Beaver Pond Trail (5.38 Miles)
Beaver Pond Trail is a multi-use loop open to hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders. It’s a wide, easy trail, great for hiking, walking, or even trail running.

I hiked it clockwise, which meant turning left at the start. About 1.5–2 miles in, you begin to see views of the lake. The trees keep the trail nicely shaded, which makes it comfortable even in the warmer hours of the day.

A few notes for dog owners: there’s a sign at the trailhead reminding visitors to keep dogs leashed because of possible wildlife encounters and horses on the trail. Unless your dogs are well-trained around horses, it’s something to be mindful of.

Because I visited in September, the trail wasn’t busy, just five people and four horseback riders the entire loop. I imagine it’s much more popular in spring and summer. If you enjoy solitude, off-season hiking is a great choice here.

The trail itself is easygoing: no real technical sections, very little elevation change, and just enough variety between woods and lake views to keep it interesting. One funny moment, I heard a loud noise I thought might be a bear, but it turned out to be a boat engine on the water.

The only real downside is that horses do leave their “mark” on the trail. Not the end of the world, but worth noting.

Panhandle Trail (Gravel + Loops)
The Panhandle Trail starts near the Crossing Campground. Walking from the main campground adds about 45 minutes, but you can weave in and out of the Panhandle sections instead of sticking to the road, which is easier on the knees.

The main trail is wide, flat, and gravel, not very exciting, but very easy. Perfect for walking or running, though it lacks big views. If you follow it all the way, you’ll end up at Box Island Overlook.

What kept things interesting for me were the side loops. They add mileage and bring more variety to the hike, with softer ground and sections that feel closer to the water. These loops made the return trip much more enjoyable after the straightforward gravel.

A Fun Surprise: Bigfoot
One highlight of Occoneechee’s trails is a hidden Bigfoot cutout tucked along the way. I almost mistook it for a strange shape in the woods until I realized what it was. It’s a fun touch that adds some lightheartedness to the hike. Keep your eyes open!

Trail Markings & Navigation
The trails here are well marked with colored blazes (green for Beaver Pond, red for Plantation, etc.). It’s easy to stay on track as long as you pay attention to the color system.

Final Thoughts on Hiking
If you’re looking for challenging climbs or rugged terrain, Occoneechee isn’t the place. But if you want easy to moderate trails, lake views, shaded paths, and some quirky surprises (Bigfoot!), this park delivers. It’s perfect for family hikes, running, or laid-back exploring.