug spray!
Lake Norman State Park
Crowders Mountain State Park
Located in Troutman, on the northern shore of Lake Norman, this 1,942-acre park features over 30 miles of hiking and biking trails. The Lake Shore Trail offers a mostly shady, picturesque hike along Lake Norman and through the surrounding forest with various shortcuts and extensions and some moderate hills. Following your hike, cool off with a visit to the swim area and 125-yard-long sand beach, bathhouse, and concession stand (open Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day) located in the south area of the park.
If you are craving panoramic views and sheer rock cliffs, Crowders Mountain State Park on the outskirts of Gastonia offers two peaks, Crowders Mountain and The Pinnacle. The 5,217-acre park features the highest point (1,705 feet) in Gaston County at the top of The Pinnacle. Hikes to either peak finish with a steep incline, and the Backside Trail, while only .9 miles, ends with 336 punishing wooden steps. Luckily, you are rewarded for your hard work with amazing views from the summit, including downtown Charlotte from Crowders Mountain on a clear day.
Address: 759 State Park Road, Troutman, NC 28166 Admission fee: None Pet-friendly: Yes, on a leash of no longer than six feet. Pets are not allowed in the swim area, beach buildings, or adjacent grassy hillsides. Noteworthy: Swimming fees are charged when lifeguards are on duty.
Address: 522 Park Office Lane, Kings Mountain, NC 28086 Admission fee: None Pet-friendly: Yes, on a leash of no longer than six feet. Noteworthy: The park can get very crowded on weekends if the weather is nice. Try to visit early or late in the day.
Fisher Farm Park
Morrow Mountain State Park
This 200-acre park, located in Davidson, offers hikers a 1.9-mile paved greenway as well as 4 miles of dirt trails which are popular with mountain bikers. The park is great for birdwatching, or just relishing in the tree studded scenery, rolling pastures and open fields. Fisher Farm is also now accessible from the north by the West Branch Greenway connecting it to Abersham Park if you want to extend your hike.
Just over an hour east of Lake Norman is the 5,881-acre Morrow Mountain State Park nestled among the Uwharrie Mountains. You’ll find several peaks here, with Morrow Mountain being the highest point at 936 feet. The park offers something for every type of hiker from novice (enjoy a leisurely stroll on a short loop trail), to experienced (tackle the Sugarloaf Mountain Trail that ascends the park’s second highest peak).
Address: 21215 Shearer Road, Davidson, NC 28036 Admission fee: None Pet-friendly: Yes, on a leash. Noteworthy: No bathrooms or amenities on site, bring your own water.
Address: 49104 Morrow Mountain Road, Albemarle, NC 28001 Admission fee: None Pet-friendly: Yes, on a leash of no longer than six feet. Noteworthy: The park features an Olympic size pool open from Memorial Day to Labor Day Weekend, swimming fees apply.
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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | JUNE 2021
