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Wildcat Lake and Hemlock Hill Loop

Starting in Banner Elk, the loop heads out through town to Mill Pond, where calm water and a pleasant valley setting introduce the walk before the route turns toward the grounds of Lees-McRae College.

From there, the itinerary continues across the college area and down to Wildcat Lake, a scenic lakeside section framed by wooded slopes and open views that gives the outing one of its most relaxing highlights.

The final part climbs and circles around Hemlock Hill through forested trails and hillside terrain, then returns toward Banner Elk to complete a varied loop combining village streets, campus paths, lake scenery and quiet woodland.

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  • Distance: 4.7 mi
  • Elevation gain: 209 m
  • Maximum elevation: 1,180 m
  • Elevation loss: 212 m
  • Minimum elevation: 1,108 m
  • Moving time: 1 h 47 m
  • Moving speed: 2.6 mph
  • Maximum speed: 4.1 mph
  • Total time: 2 h 9 m
  • Global speed: 2.2 mph

Interactive trail map

Trail profile

  • Distance: 4.7 mi
  • Elevation gain: 209 m
  • Maximum elevation: 1,180 m
  • Elevation loss: 212 m
  • Minimum elevation: 1,108 m
  • Moving time: 1 h 47 m
  • Moving speed: 2.6 mph
  • Maximum speed: 4.1 mph
  • Total time: 2 h 9 m
  • Global speed: 2.2 mph

About this trail

Gear up for your next adventure:

📷Outdoor Action Cameras - Cameras designed for hiking and adventure
👟Women's Trail Running Shoes - Agile footwear for fell running and technical trails
🥄Titanium Camping Sporks - The ultimate lightweight utensil for trail meals
👖Convertible Hiking Trousers - Versatile zip-off pants for changing mountain weather conditions
👟Heavy Duty Boot Laces - Always carry a spare for your hiking footwear

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