Just 20 minutes south of Lake Gaston is our favorite place to hike - Medoc Mountain State Park - Serenity pervades the Park, enhanced by Fishing Creek and a scenic open meadow that spreads from the picnic grounds. Park at the picnic area pavilion and head off to the Bluff Loop trail (3 miles) for some pretty views down to the creek, or head out Stream Loop & Discovery Loop trails for a 2 mile hike along the creek. Cross the creek at the steel bridge and head to the Medoc summit adding 5 miles to your trek (a total of 7miles). Stitch it all together and you've got 10 miles of great hiking trails.
Of course you can also hike the mountain bike bike trails as well - they're 'multi-use' and a total of 9 miles - just keep an eye on the signs to be sure you're headed in the correct direction (you want to be facing the oncoming cyclists) and remember the cyclists have the right of way on the mountain bike trails! More info: https://www.ncparks.gov/medoc-mountain-state-park/home
The park is located here: https://goo.gl/maps/rJNRGs7QVuBcY1oY8
Of course you can also hike the mountain bike bike trails as well - they're 'multi-use' and a total of 9 miles - just keep an eye on the signs to be sure you're headed in the correct direction (you want to be facing the oncoming cyclists) and remember the cyclists have the right of way on the mountain bike trails! More info: https://www.ncparks.gov/medoc-mountain-state-park/home
The park is located here: https://goo.gl/maps/rJNRGs7QVuBcY1oY8