Adventure Out

Lake Trahlyta

Three Lake Loop Trail Challenge

by Peter McIntosh

This 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

of this small but very pretty cascade. It’s well worth a side trip.

Now we get back on the road and head over to Unicoi State Park a nice and easy stroll on the Unicoi Lake Trail. This is a 2.5 mile loop trail that follows the shoreline around the beautiful 53 acre lake in Unicoi State Park near the alpine village of Helen. This trail is mostly level with a few small hills thrown in for good measure. In case you were wondering, Unicoi is a Cherokee word meaning Unicoi Lake

Unicoi Floating Bridge

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Adventure Out – Three Lake Loop Trail Challenge

Black Rock Lake

hazy or fog draped, and I think these mountains are especially stunning when there is some fog clinging to the ridges. And there are lots of fishing/photography docks along this pathway giving you various perspectives of the lake. Two down, one to go! Our final trail in the lake loop challenge is the .85 mile trail circling Black Rock Lake in Black Rock Mountain State Park. This trail starts out at a fishing/observation platform, then takes you around the lake, over the lake on a small footbridge, then around crossing over two noisy streams feeding the lake, Greasy Creek and Taylor Creek. There are lots of benches along the way should you want to take a well deserved break as well as some picnic areas with charcoal grills. Three lakes, three loops, a great way to spend the day. Happy hiking! I’m not here to sing a tune but here’s my poem fore the month of June: With summer just beginning I suggest you avail, Three beautiful and invigorating lakeside trails. So no sitting around and acting all poopy, Let’s head to the lakes and get a little loopy!

Getting there: From Hwy 76 W. in Blairsville, go south on Hwy 129 about 11 miles to Vogle State Park on the right. Follow the maps or use your GPS to take you to Unicoi and Black Rock. And while I always suggest getting and annual state park pass, a $5 one day pass will work at all three parks.

For more information: http://www.gastateparks.org/Vogel 706-745-2628 www.gastateparks.org/unicoi 706-878-2201 https://gastateparks.org/BlackRockMountain 706-746-2141