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Lake Davidson Nature Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 104 Google reviews · Running trail in Davidson, North Carolina · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Lake Davidson Nature Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Small natural space offering views and watersports activities on Lake Davidson, plus lakeside trails.
What runners say about Lake Davidson Nature Preserve
“I-77 is on the other side of the pond, so the peaceful view across the water is spoiled by all the noise.”
Not bad for a quick walk after dinner. Narrow dirt trail. Muddy entrance at the left back of the ball field. Lots of areas for kayak storage. NO bathroom!
A peaceful place to stroll around. Lots of benches scattered around the trail. We saw a couple of people kayaking and quite a few people walking their dogs.
This place is more for canoeing than walking/hiking. Due to erosion, many hiking trails got tree roots out so it needs a comprehensive update.
Awesome spot with easy access and parking. Great place to stop and let the kids run around after breakfast.
Trail conditions & character
“I-77 is on the other side of the pond, so the peaceful view across the water is spoiled by all the noise.”
“Awesome spot with easy access and parking.”
“Due to erosion, many hiking trails got tree roots out so it needs a comprehensive update.”
“I-77 is on the other side of the pond, so the peaceful view across the water is spoiled by all the noise.”
“Looks like a nice place to take a kayak out; also nice 30 min loop, not strenuous & can see the lake”
Plan your run at Lake Davidson Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitetownofdavidson.org
- Phone(704) 940-9644
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Davidson
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Parham Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 74 reviews
Park with a lake featuring picnic tables and barbecue grills, plus a trail.
Roosevelt Wilson Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 265 reviews
Waterfront park featuring a playground, paved walking trails, picnic space & a memorial tree garden.
Antiquity Greenway
5 ★★★★★ 3 reviews
