Trails
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Upcoming Events:
Saturday, April 27, 2019 - 10:00am
Campground Closure through 8-29-2019
The campground will be closed through 8-29-2019 due to construction.
Last updated on: Friday, March 8, 2019Trails
Aromatic bay thickets and pond cypress stands draped with Spanish moss are signature attractions on a four-mile trail that loops around one of North Carolina’s mysterious bay lakes. Hiking is a great addition to a family picnic or swim session.
Bay Trail
Location: Begin Bay Trail at the picnic area or campground.
Description:
Bay Trail is a loop around Jones Lake, offering an excellent chance to experience the habitats of a Carolina bay. Wander through dense vegetation and over boggy soil to view lovely lakeside flora. Large pond cypress trees, draped with Spanish moss, line the shore and grow in the shallow water. Leatherwood plants with delicate white flowers, also called titi, overhang the water’s edge. Several short side-trails lead to the lake, allowing hikers a chance to catch their breath while viewing the vista across the lake.
Point of Interest: Contact park staff for trail interpretation. Any of three overlooks that offer views of Jones Lake. Fishing Pier that also offers a great view of Jones Lake.
Length:
4.00 miles
Round Trip
4.00 miles
Round Trip
Difficulty:
Moderate
Moderate
Blaze:
white diamond
white diamond
Surface: Natural surface, Gravel
Cedar Loop Trail
Location: Starts at far end of the picnic area farthest from Large Picnic Shelter.
Description:
Part of the Bay Trail, Cedar Loop offers a one-mile journey through both the bay forest and sand ridge communities.
Point of Interest: Contact park staff for trail interpretation.
Length:
1.00 miles
Round Trip
1.00 miles
Round Trip
Difficulty:
Easy
Easy
Blaze:
red circle
red circle
Surface: Natural surface, Gravel
Salters Lake Trail
Location: Salters Lake Trail connects the Bay Trail to Salters Lake.
Description:
The trail passes through bay forest as well as sand ridge communities and ends at the shore of Salters Lake.
Point of Interest: Contact park staff for trail interpretation. Overlook at Salters Lake.
Length:
1.00 miles
One-way
1.00 miles
One-way
Difficulty:
Moderate
Moderate
Blaze:
yellow rectangle
yellow rectangle
Surface: Natural surface, Gravel
4117 N.C. 242 N.
Elizabethtown, NC 28337
910-588-4550
jones.lake@ncparks.gov
GPS: 34.682743, -78.595420
November - February: 8am - 6pm
March - May and September and October: 8am - 8pm
June - August: 8am - 9pm.
Closed Christmas Day
Park gate is closed and locked at park closing time.
Park Office
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Closed state holidays
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Closed state holidays