March 14, 2023
Don Carter Loop and Terrapin Cove Trails
near Lula, GA
Despite the forecast, it turned out to be a wonderful day for a hike with cold temperatures at the start, but warming up by hike's end. The trail was dry, often softened with pine straw and without many rock and roots. It was an easy hike with short ups and downs and just a few blow-downs to climb over. Except for limited lake views, there are no special features on this trail. Nevertheless, this is a very nice park with excellent facilities and very well marked trails.
The route
6.1 mi · 614 ft climbing · 3h 59m out, 3h 25m walking · 1.8 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%
13 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (13)
A view looking east along the Chattahoochee River branch of Lake Lanier . Todays Hikers (L-R) Back: John, Mike, Mary Lu, Angela, Ken, Dave, Gary, Matt, Rich, Beth, Charles, Londa, Jane, Terry, J.J. & Jeanne; Front: Ray, Lynn, Vick, Bruce, Jack, Jenny, Squirt & Trushna. Park entrance sign. The "Gathering!" Nice trail! Interesting bridges throughout the hike, very narrow and high railing. Our first view of the lake . . . yep, a bit muddy, but this is the Chattahoochee River. Other views of the lake. Break time. Much of this hike was through lots of American Beech trees. Ray is checking out one of two large, "mother trees" of these Beech's. This Star Chickweed was one of just two wildflowers spotted today. Have you ever wondered who takes the time to set up these gnome encampments? Hey Ray, you were right. It is some type of orchid . . . a Crippled Cranefly Orchid. Photo on left seen yesterday, frequently with burgundy leaves.