Carolina Backpackers and Campers

 
 
 

Lake Norman State Park
SHORTLEAF DRIVE
759 State Park Road
Troutman, NC

Lake Norman State Park website:
https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/lake-norman-state-park

Trail Map:
https://www.ncparks.gov/media/608/open

HIKE DESCRIPTION
As with any hiking or social event, the day before you may want to Google Satellite the meeting spot so you know where you are going and how to get there. For this hike Google satellite Lake Shore Trail parking at Lake Norman State Park and you will see Shortleaf Drive. I have also provided directions below.

Let’s plan to meet in front of the Shortleaf Drive kiosk at 9:00 a.m. and start to hike promptly at 9:15 a.m. This is a slower paced relaxed enjoy-the-woods hike and will include a few water breaks along the way.

There are open restrooms at this Shortleaf trailhead and there are also restrooms at the visitor center if you wanted to stop there first.

Lakeshore Trail is about 5 miles and has a few gently rolling inclines and runs along Lake Norman. There are tree roots, rocks, wooden bridges, and possible muddy spots to navigate so sturdy footwear is recommended and if you like using hiking poles bring them as well.

DIRECTIONS TO SHORTLEAF:
As you pass the Visitor Center on your left, keep going straight all the way down the road and turn Left on Shortleaf Drive. Road deadends where you can only turn Right. Immediately you will see the kiosk on your left which is where we will meet. However if you need to use restroom keep going straight and you will see the restrooms on the left.
PARKING: There are some parking spots in front of the kiosk but if they are all taken, keep going straight and you will see a few spaces on the right hand side of the road and then a large parking lot up ahead near the restrooms.

WHAT TO WEAR AND WHAT TO BRING:
Sturdy hiking boots or footwear that can handle roots, rocks, possibly mud, wooden bridges
Trekking poles if you like them
Dry wick clothes, layers, gloves, hats, sunscreen, bug spray depending on the weather
Plenty of water / snacks
Rain gear (just in case)

 
 
 

Broad River Greenway
126 Broad River Road
Shelby, NC[masked]

Website:
https://broadrivergreenway.com/
or
https://www.carolinathreadtrailmap.org/trails/trail/broad-river-greenway-3

Trail Map:
https://broadrivergreenway.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/brg-trail-map-merged-2-page.pdf

Let's plan to meet at the kiosk in front of the restrooms at 9:00 a.m. and begin the hike at 9:15 a.m. There is a $5.00 per person entry fee if you are not a resident of Cleveland County.

As with any event or hike you may attend, please the day before, use Google Satellite to find out to make sure you know where you are going and how to get there.

HIKE DESCRIPTION:
This trail is about 50 minutes from Belmont, NC in our sister town Shelby, NC. Slower paced hike along the awesome Broad River. This park is maintained by Cleveland County and has a $5.00 entry fee per person if you are not a Cleveland County resident. If you do live in Cleveland County, NC you will not have an entry fee and fee collection is based on the honor system.

Trails will be the Cottonwood Trail (1.2 miles) and the River Trail (2.2 miles). Mileage is one way and both trails are flat and out-and-back along the Broad River (Mileage will be optional either 4.4 miles or 6.8 miles) so you can stop at 4.4 miles if you wish. We can stop for a break at the end of the River Trail for about 20 minutes or so before heading back. It will be warm outside so please remember to bring plenty of water.

WHAT TO BRING:
Rain gear (just in case)
If you like them, hiking poles
Plenty of water/snacks
Bug spray / sunscreen

WHAT TO WEAR:
Sturdy shoes that can handle wooded trails, roots, muddy spots, some rock/stream crossings – most of the trail is smooth and sandy but there are a few rough spots
Dry wick clothes
Bug spray/sunscreen