Trails
There are numerous hiking trails at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area. All are easy walking and suitable for all trekkers of all ages, although the New Hope Trail is more strenuous than others. Pets must be leashed at all times and bicycles are not permitted on any trails at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area.
This loop trail begins at Picnic Shelter #3. Hikers will enjoy a long boardwalk and an old farm pond. This is the best trail for spotting old tobacco rows, the last clues of the farm fields of the past. Spring hikers may notice Jack-in-the-Pulpit flowering along the trail.
0.50 miles
loop
easy
The Old Oak Trail is an easy 1 mile loop trail that begins at the parking lot in the Ebenezer Picnic Area 1. This trail can be cut to 1/2 mile by taking the shortcut loop, making this trail great for small children. Hikers will see large hollow oaks, 2 ponds, fence-rows and clues of the farms that used to fill the area.
1.00 miles
loop
easy
red
The trail passes the site of the historic Ebenezer Church for which the area was named. An interpretive display marks the location. Parts of the path follow an abandoned roadbed and traverse a large farm pond.
1.01 miles
loop
easy
red
The Pond Trail is an easy 1.25 mile trail. The path is nearly a loop, it begins at the display case on the western side of the beach parking lot and ends near the picnic shelter #9. Hikers will enjoy glimpses of the lake while walking thru Loblolly Pine forests, hardwood forests, an old field and past 3 ponds. A long boardwalk traverses a wetland teaming with Buttonbush, Black Needle Rush and other water-loving vegetation. A Track Trail has been set up on this trail for self guided family nature hikes.
1.40 miles
loop
easy
The trail is comprised of two loops. The red loop is 5.4 miles and the blue loop is 2.7 miles in length. This is the most challenging trail with several steep hills.
5.40 miles
loop
moderate
Red and Blue
280 State Park Road
Apex, NC 27523
919-362-0586
jordan.lake@ncparks.gov
- November to February:
8:00am to 6:00pm
- March to April:
8:00am to 8:00pm
- May to August:
8:00am to 9:00pm
- September to October:
8:00am to 8:00pm
PLEASE NOTE: Jordan Lake's day-use area gates and campground gates open and lock promptly at the posted times. No entry or exit is permitted before or after posted gate hours, except for law enforcement or medical emergencies.
- November to February:
8:00am to 8:00pm
- March to April:
8:00am to 9:00pm
- May to September:
8:00am to 10:00pm
- October:
8:00am to 9:00pm
- Closed Christmas Day
PLEASE NOTE: Jordan Lake's day-use area gates and campground gates open and lock promptly at the posted times. No entry or exit is permitted before or after posted gate hours, except for law enforcement or medical emergencies.
- November to February:
8:00am to 4:30pm – weekdays only
- March to October:
8:00am to 4:30pm – daily
- Closed on November 28 and 29, December 24 to 26 and New Year's Day