TUMBLING WATERS NATURE TRAIL
US Army Corps of Engineers
P. O. Box 96
Oakman, GA 30732-0096
(706) 334-2248
Carters Lake is a 3,200 acre reservoir located in Northwestern Georgia that is owned and managed by the U.S. Corps of Engineers. The lake is fed by the Coosawattee River and it is the deepest reservoir in the State at 450 feet. The dam that holds back the river, Carters Dam, was built in 1977 and it is the tallest earthen dam east of the Mississippi.
This hike on the Tumbling Waters Nature Trail starts at the boat ramp at Ridgeway Park and follows a trail along the northeastern edge of Carter’s Lake to a 150 foot bridge over Tails Creek. Here you can either cross the bridge and explore the northwestern side of the lake or continue for a few tenths of a mile to a platform that has outstanding views of Tails Creek. This is a short hike and it is great for children or those that are looking for an easy walk in to the wilderness. Swing through the wildlife clearing on the return trip for winter views of the lake.
- click to see to see video from this trip to Carters Lake: December 30, 2013 – The Bridge Over Tails Creek, Underneath The Bridge, The Platform Above Tails Creek, Evening Campfire & Marshmellows, That Champagne Looks Suspect (password required)
- click to see trail photos from this hike at Carters Lake: December 30, 2013 (password required)
- click to view a trip report from this walk on the Tumbling Waters Nature Trail: December 30, 2013 (password required)
- click to view maps of this hike near Ellijay, GA: area map, lake map, region map, trail map
- click to access the guidebook Hiking Georgia which has details on this destination
- click for other Georgia hiking and backpacking books
- click here to add your hike, trip report, or feedback for this destination
