Some of the best hikes are among the easiest. These are hikes that don’t require a marathon effort or a massive gain in elevation. They are hikes that can be completed by three-year-old legs as well as 83-year-old legs. And the best of these hikes offer a dose of scenery that’s hard to beat. If this sounds like a hiking unicorn, it’s not! The Shorts Lake Trail in Crowders Mountain State Park is one of these well-rounded trails; an easy trek that takes hikers right along the edge of a gorgeous lake. Here’s what you need to know about this scenic North Carolina hike:

Crowders Mountain State Park is a 5,217-acre park in Gaston County, North Carolina. It’s located near King’s Mountain, just outside Gastonia.
AllTrails/Jonathan Bowman
It’s a place that draws some visitors who are into extreme sports. The park’s cliffs are popular with rock climbers.
AllTrails/Angela Cunningham
But you don’t need to climb a cliff face to enjoy this park. It’s laced with some gorgeous hiking trails.
AllTrails/Bert Wood

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One of the best trails is Shorts Lake Trail. It’s less than a mile long, but step for step, it offers an incredible experience.
AllTrails/Gina Webster
The trail will take you right along the lake’s edge. You’ll likely encounter birds and other wildlife along the shore, including ducks, frogs, and beavers.
AllTrails/Angela Cunningham
You’ll likely meet some people on the hike; it’s a popular trail, and when you see the spectacular lake views, you’ll understand why.
AllTrails/Christian Battle

If you follow the hike in its entirety, you’ll make a complete loop around Shorts Lake. Some of the trail skirts the lake and is more natural – you can take a gravel path if you wish that’s a little easier to stroll. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail. North Carolina has some wonderful hiking trails.

Looking for more trails in the Tar Heel State? Here are some beautiful trails you should take time to explore.

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Shorts Lake, Gastonia, NC 28052, USA