Nifty Rocks

Hike Troy Horse Trail from Moccasin Creek Road to Nifty Rocks at Badin Lake Recreation Area

Primary Route: Hike up Troy Horse Trail from Moccasin Creek Road to see the Nifty Rocks outcropping
Hiking Distance: ~ 1.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Unknown
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: From the Eldorado Outpost on NC 109, head north. Follow the brown sign on the right side of the road to turn left onto FS Road 1154 toward Badin Lake Recreation Area. At Badin Lake Road, turn left. Finally, turn right onto Moccasin Creek Road (FS Road 576). Follow for two miles to where Troy Horse Trail crosses Moccasin Creek Road. There is no official parking area here, so pull off to the side of the road to access the trail. You want to take the trail on the right side of the road, headed north.

Hiking Directions: Click here for a map of the Badin Lake Recreation Area. The GPS coordinates for Nifty Rocks are 35.415104, -80.035311. Troy Horse Trail has dark green blazes. Beginning from Moccasin Creek Road, take Troy Horse Trail on the north side of the road. 0.6 miles up the road, Nifty Rocks will be on the left hand side of the trail. After taking photographs and soaking in the view, hike back down the trail to your car.