Big Acorn Trail

Carters Lake is a 3,200-acre reservoir located in the mountains of northwestern Georgia and is owned and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The lake was created by damming the Coosawattee River, which flows through the rugged valleys of the southern Appalachian Mountains before entering the reservoir. With a maximum depth of approximately 450 feet, Carters Lake is the deepest reservoir in the state of Georgia. Carters Dam, completed in 1977, is an impressive earthen structure that rises approximately 445 feet above the foundation and is the tallest earthen dam east of the Mississippi River. The reservoir’s long, narrow shape and undeveloped shoreline give it a more remote and natural character than many of Georgia’s larger lakes. The surrounding mountains and extensive forest provide a scenic setting for boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Several recreation areas and trails are located around the lake, giving visitors opportunities to explore both the shoreline and the surrounding Chattahoochee National Forest.

This hike on the Big Acorn Nature Trail begins behind the Carters Lake Visitors Center and is one of the shortest hiking opportunities in the recreation area, covering approximately 0.6 miles round trip. The trail starts by winding gently uphill through a mature hardwood forest before making its way around a small cove along the lake. The relatively short distance and gradual climb make this an easy walk for visitors looking for a brief introduction to the natural surroundings of Carters Lake. As the trail continues, it eventually climbs toward the Carters Lake Overlook and its adjacent parking area, where hikers can enjoy views of the reservoir and surrounding mountains. From the overlook, hikers have two options for returning to the visitors center. You can retrace your steps along the Big Acorn Nature Trail for a more traditional hiking experience, or you can follow the road back to the starting point. Although the road is less scenic, it involves significantly less elevation change and provides an easier alternative for anyone who would prefer to avoid repeating the uphill and downhill sections of the trail.