Northwest of Troy in the Uwharrie National Forest, the Badin Lake Hiking Trail is a 5.6 mile route. 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.
To reach the mountain biking trailhead from SR109 west of Troy, follow signs to Badin Lake and Cove Boat Ramp and Picnic Area.
Overall, Badin Lake Hiking Trail is the 14th most popular hiking trail of all 19 hikes in North Carolina.
