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This trail passes through woodlands to reach the Jordan Lake shoreline and loops back through woodlands.


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Map Key

5.1

Miles

8.3

KM

Loop

355' 108 m

High

226' 69 m

Low

498' 152 m

Up

482' 147 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

14%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Lake · Swimming · Views · Wildlife

Family Friendly There is not much foot traffic, making this a perfect loop for youngsters to explore.

Overview

The trail affords wonderful vistas of Jordan Lake (22 sq. mi. in area) and the surrounding 34,000 acres of public land. The setting is entirely natural. Not a single house can be seen from anywhere on the lake or on the shoreline. There are many opportunities to view birds including majestic Bald Eagles, graceful Great Blue Heron, and brilliant white Egrets. The terrain includes gentle hills dipping down to give access to the shoreline in several coves. The surface of the path is natural and managed by Jordan Lake State Park staff.

Need to Know

The state charges a $7 entrance fee "during summer months."

There is a semi-decent bathroom at the trailhead.

The "new hope overlook" is not much of an overlook, unless you count a three foot bank of soil an "overlook" But it is a fairly nice view of the lake.

Description

From the trailhead at the edge of the upper parking lot at New Hope Overlook Access, the Blue Loop goes north to make a loop around New Hope Overlook, marked by a bench for viewing Jordan Lake at highest shoreline point. Visitors will then head south to join the Red Loop, following the shoreline above several coves. At its southernmost point, there is access to Camping Area B, a grouping of primitive campsites within Jordan Lake State Recreation Area. This hike then loops back to the north and ends at the parking lot where you started from.

History & Background

Jordan Lake was created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1981. The Haw River and New Hope Creek are two major water supplies. The lake provides flood protection for downstream communities, a public water supply for 300,000 residents, many recreation opportunities on land and water (1.4 million visits last year), and a vibrant fish and wildlife habitat.

Contacts

Shared By:

Fran DiGiano

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 17 votes

#2589

Overall
  4.1 from 17 votes
5 Star
12%
4 Star
82%
3 Star
6%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2,589

Overall
33 Views Last Month
4,795 Since Oct 26, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

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86%
14%
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Photos

Golden winter forests dominate the lakeshore.
Jan 30, 2017 near Pittsboro, NC
Find a quiet corner of the lake to truly enjoy its beauty.
Jan 30, 2017 near Pittsboro, NC
So green!
Nov 9, 2016 near Pittsboro, NC
A scenic and lush setting.
Nov 9, 2016 near Pittsboro, NC
Lake view through trees.
Oct 26, 2016 near Pittsboro, NC
The lake emerges through the trees.
Oct 26, 2016 near Pittsboro, NC

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Check-Ins

Jun 17, 2021
Wil VG
Nov 7, 2020
Natasha Grimm
5.1mi — 2h 00m
Oct 3, 2020
Chris Woolley
Lovely day. 4.9mi — 1h 44m
Jan 20, 2019
Lysandra Weber
Our little fam made it up to the Overlook (going the short way) and backtracked to return. A good hike for a 5 and 3.5yo and us. 2mi
Dec 23, 2018
Joshua Derossett
Oct 27, 2018
Sue Harmon
Jun 30, 2018
Will Potter
Enjoyable trail! Decent elevation change, good views. 2.7mi
Dec 30, 2017
James Kerner
3mi
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