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Valdese Lakeside Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 166 Google reviews · Running trail in Valdese, North Carolina · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Valdese Lakeside Park'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.
Family-friendly destination featuring clean trails and a suspension bridge crossing a creek.
What runners say about Valdese Lakeside Park
“The Valdese Lakeside Park is a very clean park that offers walking trails, a dog park and shore access and dock fishing.”
“Absolutely beautiful park, haven't explored it all yet but I will definitely be back soon to check out all it has to offer.”
Nice trails, both natural and paved) near my home. Well marked and maintained. I especially enjoy the natural trails were it’s so tranquil, and you’re surrounded by tall pines. Clean restroom. I think the longest trail is three miles, but you can go longer just by hiking a connecting trail.
What an awesome piece of property for the public to enjoy! Very scenic views of Table rock and the Gorge from beautiful Lake Rhodhiss. Cool suspension bridge crossing McGalliard Creek. Great to see the parks dept preserved the old mill on the creek. I plan to return to this place many more times. It's too good!
We enjoyed an afternoon walk at the Valdese Lakeside Park. The park had a wonderful overlook of Lake Rhodhiss with views of Table Rock. They also have a kayak launch and fishing pier. Along our short walk on the Meditation Point Trail they had a children’s book “Big Dog Little Dog”.
I am very excited about what the future has in store for this park. As of now there are no amenities. However, there is a trail system and beautiful lake access. This is a true asset to the town of Valdese.
Trail conditions & character
“Absolutely beautiful park, haven't explored it all yet but I will definitely be back soon to check out all it has to offer.”
“The Valdese Lakeside Park is a very clean park that offers walking trails, a dog park and shore access and dock fishing.”
“There is a map at the restroom building that shows the trails and level of difficulty”
“The ramp is wide enough for a manual wheelchair or power scooter (wheelchair).”
Plan your run at Valdese Lakeside Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- 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 trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitefriendsofthevaldeserec.org
- Phone(828) 879-2132
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near Valdese
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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