Lake Norman State Park
Lake Norman State Park is the 37th park in our 2025 North Carolina State Park Challenge. We were saving this park for the fall in hopes of having some great fall foliage and really lucked out with amazing timing! We went the second week of November and had some really amazing color (and weather). It was still warm enough for just a light sweater (and that was almost too warm!) and the water was still warm so Axel could take a dip. Plus with it being the off season, it was relatively quiet.
The State Park covers only 17 miles of the northern shoreline of Lake Norman, which is the largest manmade lake in North Carolina. It is located 40 miles north of Charlotte and has 38 miles of hiking trails to choose from on top of fishing, paddling and swimming. 31 of those 38 miles of trails make up a popular bike trail- the Itusi Trail. You can hike on these trail, but they have hikers going in the opposite direction as the bikers so you can see them coming instead of them sneaking up behind you. So keep this in mind if you have your dog with you on these trails!
For our trip we first stopped by the Visitor Center for our passport stamp and patch, then took off on the Alder Trail that starts from the Visitor Center. It takes you out to a dam and loops you around a peninsula to have great views of the lake. There are also plenty of places here to stop and dip in the water (or in Axel’s case go bobbing for leaves). The park is known to have 25 Great Blue Heron nests and we were lucky to see a Great Blue Heron over by the dam. After finishing this easy 0.8 miles loop we drove over to the Lake Shore Trail parking area.
The Lake Shore Trail is a 6 mile trail that takes you around the edge of the lake and past the campgrounds. There is primitive tent sites, electric RV/Trailer sites, group camping, and camper cabins to choose from. The Lake Shore trail is a moderate trail that was pretty popular in the fall (for good reason). If you’re looking for a little more privacy I would either take the trail back towards the parking area/swim beach (everyone seems to take the trail down around by the camping area because thats where the trailhead sign starts you at) or take the 0.2 mile Short Turn Trail, up to the upper part of the trail that most people might not make it to. Or try taking one of the bikes trail (keep in mind you’ll have to keep an eye out for bikes coming your way).
This is a typical lake park that has all the normal summer amenities (swim beach, boat rentals, fishing…), but becomes more quiet and peaceful on the off season. It’s a perfect place for a fall trip in early November once some of the fall colors are fading in the mountains. Enjoy!
Park Details:
ADDRESS: 759 State Park Road, Troutman NC 28166
HOURS: November-February: 7am-6pm
March-April & September-October: 7am-8pm
May-August: 7am-9pm
VISITOR CENTER: Open Daily 9am-5pm (changes seasonally- check the website. Currently Open Friday-Tuesday 9am-5pm)
PASSPORT STAMP: Located at the Visitor Center
ENTRANCE FEE: No Entrance Fee
TRAILS: 38 miles of hiking trails
ACTIVITIES: Hiking, Biking, Paddling, Swimming, & Fishing
DOG RULES: Dogs are not allowed in park buildings and must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Please pick up after your pet!
Check out our videos about this Park on instagram @axel.theadventurepup
