Lake Trahlyta
Adventure Out
Three Lake Loop Trail Challenge
T
by Peter McIntosh
his is “The Lakes” issue of the Georgia Mountain Laurel and with that in mind our adventure this June is a three lake loop trail challenge. There are three loop trails, all circling state park lakes, all in northeast Georgia. And we get a quick waterfall visit as a bonus! The loop trails are at Vogel State Park, (Lake Trahlyta - 1 mile) Unicoi State Park, (Unicoi Lake - 2.5 miles) and Black Rock State Park (Black Rock Lake - .85 Miles) If you do all three, you will have hiked 4.35 miles total. And make that 4.5 miles if you take the recommended side trail to Trahlyta Falls at Vogel. Up first we’re heading over to Vogel State Park for a nice easy hike on the Lake Trahlyta Trail and a visit to Trahlyta Falls. The principle feature of Vogel State Park is Lake Trahlyta, (pronounced tra-leeta) named for a Cherokee woman who lived in these parts many, many years ago. To find out more about this woman, ask the nice folks at the visitor’s center. It’s a very nice visitor’s center that’s well worth visiting. (lot’s of cool stuff) Trahlyta Lake was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps back in
Trahlyta Falls the 1930’s. The park itself has a lot to offer, especially during the warmer months, and several trails of varying difficulty originate here. The trail around the lake is a one mile loop with lots of boardwalks and viewing spots as you circle the lake. Again, it’s very easy. There are interpretive markers placed along the trail describing the local flora and fauna. And there are two high points on this footpath, one being the view of the lake from the dam, which looks back at Blood Mountain in the distance. And do notice at the spillway, how the water is drawn from the lake, via a large siphon pipe that draws water from the bottom of the lake. This water is much cooler during the warmer months and makes for better trout habitat downstream. The other beauty spot is Trahlyta Falls which is just below the spillway. The falls are accessed via a well marked side trail, less than 1/4 mile in length, that descends to an observation platform at the base
Peter McIntosh is an accomplished professional photographer. His photography is displayed in collections across the country. His passion for nature and the outdoors is what fuels his column. His work is available as fine art prints. Peter offers one on one and small group instruction on camera operation and photography. To see more of Peter’s photos, or if you have a question or comment, visit Peter’s website:www.mcintoshmountains.com
24 GML - June 2021
