Thanks to the amazing work of the Tarheel Trailbalzers, the One exhibit will incorporate the surrounding trails and require park patrons to be hands-on. Lake Norman State Park (formerly Duke Power State Park) is a 5.4 square kilometer state park near the city of Troutman, Iredell County in the state of North Carolina in the southeastern United States.The park is located on the north shore of Lake Norman at the mouth of Hicks Creek and is very close to US Route 70 between Interstate 40 and Interstate 77. Rates per night are $23 for non-electric and $33 with electric. North Mecklenburg Park. After playing all day in Lake Norman and biking miles and miles of trails, come stay at the park’s campground to rest and recharge. A mile further on State Park Rd., turn There are 6 moderate trails in Lake Norman State Park ranging from 3.1 to 19.5 miles and from 800 to 885 feet above sea level. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! At Lake Norman State Park, fun is just a matter of scale. Great views of the lake and a small stream. Trails Lake Norman State Park. Show More. The most common amphibians are a variety of frogs. The Itusi Trail system at Lake Norman State Park is a perfect place for beginners all the way to expert mountain bikers. The building provides restrooms and drinking fountain (mid-March to November). Near Troutman, North Carolina. Itusi Bike Trails are OPEN. Spring and fall months are quite comfortable, though. Nearby are a 125-yard-long swim beach and bathhouse complex as well as a boat ramp and opportunities for fishing from spots along park trails. From the Cove Picnic area in Lake Norman State Park, you immediately begin hiking along the lakeshore. 48 reviews of Lake Norman State Park "Why why WHY has no one given this place a review?? Lake Norman - Hiking. ... Lake Hickory Trails 6.6 mi 10.7 km • 520' Up 158.44 m Up • 520' Down 158.56 m Down. 704/528-6350, www.ncparks.gov HOURS: Nov.-Feb. daily 8 A.M.-6 P.M. Mar.-Apr. Lake Norman State Park is known for their fantastic bike trails, but there’s not a big selection of walking trails. The 30.5-mile Itusi Trail system was built in cooperation with the Tarheel Trailblazers, a local mountain biking group. The Itusi trails had been on Leah’s singletracks wishlist for some time and we decided driving up to Blacksburg or Damascus would just be too far for the day. Itusi Trail: Located within Lake Norman State Park, the 6.7 mile Itusi Trail is actually a mountain bike trail., but is available to hikers.. Lake Norman State Park is located 10 miles south of Statesville North Carolina. Alder Tra il is an easy 0.8 mile loop that is great for stretching your legs. Lake Norman State Park Campground. Lake Norman State Park Itusi Trail Volunteer Model White Paper Aug 2012 - Aug 2012. The original Itusi Trail loop. Guests are welcome to… – Picnic area, baseball & softball field, tennis courts, basketball court, playground, walking trails and restrooms. Trails are very well marked and though it was not crowded the day we were there we could see they get a lot of use. The campground is open from March 15 to Nov. 30. The Itusi trail system at Lake Norman State Park was the first mountain biking trail system constructed in the North Carolina State Parks system. For the mountain biking enthusiast, Lake Norman State Park offers a varied terrain and wonderful scenery. Just off of State Park Road is a 125 yard swimming coast where you can get your fix of sand and sunshine, or even take a dip into the clear waters of Lake Norman. This peaceful, well-maintained campground has 33 spacious RV and tent camping sites with some hookups available. This trail reverses every year, offering great views of the lake. The park opens daily at 8 AM; closing hours vary seasonally. Lake Norman State Park, located in Troutman, is no exception. This system has 30 miles of fast, flowy, and rolling cross-country trail. Lake Norman is the largest lake in North Carolina, and the Lake Shore Trail is a perfect way to explore the shoreline. It was named after former Duke Power president Norman Atwater Cocke. park’s hiking and biking trails have been lengthened and improved. Boats can be rented here during summer. Itusi Trail is a 30.5-mile (49.1 km) mountain biking trail system designed, built and maintained by the Tar Heel Trailblazers, a Charlotte based mountain biking club. Hike Index 214. tained within the State Park, including Lake Norman’s only public lake swimming area. The easy Dragonfly Trail has interactive panels giving information about the plants and animals found along the way. Lake Norman State Park, on the largest manmade lake in North Carolina, boasts one of the region’s more popular mountain biking network, offering 30.5 miles of single-track trail. Elevation: 805 feet. Not very technical, but fast and fun to ride. Experienced mountain bikers can look forward to a new section of the Itusi trail. Lake Norman is fed by the Catawba River, and drains into Mountain Island Lake to the south. View maps, videos, photos, and reviews of Itusi @ Lake Norman State Park bike trail in Troutman. Best hikes Charlotte : the greatest views, wildlife, and forest strolls. A Porta-John is located at the north entrance of the parking lot by the Itusi Mountain Bike Trail entrance. Ahh, hello people, we pay for these parks in our taxes, why not take advantange of their "free-ness" these days? Equipped with tent pads, picnic tables, and grills, the campsites afford a level of comfort while allowing you to commune with nature. Trails There's a swimming area around the park's south region as well. Complete with a bathhouse and concession stand from Memorial Day through Labor Day, this waterfront paradise lacks nothing in the name of leisure. Near Troutman, North Carolina. Lake Norman State Park is home to the trail system called "Itusi." Past the first bridge, see a parking area at Park Lake. By Lake Norman Staff | on December 29, 2017 Lake Norman State Park hosts a spring hike Saturday, March 24.File photo TROUTMAN – The North Carolina state park system is offering more than 40 hikes on New Year’s Day as part of the tradition to help people put their best foot forward on the first day of the year. In all, the system is made up of Named after former Duke Power president Norman Cocke, it is the largest man-made body of freshwater in North Carolina and is … Follow signs for the park office to stop and grab a map of the various hiking trails. 759 State Park Rd, Troutman NC | website. Torrence Chapel Park – 21309 Torrence Chapel Rd. Lake Norman State Park was originally called Duke Power State Park. At Lake Norman State Park, fun is just a matter of scale. Lake Norman State Park is located 10 miles south of Statesville North Carolina. This park is located between Mooresville and Troutman and is roughly about 30 minutes driving distance for me. Six of us stopped in early on a Sunday afternoon after a weekend of camping at Lake Norman State Park. No admission fee to the park which gave us a pleasant surprise. Wildlife. After breaking ground on Hawk loop in 2003, the Itusi trail system has grown into 30 miles of sublime single track that provides riding opportunities for all levels of mountain biking enthusiasts. The trail closes one-half hour before the regular park closing time and is closed whenever the trail is too wet from precipitation. A mile further on State Park Rd., turn Overview. The Itusi trail is comprised of 8 loops which range from 1.0 to 9.75 miles in distance. In addition to Lake Norman State Park, the town is building the ESC Troutman Park near downtown. The Itusi Trail stretches for 30.5 miles throughout the park, winding through old hardwood forests with peaks at the lake along the way. For outdoor recreation, residents head to Lake Norman State Park for fishing, boating, camping, hiking, and more. Spanning more than 30 miles, the Itusi Trail is the park’s longest trail, but don’t let the high mileage fool you. Just over 30 miles of trails with many options for mileage await for you to have fun in the woods. Mountain Biking at Lake Norman State Park. Located about 30 minutes north of Charlotte, Lake Norman State Park is an outdoor lovers’ paradise with plenty of opportunities for camping, picnicking, fishing and boating. Leah and I drove out to Lake Norman State Park just outside Statesville, NC on Saturday to check out the mountain bike trails there. Lake Norman State Park boasts the largest man-made lake in North Carolina and hiking trails for every skill level—from less than a mile for beginners to more than 30 for serious hikers. The superintendent of Lake Norman State Park died Wednesday after a two-year battle with colon cancer. DESCRIPTION A Tsali-style trail that hugs the contours of the land. Itusi Trail: Located within Lake Norman State Park, the 6.7 mile Itusi Trail travels through hardwood forests and over gentle, lengthy single track trail.. Itusi Trail is closed whenever conditions are too wet. The Itusi trail system (which incorporates the Hawk, Hicks Creek and Norwood Loops) is approximately 6.5 miles in length. Hikers and mountain bikers can also enjoy an extensive network of trails that range in difficulty and feature beautiful views of the surrounding lake. The campground is open from March 15 to Nov. 30. Geography. From Troutman, NC turn left onto Wagner Street and travel to State Park Road. Johannesburg/East Rand Subway Map to US LAKE NORMAN STATE PARK 159 Inland Sea Ln. Lake Norman State Park Itusi Trail Volunteer Model White Paper Aug 2012 – Aug 2012. These cross country style trails are green and blue in difficulty and perfect for beginner or experienced xc riders in the Charlotte area. Nearby are a 125-yard-long swim beach and bathhouse complex as well as a boat ramp and opportunities for fishing from spots along park trails. As the weather cools, there is still plenty of fun to be had in the great outdoors of Lake Norman. The trails are a rolling, Tsali-esque type of ride. Other interesting facts about this expansive park: Lake Norman State Park sits at the entry of Hicks Creek, on Lake Norman’s northern shore. Contacts. Lots of flow, very well laid out and well maintained. Lake Norman State Park is a prime destination for RVers in North Carolina, featuring the largest manmade lake in the state. Probably the easiest ad most well-travelled loop in Lake Norman State Park, Hawk Loop can be used to access both Hicks Creek Loop and Norwood Loop. Lake Norman State Park, Troutman: Address, Phone Number, Lake Norman State Park Reviews: 4.5/5. The It includes eight loops that The author’s granddaugh-ter, Madeline, enjoys na-ture journaling at Lake Norman State Park. Come out and join us for the fourth annual Lake Norman State Park Trail Race! Head about 45 minutes north on I-77 to reach Lake Norman State Park. [Jennifer Pharr Davis; Johnny Molloy] -- Who says you have to travel far from home to go on a great hike? Thanks to the amazing work of the Tarheel Trailbalzers, the Itusi trail system at Lake Norman State park has, over the years, grown to more than 30 miles long. If you don't want to take the full lake loop, use Short Turn Trail for a 2.5 mile hike. Track: Singletrack. In 2003, the Tarheel Trailblazers built Hawk Loop, a 3-mile loop on the shore of Lake Norman. Beautiful hardwood forests. Level: Beginner. ... Amphibians and reptiles can also be found on the shores of Lake Norman and in the woods of Lake Norman State Park. Lake Norman State Park Hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. May through August; 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. November through February; and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. March, April, September, and October. From Troutman, NC turn left onto Wagner Street and travel to State Park Road. Itusi Trail is a 10.5-mile (16.9 km) mountain biking trail designed, built and maintained by the Tar Heel Trailblazers, a … Closed Christmas Day. It contains a combination of multiple different trails that total 30.5 miles. Volunteers have been building the trail for more than a decade. * The Blue Star Trail at Anna Springs Close Greenway SC ( 7 miles ) * The AT from Massie Gap to Mt. It's a challenging bike trail under construction at Lake Norman State Park in Troutman. Nestled in charming Mooresville, Shepherd's Landing is conveniently located minutes from a host of shopping, dining, parks and business centers. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/lake-norman-lakeshore-trail The campground at Lake Norman State Park, 63 miles west of High Rock Lake, has 33 tent and RV sites with picnic tables and grills. Itusi Trail - Lake Norman State Park - Trail, Troutman, Carolina. (Continued on page 2) The main trail, Itusi (pronounced “ee-too-see”), meaning “hawk,” is named in tribute of the Catawba Native Americans that used to inhabit the area around Lake Norman State Park. The trail is laid out in eight loops from one to 9.75 miles. A Porta-John is located at the north entrance of the parking lot by the Itusi Mountain Bike Trail entrance. Lake Shore Trail is a 5-mile (8.0 km) trail on the shore of Lake Norman. Head about 45 minutes north on I-77 to reach Lake Norman State Park. The park's Itusi Trails … About. ... Lake Hickory Trails 6.6 mi 10.7 km • … The most recent addition to the LNSP trails was with the opening of the 6 mile Monbo loop in spring of 2007. It is a 1,934-acre state park located near Troutman in North Carolina. Get this from a library! Lake Norman State Park Hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. May through August; 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. November through February; and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. March, April, September, and October. This trail makes for a moderate hike or solid trail run route. This 30-acre, Multi-phase Park will feature walking trails, athletic fields and a playground. Hike alongside Hicks Creek and Lake Norman for a great escape from Charlotte. Itusi @ Lake Norman State Park is a singletrack mountain bike trail in Troutman, North Carolina. Home >> Lake Norman State Park >> Trail >> Itusi Trail. Shepherds Landing. There are also a handful of walking trails worth exploring, with the 6.2-mile Lake Shore Trail well worth a look, while mountain bikers can tackle more than 30 miles of single-track on the Itusi Trail. The park's Itusi Trails … This race offers two options, a 30K and 50K length event. The newest three-mile addition, Laurel Loop, will have larger rocks, narrower paths and fast descents with turns. Good news! Lake Norman State Park Troutman Mooresville North 150 115 77 40 70 21 Alder Trail 0.8 miles Easy White Itusi Trail 30.5 miles Blue Lake Shore Trail 5.0 miles (from trailhead) Moderate White 6.3 miles (from trailhead & doing an Red out-and-back on the Group Camp Spur) 2.6 miles (traveling north from trailhead Red then using Short Turn Trail) Cast a line and fish for bluegill, perch, catfish and more in the titular lake. About the Author 215. The building provides restrooms and drinking fountain (mid-March to November). Most of the wildlife at Lake Norman State Park is rarely seen by the casual visitor. Lake Shore Trail is a 5-mile (8.0 km) trail on the shore of Lake Norman. Contacts. The Itusi trail (which incorporates the Hicks Creek and Norwood Loops) total approximately 6.5 miles in length. Itusi Trail. Continue reading “lake norman” → Tagged Alder trail , Bartos berries , Birkdale Village , canoeing , Dragonfly trail , family hike , hawk loop , itusi trail , Lake Norman state park , Mooresville , mountain biking , NC park challenge , NC state park passport , park ranger , Spurlock family Leave a comment The one mile Hicks Creek Loop is optional. Itusi Trail is a 30.5-mile (49.1 km) mountain biking trail system designed, built and maintained by the Tar Heel Trailblazers, a Charlotte based mountain biking club. This is certainly the most beautiful trail with almost the entire trail being lakefront. Lake Norman State Park Troutman Mooresville North 150 115 77 40 70 21 Alder Trail 0.8 miles Easy White Itusi Trail 30.5 miles Blue Lake Shore Trail 5.0 miles (from trailhead) Moderate White 6.3 miles (from trailhead & doing an Red out-and-back on the Group Camp Spur) 2.6 miles (traveling north from trailhead Red then using Short Turn Trail) Good line of sight. We’d finished a three-mile hike and were definitely in the mood for a satisfying late breakfast or lunch. Very good trail system, one of my favorites. Itusi @ Lake Norman State Park. Lake Norman State Park is far and away one of the best places in the area to do some mountain biking. See all things to do. Lake Norman is fed by the Catawba River, and drains into Mountain Island Lake to the south. Past the first bridge, see a parking area at Park Lake. Most of the trails are fairly easy with the occasional steep climb up fun drainage creeks where the trail … . If you don't want to take the full lake loop, use Short Turn Trail for a 2.5 mile hike. In addition to its outdoor recreation, residents enjoy the Memory Lane Museum in town as … Hike alongside Hicks Creek and Lake Norman for a great escape from Charlotte. Difficulty: Easy/Moderate. The Itusi trail (which incorporates the Hicks Creek and Norwood Loops) total approximately 6.5 miles in length. Lake Norman (Courtesy NC Division of Parks and Recreation) Lake Norman. From the $300s. In fact, the Itusi Trail is 30.5 miles and grow-ing! Related Searches. When you're looking for somewhere to rest your head, the park offers a family campground with 32 sites and a group campground during summer months. Lake Norman State Park. This is a list and description of all the 5+ miles trails in and around western North Carolina. The lobby will contain exhibits about the park, Lake Norman, and the area’s wildlife and aquatic life. Lake Norman State Park is a nearly 2000-acre park in Iredell County on Lake Norman, the largest man-made lake in North Carolina. Lake Shore Trail is a 5-mile (8.0 km) trail on the shore of Lake Norman. Lake Norman State Park. The constant and moderate elevation changes make for challenging trail running and fast, flowy mountain biking best suited to beginner to intermediate riders. A short drive from the Hickory area, Lake Norman State Park is a great day trip and an opportunity to get outside of your normal routine with canoeing, biking, hiking and more. We have just been approved to run our Lake Norman State Park Six Hour Trail Run that was originally scheduled for March earlier this year. The hiking and biking trails also offer views of the Lake. Both events will offer a 10 hour cut off time with three aid stations. and Sept.-Oct. daily 8 A.M.-8 P.M. May-Aug. daily 8 A.M.-9 P.M.; closed Christmas day Lake Norman is one of the major attractions in the region. Other popular destinations include Stumpy Creek Park and the Itusi Trail. Itusi Trail: Located within Lake Norman State Park, the 6.7 mile Itusi Trail is actually a mountain bike trail., but is available to hikers.. Lake Norman State Park is located 10 miles south of Statesville North Carolina. Access to Lake Norman can be enjoyed further by renting a canoe or paddle boat for use on the 33 acre “Park Lake” or with private watercraft from the free boat launch. This beautiful 1,934-acre park was created in 1962 when Duke Power Company donated 1,328 acres on the shores of Lake Norman to the state of North Carolina.Fed by the Catawba River, Lake Norman was created when Duke dammed the river to create electricity. so we were stoked to hit the trails. Customer Reviews. After a quick jaunt down the kid-friendly Dragonfly Trail, and a slight confusion about trail lengths, we went on to the adjoining Alder Trail. Cast a line and fish for bluegill, perch, catfish and more in the titular lake. One of the oldest and best is the Adler Trail. Lake Norman State Park is open to recreational opportunities other than boating, swimming and fishing at Lake Norman. Several varieties of campsites are open at the park. Many miles of trails are open to hiking and mountain biking. And an extensive picnic area is open for year-round gatherings. The park is on the northeastern shore of the lake at the mouth of Hicks Creek. Hiking. Lake Norman State Park. There's a swimming area around the park's south region as well. 40 Lake Norman State Park: Itusi Trail-Hawk Loop, Norwood Creek Loop, and Hicks Creek Loop 208. Geography. It’s fast and flowy, with long straightaways and punchy climbs that give you a workout without pushing your limits. Lake Norman State Park. is a 10.5-mile (16.9 km) mountain biking trail designed, built and maintained by the Tar Heel Trailblazers, a Charlotte-based mountain biking club. It was named after former Duke Power president Norman Atwater Cocke. Lake Norman State Park hosts thousands of campers per year at its 33 campsites. Walter Henderson Park – 20214 Trailwind Lane, Cornelius – Walking trail, playground, gazebo and play area. 1615 Mail Service Center 11 trails on an interactive map of the trail network. Lake Norman State Park’s Lake Shore Trail offers hikers a moderate hike that has two options: Hikers can make a three-mile loop round-trip or take a series of extensions that make the entire trip just over six miles long. The race date will … 39 Lake Norman State Park: Itusi Trail-Laurel Loop 202. Our fishermen win cash prizes at every event, and even more at our end of the season fish off events. The visitor center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and 9 am to 6 pm Friday, Saturday, & Sunday. This past weekend, I ran the Itusi Trail at Lake Norman State park or as some people call it Duke Power State Park. All the way at the end of the park, there is a beach where you can swim in the lake. ... and beautiful forest and lake vistas. I’ve been to a few sailboat regattas there, I remember it being shallow a good ways out from the shore at Lake Norman yacht club. This trail makes for a moderate hike or solid trail run route. Salisbury Community Hurley Park. COMING SOON. The Itusi Trail in Lake Norman State Park is 30.5 miles long, comprised of 8 loops which range from 1.0 to 9.75 miles. Tight single track. Richard walked almost the whole way himself! Also known as Duke Power State Park, Duke Power donated over 1300 acres of land to the state to make this park. The Itusi Trail at Lake Norman State Park delivers more than 30 miles of rolling singletrack through hardwood forest along the shores of Lake Norman. Most of the wildlife at Lake Norman State Park … If you’re looking for a haven for outdoor recreation, this park has it all—fishing, water sports, hiking and biking trails, and more, so pack up the camper and let the fun begin! Most state park facilities are open, but some parks do not have equipment rentals available. For specific details about each park, please visit the park website page. Itusi Bike Trails are CLOSED. The Itusi Bike Trails are CLOSED due to wet conditions. Lake Norman State Park will be repainting parking lots on June 15th-17th. More than 30 miles of trails flow through the park, climbing up and down the hills surrounding the lake, passing mountain laurel, hickory, dogwood, oak, and stands of pine trees closer to the water. This race consists of smooth rolling single track trails with no repeat loops so you will never see the same thing twice! The main draw for mountain bikers to Lake Norman State Park is the Itusi trail system. In addition to the Itusi Trail, there are several designated hiking-only trails throughout the … Also have ridden the Itusi trails at Lake Norman State Park. The Itusi Trail, in Lake Norman State Park outside of Charlotte, was one of the first mountain bike-specific trails built in North Carolina’s state park system. Enjoy 30.5 miles of biking adventures on the trails. For the best hiking trails in the area, start with Lake Norman State Park, 159 Inland Sea Lane, in Troutman, N.C. The well-marked trail winds its way through the forest and past numerous coves. Start planning your adventure with the list of best mountain bike trails in North Carolina below. Lake Norman State Park / Itusi Trail. Park Superintendent Greg Schneider points out native plants on the First Day Hike. This beautiful 1,934-acre park was created in 1962 when Duke Power Company donated 1,328 acres on the shores of Lake Norman to the state of North Carolina.Fed by the Catawba River, Lake Norman was created when Duke dammed the river to create electricity. The Monbo loop is fast and flowing and 6 miles in length. So last week, I talked Val and Megan into joining me. On one hand, there's the largest manmade lake in the state, Lake Norman. The superintendent of Lake Norman State Park died Wednesday after a two-year battle with colon cancer. From the Cove Picnic area in Lake Norman State Park, you immediately begin hiking along the lakeshore. The campground at Lake Norman State Park, 63 miles west of High Rock Lake, has 33 tent and RV sites with picnic tables and grills. The Itusi Bike Trails are OPEN. The original Itusi Trail loop. Last updated on: Monday, July 12, 2021 Current status of park facilities . book by … State Park, before finally being named Lake Norman State Park. Distance: 30 miles. All of these are considered easy to moderate, with the exception of Laurel Loop which is considered more moderate. Lake Norman State Park / Itusi Trail. [3] The forecast for the day was 74 degrees (in January!) Watch out for on coming riders, this trail is bi-directional. The park also offers three hiking-only trails: the Alder Trail, Dragonfly Trail and Lake Shore Trail. Note: the trail direction changes annually, so make sure you’re going in the right direction before setting off. Lake Norman State Park offers a beautiful, forested trail system that winds around the lake and is full of dips, berms, bench cuts and gully runs that were built into and around its hilly river valley terrain. Setting Lake Norman apart from most other state parks is the 12.7 mile Itusi Trail, designed primarily for mountain biking. When filled to capacity, its surface area is 32,510 acres with a shoreline of Type: Loop. The Itusi Bike Trails are open. Spring and fall months are quite comfortable, though. Lake Norman State Park, on the largest manmade lake in North Carolina, boasts one of the region’s more popular mountain biking network, offering 30.5 miles of single-track trail. Miles: 13. Probably the easiest ad most well-travelled loop in Lake Norman State Park, Hawk Loop can be used to access both Hicks Creek Loop and Norwood Loop. Wildlife. Boats can be rented here during summer.