Jimmy Rogers Road Out-and-Back

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · Views

This is a tranquil section of Falls Lake Trail (MST) that offers scenic views of the lake. The odd fisherman might be seen by Little Lick Creek bridge. The highlight of this run has to be the boardwalk. Pausing on the bench by the boardwalk and bridge to take in the lake views and watching the odd heron is a real treat.

In times of lots of rain, or when the lake level is very high, the boardwalk can be under water. If you are coming down the trail and see that the trail is flooded by the lake, chances are that the left turn on the MST will also be flooded about a mile in. As of November 2017, the lake is extremely low to non-existent in places.

There is space for two or three cars on the pulloff on the corner of Rogers Rd. and Little Rogers Rd. Cross over the gate at the corner to start the blue-blazed MST Connector trail. This follows the power easement area. The trail bends slightly to the left to head into trees and runs parallel to the power easement area.

After a short while, ignore the white blaze to turn left onto the MST but continue straight on to follow the MST towards a long boardwalk across the lake and towards a bridge known as Little Lick Creek bridge. There is a small bench just before the bridge crossing. Cross over the bridge and head straight on as though following the power easement area, but before making any headway, a white blaze off to the left into the woods marks the continuation of the MST.

The trail hugs the shoreline for a short spell in the woods before heading away and crossing under the power lines and reentering the woods on the other side. The trail heads back towards the shoreline on an undulating path before coming out on a graveled track/road. Turn left and head up the road for a short way before turning left back into the woods just before a No Trespassing sign. The trail continues skirting the shoreline before heading further inland away from the lake and undulating through beech forest.

The trail has recently been rerouted closer towards the boundary line with a stables and a house before joining back up with the original trail. It then continues along the old trail before coming out onto a clearing and then another short section is on a new reroute before rejoining with the original path. To be honest, at this point runners will probably hardly notice they are on a new section of trail!

Continue along the trail before reaching a couple of houses on the right above the path before the trail turns right sharply inland down some steep steps. There is a nice uninterrupted view of the lake here. The trail is high up above the shoreline as it gently climbs upwards. A convenient turnaround point is reached at the gamelands/state park boundary by a wide track crossing. Then simply retrace your steps back to the start.

Note: The MST Trail can be continued to enter the state park of Falls Lake Recreation Area itself all the way to Rolling View Marina.

The odd deer. Lots of beech trees early on the trail as well as pine trees later on.