Section 27: Falls Lake from Shinleaf Recreation Area to the Dam

Approximately 22 miles

What’s better than a walk in the woods? A walk in the woods beside water. Section 27 of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail between Shinleaf Recreation Area and Falls Lake Dam offers some of the most attractive waterfront hiking you’ll find anywhere along the trail.

The 22-mile section of trail loosely traces the crooked fingers and coves of Falls Lake on the south side of the reservoir. At times the well-marked footpath hugs the shoreline and at others, it’s tucked back in the woods, passing through wildlife clearings, parklands and hardwood forests. There are gentle ascents and descents, but not too much climbing.

Section 27 is anchored on either end by public access areas. Falls Lake Dam, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, provides trail access on the eastern end with a parking lot, public restrooms, water fountain and public telephone, off Falls of the Neuse Road. The trail picks up across from the restrooms near three large boulders. Follow the white blazes marking the trail.

Falls Lake is relatively narrow just above the dam so the trail has numerous water crossings. The crossings are on small foot bridges so you won’t even get your feet wet unless you just want to. This is a popular section of trail that draws many regular hikers. You understand why people keep coming back to walk the trail when you get a glimpse of the plentiful views of the lake along a number of miles of the trail.

Blue Jay Point County Park, a 236-acre recreation area on a peninsula of Falls Lake off Six Forks Road, is located near the middle of section 27. The Wake County park, which is open from 8 a.m. until sunset, offers another good public access point to the trail with parking. It’s on Pleasant Union Church Road off Six Forks Road. The park offers picnic areas, restrooms, and environmental education exhibits. No overnight camping is allowed.

On the western end of Section 27 is Shinleaf campground, part of the Falls Lake State Recreation Area. Shinleaf has 89 wooded campsites with tent pads, picnic tables and grills tucked back well away from the parking lot. If you wish to unfurl a sleeping bag and camp overnight, it’s always a good idea to call the park office (919-676-1027) to confirm your dates. The park sometimes closes during winter months in inclement weather.

For a detailed description of section 27, click on the Falls Lake Hiking Directions link below.

Resources and Links
Map of campsites at Falls Lake

Bob Steinbeiser’s map of MST at Falls Lake

Falls Lake Hiking Directions - 2011-April

Wake County/Raleigh Visitors Bureau

Volunteer Task Force Leader
Jeff Brewer jdbrewer104@gmail.com