Waterfall Hero Hikes: Badin Lake Recreation Area

Badin Lake Recreation Area in Uwharrie National Forest protects much of the lake's eastern shore in Montgomery County. The area contains four developed campgrounds in the area, including for horse camping, and dispersed camping is allowed. A boat ramp provides lake access for water sports and the area is popular for hunting and fishing. There are 17 miles of ATV trails and 40 miles of non-motorized trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding.

Map:

Trails:

Badin Lake Trail (#94):

Length: 5.6 miles (loop)
Blaze: White

Difficulty: Easy

Uses: Hiking only

Badin Lake Trail makes a loop around the north end of the recreation area, passing through several campgrounds.

Blackburn Trail (#701):

Length: 2.2 miles (loop)

Blaze: Green

Difficulty: Easy

Uses: Hiking, Biking, Horses

Blackburn Trail makes a loop starting from Josh Trail at Forest Road 544 and ending back on Josh Trail. The trail dips down and runs along West Branch Moccasin Creek. Greg's Loop Trail splits from Blackburn Trail.

Greg's Loop (#700):

Length: 1.7 miles (loop)

Blaze: Green

Difficulty: Easy

Uses: Hiking, Biking, Horses

Greg's Loop splits from Blackburn Trail to make a 1.7-mile loop.

Josh Trail (#702):

Length: 2.0 miles (one way)

Blaze: Green

Difficulty: Easy

Uses: Hiking, Biking, Horses

Josh Trail leads from the Canebrake Horse Camp west to Badin Lake Trail near Forest Road 597. Blackburn Trail makes a loop from Josh Trail near the crossing of Forest Road 544.