Nuclear Lake Loop

Nuclear Lake. Yes, that's really its name. And yes, it was actually a nuclear research facility in the 1950s and 60s. The United Nuclear Corporation ran a lab here studying plutonium fuel rods until an explosion in 1972 forced them to shut down. They cleaned the site, the government declared it safe, and now it's a stop on the Appalachian Trail with a gorgeous lake that almost nobody swims in. The name alone keeps most people away, which honestly makes it better for hiking.

We parked on West Dover Road where the AT crosses and headed east toward the lake. The trail climbs gently through hardwood forest for about a mile before you catch your first glimpse of the water through the trees. The lake is surprisingly beautiful - clear water, rocky shores, surrounded by forest on all sides with no development visible. If you didn't know the history, you'd think it was a pristine wilderness lake.

The full loop goes around the lake and connects back via the AT. The western side of the lake has some rocky sections and minor elevation changes. The eastern side is flatter and closer to the water. We went counterclockwise and liked the flow - you get the climbing done first and then cruise along the lakeside on the way back.

The lake itself is the star. There are several spots where the trail comes right to the water's edge with views across to the far shore. We found a flat rock jutting into the lake about halfway around and stopped for lunch. Complete silence except for birds and the occasional fish hitting the surface. Nobody else was there.

Here's the thing - despite the name, the site has been extensively tested and declared safe by the EPA. The radiation levels are at normal background levels. You're not going to grow a third arm. But the history adds this fascinating layer to the hike. You're walking through what was once a top-secret nuclear research facility, and now nature has completely reclaimed it. There's something poetic about that.

The trail is moderate due to some rocky, uneven footing and a few short climbs, but nothing strenuous. The total loop with the approach from West Dover Road is about 5 miles. We did it in about 2.5 hours with a nice long lunch break by the water.

This is one of our favorite "tell people about it and watch their reaction" hikes. The name gets everyone's attention, the history is fascinating, and the actual hiking is genuinely beautiful. It's the full package.