The Balls Lake Trail loops around the north end of the lake, then connects with the Eagles Nest Campground, before returning to the Balls Lake Picnic Area. You can start and end this hike from either the picnic area or the campground.
Rubber boots or other waterproof footwear may be a good idea on this hike; parts of the trail are often quite wet. Watch for waterfowl on the lake, bald eagles in the trees, and terrestrial animals like black bears and black-tailed deer.