New Hope Overlook - Red-Blue Trails

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Lake · Swimming · Views · Wildlife

The trail affords wonderful vistas of Jordan Lake (22 sq. mi. in area) and the surrounding 34,000 acres of public land. The setting is entirely natural. Not a single house can be seen from anywhere on the lake or on the shoreline. There are many opportunities to view birds including majestic Bald Eagles, graceful Great Blue Heron, and brilliant white Egrets. The terrain includes gentle hills dipping down to give access to the shoreline in several coves. The surface of the path is natural and managed by Jordan Lake State Park staff.

The state charges a $7 entrance fee "during summer months."

There is a semi-decent bathroom at the trailhead.

The "new hope overlook" is not much of an overlook, unless you count a three foot bank of soil an "overlook" But it is a fairly nice view of the lake.

From the trailhead at the edge of the upper parking lot at New Hope Overlook Access, the Blue Loop goes north to make a loop around New Hope Overlook, marked by a bench for viewing Jordan Lake at highest shoreline point. Visitors will then head south to join the Red Loop, following the shoreline above several coves. At its southernmost point, there is access to Camping Area B, a grouping of primitive campsites within Jordan Lake State Recreation Area. This run then loops back to the north and ends at the parking lot where you started from.

Jordan Lake was created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1981. The Haw River and New Hope Creek are two major water supplies. The lake provides flood protection for downstream communities, a public water supply for 300,000 residents, many recreation opportunities on land and water (1.4 million visits last year), and a vibrant fish and wildlife habitat.