Hike the Badin Lake Trail (TR 94) following the shore of Badin Lake
Primary Route: From the Cove Boat Ramp and Picnic Area, hike TR 94 for a view of Badin Lake and hardwood forest
Hiking Distance: 5.6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Unknown
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: From the Eldorado Outpost on NC 109, head north and turn right on US Forest Service Road 1154 (follow brown signs for Badin Lake Recreation Area). Park at the Cove Boat Ramp and Picnic Area. Additonal access can be found on the trail from the Arrowhead, Badin Lake, and Badin Group Camp campgrounds, or from the Kings Mountain Point day use area.
Hiking Directions: Click here for a trail map of Badin Lake Recreation Area. The trail is marked with white blazes, but be aware because they are faded and hard to see in some areas. There are a few spots on the trail that intersect with green blazed trails, which are horse trails – do not turn onto these trails during this route. From Cove Boat Ramp, take the trail headed north bordering Badin Lake. You will pass Badin Lake Campground. After you reach King’s Mountain Point Picnic Area, the trail loops around the edge of the point and heads south. You will pass by Badin Lake Group Campground. As you are approaching Arrowhead Campground, there is a junction in the Badin Lake Trail (both options are part of TR 94; the trail to the right circles through Arrowhead Campground). Take the trail to the left toward Cove Boat Ramp. You will reach two more junctions in the trail – both times take the left fork to return to Cove Boat Ramp (the right forks again lead to Arrowhead Campground).