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Looking for the perfect spot for hiking, walking your dog, trail running, an outing with the family, or a picture perfect picnic? Look no further - the 4 mile Day Loop along Long Hunter Lake is the spot for you!
Park at the Bakers Grove Area and take the newly wood chipped wood chip trail into the forest. Cross a small bridge, snake through a rock garden, and pass a sign indicating you are hiking the Day Loop Trail.
There will be orange and white blazes. The orange blazes are for the Day Loop and the whites blazes are for the Volunteer Trail. For more information on the Volunteer Trail check out my other adventures.
In a half mile, the trail reaches a junction. Follow the orange blazes to the left. Glimpses of the lake can now be seen as you gradually hike uphill, then back down through another rock garden with sinkholes and then leads to the water's edge.
The trail continues following close to the shore line, then will rise above to the cliffs overlooking the lake. A bench is passed in about a .5 miles and then joins the Volunteer Trail. The Volunteer Trail veers to the left (you'll spot a kiosk nearby) - stay straight on the Day Loop. In a tenth of a mile you'll pass an old mossy stone wall and a bench. In .5 miles miles you'll hit the first junction of the two trails and repeat the first leg of the trail back to the parking lot.
Note that this trail is becoming quite popular so plan ahead, as the parking lot does get full quick. You will see many day hikers, and people walking their dogs. This (and the Volunteer Trail) are excellent paths for trail running. The two trails are also great during any season - I have hiked this trail during each one. There are always great views, foliage (bright colors in the fall, Trout Lilly and cactus too!), and a great way to get some exercise - I highly recommend this area!
Leave No Trace
