The trail is a flat, easy trek through riparian forest adjacent to Paddy's Creek.
TRACK Trails
TRACK Trails
Fun hikes for kids
Kids in Parks is a nation-wide network of family-friendly outdoor adventures called TRACK Trails. Each TRACK Trail features self-guided brochures and signs that turn your visit into a fun and exciting outdoors experience. Best of all, you can earn PRIZES for tracking your adventures!
Find a TRACK Trail in North Carolina State Parks below, or search all of North Carolina on the Kids in Parks website.
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
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.
Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
The Kerr Lake State Recreation Area TRACK Trail is a 0.75 mile hike one-way (1.5 mile round-trip) through a mixed hardwood and pine tree forest along the edge of Kerr Lake. The trail features interpretive signs.
Lake Norman State Park
The Lake Shore Trail is a beautiful, scenic footpath along the lake shore. It is designed to accommodate an array of fitness levels as it has shortcuts (3 miles round trip) and extensions (6.3 miles round trip).
Crowders Mountain State Park
The trail circles the park lake.
Crowders Mountain State Park’s TRACK Trail adventures were designed for use on the Turnback Trail, Fern Trail, and Lake Trail. These three trail combined make a 2.1 mile round-trip hike.
Lumber River State Park
The Lumber River State Park TRACK Trail is an easy 0.5 mile loop along Griffin's Bluff. The Trail features interpretive panels and an observation deck overlooking Griffin's Whirl, a unique reverse flow area in the river.
Mayo River State Park
There is a lot to see in the forest; look for running cedar, ferns, mushrooms, and shelters animals have made.
William B Umstead State Park
A short loop includes the feature for which the trail is named as a highlight. The trail crosses a small stream, Sal’s Branch, at two points along the route.
Morrow Mountain State Park
This trail, approximately 0.6 of a mile long, is one of the Kids in Parks Track Trails. Brochures with a variety of activities for children can be found at the trailhead.
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
The self-guided Rhododendron Trail follows a ridge southeast along the crest of the mountain from the summit to Luther Rock, an outcrop of metamorphosed amphibolite. This black volcanic rock is what gives Mount Jefferson its dark appearance.