Fort Yargo Park -- Hike and optional picnic

Join me for a 6.2 mile hike around the 260 acre lake at beautiful Fort Yargo State Park.  We will be hiking at a moderate but steady pace on the yellow trail with occasional stops at places of interest.  The trail hugs the shoreline in many locations offering views of the lake, beach and possible wildlife. It also travels into wooded uplands for different views of plants and trees. 

The pace will be on the faster side of D2.  Not a fitness hike but not a stroll either.  The Lake Loop trail is relatively flat with little elevation gain. All Trails says 360 ft elevation gain.   You will need to be willing to keep pace with the group, faster on flat surfaces and slower on hills.

This historical park features a log fort built in 1792 by settlers for protection against Creek and Cherokee Indians. Located in Winder, GA between Atlanta and Athens, Fort Yargo offers camping, hiking, biking (leisure and mountain) and fishing experience for families.

There are bathrooms at this location.  Parking is $5 unless you have a state parking pass.

WHERE TO PARK.......We are parking in "Area B."   Go to the main entrance where the visitors center is and after you pass the booth turn right at the first stop sign.  You will see the Fort on your left...turn right at the first road after the fort.  That road will dead end.  Turn left.    You will see a sign somewhere that says Area B or Group Shelter B.  Turn there.    You should see a big parking lot.  These are the directions the park gave me as the park changed the route to get to Area B.  This is new for me.  You might want to ask the guard at the booth when you drive in how to get to Area B parking lot.  

Please allow enough time to get to the park, find the correct parking lot and use the restroom.  We will be leaving on time.    

-----Please bring your lunch.  Leave it in the car in a cooler.  After the hike we are going to grab a table on the water for a picnic.   This lunch is totally optional and not part of the AOC event.    

Street address for the park is:

210 S Broad Street
Winder GA  30680

For a zoomable map or satellite view of that spot click the rectangular blue and green "event location" icon near the top of this page.