MST: Little Lick Creek Bridge to Falls Lake Dam (Seg 10)

Last year my college roommate Cameron and I day-hiked the first half of Segment 10 of the Mountains to Sea Trail. This year we met again and were able to complete the entire segment from Little Lick Creek Bridge to Falls Lake Dam. Over 3 days we explored 45 miles while reminiscing and catching up. The trail is an ideal venue for conversation – time flew by and before we knew it, we had completed Segment 10 !

This portion of Segment 10 skirts the southern “fingers” of Falls Lake. Falls lake is over 12,000 acres and is the reservoir that serves the Raleigh, Durham area. The lake gets its name from the Falls of Neuse. Ironically, these Falls were submerged when they created the Lake around 1981. There are also many “ghost” roads which were once well traveled that now disappear under the water.

The sites along the trail serve as reminders that life was different here before the lake was created. It is encouraging to see how well this area is preserved, as plants and wildlife seem to thrive.

While the trail meanders around the edge of the lake, it is not always close to the shoreline. However, there are plenty of access points for lunch breaks and no matter where you decide to rest, the serenity of the lake is mesmerizing.

Segment 10 of the Mountains to Sea Trail is the result of an excellent team of volunteers. This is one of the more active groups in the MST, and as you walk this area you see the result of their hard work and dedication. Everything is well maintained, clearly blazed and free of litter. Thank you ! !

Being close to several major cities allows for many different access points in Segment 10. There are a few very short sections that cross some roads or bridges, but there is plenty of walking area beside the road and a quick trek to next patch of woods.

About 3 miles of the MST goes through Blue Jay Point County Park. Blue Jay Point is over 230 acres offering recreational areas, fishing, hiking trails and is home to the Blue Jay Center for Environmental Education with hands’ on exhibits, events and education on local conservation.

While we were here, we were able to observe many white tailed deer. Just after we passed the MST sign above, a barred owl swooped by and posed just long enough for Cameron to take a photo. By the way, Cameron is an excellent photographer and you can see more of his work on his Instagram page @cameronhfowler

We finished just below the Falls Lake Dam and were able to watch many herons as they were gorging themselves on the ample supply of fish. This was my second time visiting this spot (previous 40 Day Hike # 23) and each time I have witnessed fishermen bringing in numerous fish.

On the last day my son, Noah, and Cameron’s son, Trevor, were able to join us. If you are familiar with my blog, you know I do a lot of solitary hikes. However, these 3 days were a special treat to be able to spend quality time outdoors in great conversation.

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