The best walks and hikes around Clarkston

There are over 40 hiking trails around Clarkston, offering a variety of experiences for all skill levels. You'll find 27 easy routes, 14 moderate trails, and 2 more challenging options to explore.

Hiking around Clarkston offers diverse natural landscapes, characterized by rolling terrains, expansive woodlands, and serene lakes. The area features varied elevations and interesting natural formations, with numerous tranquil lakes often integrated into the trail systems. You'll also find vital river headwaters, contributing to rich ecosystems and opportunities for riverside hikes.

Yes, for an easy and short walk, consider the Lochend Loch – Lochend Loch loop from Blairhill. This path is just 2.1 km (1.3 miles) and provides a gentle stroll around Lochend Loch, perfect for a quick escape into nature.

The trails in Clarkston are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 80 reviews. Hikers often praise the varied terrain, the serene lake views, and the well-maintained paths that make for an enjoyable outdoor experience.

For a longer, moderate hike, you might enjoy the Lochend Loch – Lochend Loch loop from Coatbridge Central. This route is 9.8 km (6.1 miles) and typically takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete, offering scenic views around Lochend Loch.

Many of the trails around Clarkston are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Picnic Area at Hillend Loch – National Cycle Route 75 Path loop from Millennium Milepost Hillend Loch, an easy 5.4 km (3.4 miles) trail that takes about 1 hour and 22 minutes.

While hiking around Clarkston, you can discover several beautiful natural attractions. Notable lakes include Lochend Loch, Fannyside Lochs, and Black Loch. These provide picturesque scenery and are often integrated into the trail systems.

Yes, you can find routes that incorporate local waterways. An example is the easy Country Park – Monklands Canal Path loop from Bargeddie, which is 5.8 km (3.6 miles) and offers a pleasant walk alongside the canal.

The longest moderate hike is the Lochend Loch – Lochend Loch loop from Coatbridge Sunnyside. This route spans 15.7 km (9.8 miles), offering an extended exploration of the area's natural beauty.

Clarkston offers a good mix of hiking difficulties. The majority of routes are easy (27 trails), with a significant number of moderate options (14 trails), and a few more difficult trails (2 trails) for those seeking a greater challenge. This ensures there's something for every experience level.

Over 1500 hikers have used komoot to explore Clarkston's varied terrain, indicating its popularity among the outdoor community.