Dockery Lake, Cedar Mountain, and Preacher’s Rock - Loop

The first part of the hike winds through switchbacks in a forest spotted with dense groves of gnarled mountain laurel and hemlocks offering views of the glassy waters of Dockery Lake. The trail has about 5 creek crossings the last of which will be the lowest elevation on the hike. – and then it's nearly all uphill until reaching the Appalachian Trail.

As the trail climbs in elevation, it spans two more creek crossings before reaching a wide creek crossing where the creek tumbles over fields of boulders crusted with lichen and green moss, forming a tiered set of small waterfalls. At one point we will veer off the trail and hike to a remote waterfall. This section of the hike will be off-trail hiking and has some VERY steep portions. After viewing the waterfall we will return to the trail and continue our ascent to the Appalachian Trail.

After we reach the Appalachian Trail, we will head south until we reach Cedar Mountain. From Cedar Mountain, we will take a side trail to Preacher's Rock, which offers splendid south-easterly views. We will plan to have lunch at Preacher's Rock while enjoying the views. After lunch we will continue south on the AT making a brief stop at another great overlook. We'll then continue south on the AT until we veer off-trail near Jacobs Knob. We'll head over Steel Trap Knob primarily on some hunter/game trails until we reach a great south facing overlook from which one can see Stone Mountain and Atlanta on clear days. We'll then have about another mile traveling both off-trail along with some unmaintained trail before we reach the Dockery Lake Trail. When we get back to Dockery Lake, we will take the loop trail around the opposite side of the lake.

The total hiking distance will be approximately 10 miles with about 2,300 feet of ascent. The off-trail and unmaintained trail portions of this hike considerably add to the difficulty, which is why it is rated a D5.

The TL's will be stopping for BBQ at a place off GA-400 after the hike, so if you do not wish to stop for dinner, then plan to carpool accordingly or drive your own vehicle.

North on GA 400 from the park and ride. When GA 400 ends at the Chevron station make a left onto US-19/GA60 until you reach Dahlonega. We will make a pit stop at the McDonalds there.  It will be on your left on US-19/GA-60 in Dahlonega.  From Dahlonega, take GA 60 north for 12 miles. Turn right at the sign for Dockery Lake on Forest Road 654 for 1 mile. Pass through the campground, then stay right to reach the day-use parking area. The Dockery Lake Trail starts on the right side of the parking area.