TRACK Trail

This trail, approximately 0.6 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. This trail also goes by the Civilian Conservation Corps' (CCC) rock quarry, which supplied many of the rocks used to construct the park's buildings, curbs, and walls during the Great Depression. Rock exposed by quarrying and erosion offers insights to the area's unique geologic past. Dragonflies and frogs now take advantage of the small pond formed as a result of rock quarrying.

This trail begins at the west end of the visitor center parking lot, located at 1005 Visitor Center Drive, at the wooden handrail. The trail immediately crosses Hanging Rock Park Road. The trail starts out asphalt and turns to gravel after passing the intersection with Rock Garden Trail. A wide, gently sloping trail leads downhill to a wooden observation deck with seating for safe views of the tall, burbling falls. A set of wooden stairs takes adventurous hikers and dogs to a shallow catch pool at the base of the waterfall.

This short hike is great for kids and adults alike. There is a self-guided hike along this trail that features various points of interest. Walk along the headwaters of Little Creek and explore the banks for water bugs and reptiles. Be on the lookout for woodpeckers and box turtles along the trail!

The Rolling View TRACK Trail is a 0.75-mile loop through a mixed pine forest along the edge of Falls Lake. Look for the effects of prescribed burning on the landscape.

The Beaverdam TRACK Trail is a 0.6-mile hike one way (1.2 miles round trip). Enjoy a hike through through a mixed pine forest along the edge of Beaverdam Lake that leads to a wildlife observation platform overlooking Duck Cove.

Beginning at the parking lot, Summit Trail passes through the picnic area and ascends 0.3 miles to the highest point on Mount Jefferson.

The Mount Jefferson Track Trail is the actual Rhododendron Trail loop, 1.1 miles. The Activity Brochure Kiosk is located in front of the bathhouse on the summit trail.

The Merchants Millpond State Park TRACK Trail follows the Coleman Trail, an easy and flat 2 mile loop. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the forest while exploring the habitats that surround Merchants Millpond.

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.

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). Voted by Charlotte a must see trail - it is sure to impress.

The Lake Norman State Park TRACK Trail adventures were designed for use on the Lakeshore Trail and the Short Turn Trail.