January 14, 2025
Don Carter State Park Loop Trail
near Lula, GA
A wonderful hiking day on another cold, but sunny winter day. This hike was a combination of several smaller trails in Georgia's newest state park. Access, facilities ,and trails at this park are excellent. The trails although well marked, are a bit confusing in their directions. Having a park trail map would be helpful. since AllTrails does not show any of the trails we hiked. The trails themselves are in excellent condition. We did encounter a few sections of snow and ice on the trail today requiring a bit more careful footing. While there are few trail features along the way, the views of Lake Lanier are quite pleasant. Toward the end of the hike several deer were spotted passing through the area.
Today's Hikers: Gerald Richardson, Dave Norton, Vic Robson, Matt Henderson & Toby, Jenny Bell, Jane Brown, Allyson Aldrich, Edwin Pruitt, Angela Evans, Claudia Pardue, Ken Pardue, Sue Vaughn, Heather Wall & Toby, Mary Lu Norton & Mike Bell
The route
6.6 mi · 689 ft climbing · 3h 54m out, 3h 18m walking · 2.0 mph moving
Elevation
Hover over the profile to see the elevation and steepness. Your position will be shown on the map.
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
16 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (16)
Lake Lanier looking eastward from the trail. Today's Hikers (L-R) Back: Gerald, Dave, Vic, Matt & Toby, Jane, Allyson, Edwin, Angela, Sue, Mike & Mary Lu; Front: Jenny, Claudia, Ken & Heather with Toby Georgia's newest state park Getting started at the trailhead. Nice trails and we still have some snow on the ground. Very nice bridges throughout the park trail system. Each is numbered which is shown on a park trail map. Each trail intersection has a sign and color code matching the park trail map. Unfortunately, AllTrails doesn't show any of the trails we hike today. Our gnome friends are still here. First views of Lake Lanier. A short break on Lake Lanier Views up and down Lake Lanier from our lunch spot. The only fungus of the day. Looks like the "mother tree" for all of the numerous American Beech trees we saw today. Careful steppingfor the icy trail in this section of the park. A gnarly gall with a bit of a "face" to it. Traveling light Ken?