The best walks and hikes in Catawba County

Hike the easy 4.5-mile Riverbend Park Green Trail, featuring diverse wetlands, woods, and views of the Loxahatchee River.

Hike the easy 1.9-mile Riverbend Park Blue and Red Trail Loop, offering varied terrain, river views, and historical insights in 49 minutes.

The Boardwalk Trail offers a wonderfully straightforward and relaxing experience, perfect for a quick escape into nature. As its name suggests, the entire route is a well-maintained boardwalk, providing an exceptionally smooth and even surface underfoot. This makes it an ideal choice for families, those with strollers, or anyone seeking a gentle, accessible walk without the challenges of uneven terrain. It's a truly easy hike, designed for enjoyment and ease.

Planning your visit to the Boardwalk Trail is simple. The route is a short 0.8 miles (1.3 km) with only 37 feet (11 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 20 minutes to complete. Parking at the trailhead is generally available, but it's always a good idea to arrive earlier during busy periods to secure a spot. No special permits are needed, making it a hassle-free outing.

This trail stands out as a top-rated boardwalk trail for its simplicity and accessibility, offering a peaceful environment for a brief walk. Its easy difficulty makes it a great option for all ages and fitness levels, ensuring everyone can enjoy the natural surroundings. It's a perfect choice when you're looking for a short, low-impact activity to stretch your legs.

Hike the moderate 6.2-mile Lake Shore Trail Loop at Lake Norman State Park, offering continuous lake views and shaded forests.

The Hicks Creek and Hawk Loop hiking trails offer a delightful and accessible journey through the scenic Lake Norman State Park. You'll wander along mostly shaded paths with a packed earth surface, occasionally encountering gentle hilly sections and switchbacks, especially as the Hicks Creek Loop winds alongside a lake inlet. The route provides pleasant lake views and is a fantastic spot for birdwatching, with particularly vibrant fall colors if you visit in autumn.

Located within Lake Norman State Park, these popular routes are easily accessed from the Hawk Loop Trailhead. Be aware that both trails are closed when wet to protect the path, so it's wise to check conditions before heading out. The Hawk Loop also features checkpoint signs every half-mile, which is a helpful safety feature.

This easy 3.5-mile (5.7 km) loop, with a modest 159 feet (49 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 1 hour and 29 minutes, is ideal for beginners and families. You can hike the loops individually or combine them for a slightly longer outing, making it a versatile option for a relaxed day outdoors.

Easy 1.8-mile hike through Murray's Mill Historic District, featuring a historic gristmill and scenic mill pond.

The Lake Shore Trail at Lake Norman State Park offers a delightful escape into nature, tracing the sparkling blue waters of Lake Norman. You'll wander through a shaded forest, enjoying continuous scenic views, including unique bright orange 'beaches' with tiny seashells and the striking 'twin trees with white trunks' reflected on the lake. The path is mostly smooth but features rolling terrain and some tree roots, providing a pleasant, easy 4.1-mile (6.6 km) loop that takes about 1 hour and 42 minutes to complete.

Planning your visit is straightforward; the trail is well-marked and exclusively for foot traffic, making it a peaceful option. Parking is available at Lake Norman State Park, though it can fill up on busy days, so an early start is recommended. This dog-friendly route provides several lake access points for pets to cool off, and benches are strategically placed for resting and enjoying the scenery.

What makes this trail stand out is its consistent waterside journey and the opportunity to spot an island, sometimes even accessible by foot during low lake levels. It's a fantastic spot for bird-watching and particularly beautiful in spring with wildflowers or in autumn for vibrant fall foliage, offering a cooler, shaded hike even in summer.

The Hawk Loop Trail offers a delightful, easy hike through the pleasant scenery of Lake Norman State Park. You'll follow a singletrack path that winds through the woods, providing opportunities for birdwatching and, in the fall, vibrant foliage. A particular highlight is the section that traces a beautiful lake inlet, offering tranquil views of Lake Norman itself.

This accessible route is rated easy, covering 1.0 miles (1.7 km) with a minimal 41 feet (12 metres) of elevation gain, making it a quick 26-minute walk. It's an ideal choice for families or anyone looking for a gentle outdoor experience. Be sure to check park conditions before heading out, as the trail can be closed when wet.

Part of the larger Itusi Trail system, the Hawk Loop serves as a primary access point to other trails like Hicks Creek Loop and Norwood Loop, allowing you to extend your adventure if desired. The trail is well-marked with checkpoint signs every 0.5 miles, and there's even a shortcut option about halfway through to return to the parking area.