Pros & cons
PROS
- Ancient hemlock cove forest creates cool, shaded walking
- Reliable wildlife and bird viewing around open water and edges
CONS
- Shared with horses—expect yielding and occasional churned tread
- Short, moderately steep start can surprise true beginners
Main parking area off Old Shulls Mill Road near Trout Lake; this is the standard access for the loop.
Shared equestrian route—yield to horses and give extra space; natural surfaces with a short initial climb are not ADA-accessible.
Why go
A short-and-sweet loop with big payoff, Trout Lake wraps 1.3 miles around a tranquil mountain lake near Moses H. Cone Memorial Park. Expect mellow walking, constant water views, and a shady hemlock-and-rhododendron forest that feels older than time. It’s an easy favorite for families, casual walkers, and anyone craving a relaxing lap with scenery.
Trail details
From the parking area there’s a brief, moderately steep climb up to the lake; after that, it’s mostly flat, wide, and easy going around the shoreline. The path is part of the historic Cone carriage trail network, so it’s purpose-built for smooth travel and shared use. Plan about 1 hour to complete the full 1.3-mile loop at a relaxed pace.
Scenery and wildlife
You’ll circle a quiet lake framed by an ancient, hemlock-dominated cove forest and thick rhododendron. Grassy banks invite sit-and-stay-a-while breaks, and the open water makes bird watching productive. Keep an eye out for chipmunks, squirrels, deer, geese, heron, and a variety of songbirds.
What to know
This is a shared-use route—horses frequent the carriage roads—so give equestrians wide berth and yield appropriately. Dogs are welcome but must stay leashed. Surfaces are natural (packed dirt and some gravel), and the initial climb plus uneven tread make this not ADA-accessible. Fishing is noted at Trout Lake; check current regulations before you cast.
Best time to hike
You can walk it year-round, but March through November offers the most pleasant weather, spring wildflowers, and standout fall color. For fewer people and the best reflections across the lake, go early morning or on weekdays. If you want more miles, connect from the loop to other carriage trails in the Cone network for a longer, low-effort ramble.
Where it starts
36.1526, -81.7037Wildlife on this trail
Near Trout Lake Loop Trail
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayRich Mountain Carriage TrailWide, historic climb to Blue Ridge views from Trout LakeModerate · 5 mi · 2.3 hr
0.1 mi awayTrout LakeShady 1.3-mile loop around a quiet, wildlife-rich mountain lakeTrailhead · Parking
0.6 mi awayGreen Knob TrailLush loop of creek, meadows, and rhododendron with playful rock hopsModerate · 2.4 mi · 2 hr
0.6 mi awaySims Creek TrailQuiet creek-and-rhododendron loop with a peek at GrandfatherModerate · 2.3 mi · 1.5 hr
0.7 mi awayFlat Top Carriage TrailGentle carriage climb to a panoramic tower through meadows and pinesModerate · 5 mi · 2.2 hr
0.7 mi awayFlat Top ManorGilded Age manor with craft demos and wide‑porch mountain viewsTrailhead · Parking
0.7 mi awayMoses H. Cone Memorial ParkGrand manor, lakes, and 25 miles of carriage roads to wanderTrailhead · Restroom
0.9 mi awayHebron Colony FallsBoulder-choked cascades and summer swimming holes on Boone ForkTrailhead · Pullout
