Badin Lake Hiking Trail TR 94

The Badin Lake Hiking Trail is a loop trail that follows the shore of Badin Lake for half its distance, then loops back through hardwood forest to Cove Boat Ramp. A short loop of 2.5-miles can be hiked, as well as the entire 5.6 miles. The trail was constructed by the Youth Conservation Corps in 1979 and 1980. High water levels cause some stretches to get boggy, especially near the creeks that empty into the lake. Backpackers looking for a waterfront camping experience will find it here. It is a great place to camp and fish from the shore. Easy access and gentle terrain make the Badin Lake Hiking Trail a good choice for family hikes. Keep an eye out for the bald eagles that fly over the lake.

Length: 5.6 miles; 2.5-mile short loop
Recommended Seasons: Year Round
Use: Medium to Heavy
Difficulty: Easy

Trail Beginning: Cove Boat Ramp and Picnic Area, 15 miles northwest of Troy. You can also access the trail from the Arrowhead, Badin Lake, Badin Group Camp campgrounds, or from the Kings Mountain Point day use area.

Access:

From Hwy 109 west of Troy, follow signs to Badin Lake and Cove Boat Ramp and Picnic Area.

Badin Lake Hiking Trail skirts coves of Badin Lake and offers scenic views of the lake. The area has abundant cedars, mosses, and wild flowers. Evidence of past gold mining can be seen along the trail.

At a Glance