Hawk Loop Trailhead – Hicks Creek Loop Trail loop from Lake Norman State Park

If you're considering the Hawk Loop Trailhead – Hicks Creek Loop Trail loop from Lake Norman State Park for a touring cycling adventure, be aware that this moderate 12.2-mile (19.6 km) route, with 625 feet (191 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 1 hour and 45 minutes, is primarily designed for mountain bikes, not traditional touring cycles. It's a great option if you have an off-road touring bike with appropriate tires, but standard road or hybrid touring bikes will find the terrain challenging.

What to expect on Hawk Loop Trailhead – Hicks Creek Loop Trail loop from Lake Norman State Park

The route winds through beautiful forested parkland, offering great forest views and opportunities for birdwatching, especially vibrant with fall colors. You'll find yourself following Hicks Creek and descending next to a lake inlet, which provides scenic vistas. However, don't expect smooth sailing; these are singletrack trails with roots, rough spots, and tight turns. Hicks Creek Loop features a long, not-too-steep climb on the first half, followed by a flowy downhill. This terrain makes the route best suited for mountain bikes or off-road touring bikes with robust tires, rather than standard touring bicycles.

Planning your visit

Access to the trails is straightforward, with the Hawk Loop Trailhead serving as a primary access point. Keep in mind that these trails are unpaved and natural surfaces, which means traditional touring bicycles are likely to find them challenging and potentially damaging to tires. The Hicks Creek Loop reverses direction annually, so check local signage for the current flow. The park offers a mix of shoreline and diverse terrain, making it a pleasant place to visit, especially during fall for the vibrant colors.

Trail details

• Distance: 12.2 miles (19.6 km)
• Elevation gain: 625 feet (191 metres)
• Difficulty: moderate
• Estimated time: 1 hours and 45 minutes