Within the Joyce Kilmer / Slickrock Wilderness is an on-foot and on-wheel adventure trail that you will not want to miss. The Santeetlah Bike Trail is a fairly easy and beautiful trail along the shores of Santeetlah Lake in Robbinsville, NC. From end to end, it’s a 7-miler, so the full out-and-back will rack up 15 miles of steps and will take the majority of the day to complete! This is a super popular biking trail system in Graham County, hence the name, so you’re sure to share the path with some riders.
Of course, you can choose your distance based on your schedule. This is an old logging road, so following it is no problem. The undeveloped shoreline of this lake, known for its variety of fish, only adds to the serenity of this wooded lakeshore walk. So, truly, no matter how much time you spend here, it will be lovely.
If you are getting the camping itch, this trail location is ideal for a family stay at Lake Santeetlah. Hike, swim, fish, and then sleep under the stars cradled by the Nantahala National Forest. And enjoy time in the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest which houses some of the largest trees in the region. Making magic here in the Great Smokies is just a matter of taking the time.