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Hike Cliatt Creek Loop to Rock Dam Trail

Appling, Georgia

4.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

10 miles

Elevation Gain

200 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Matt Van Swol

A relatively easy hike with little to no elevation, Cliatt Creek Loop to Rock Dam Trail is a long beginners hike. 

Mistletoe State park encompasses 15 miles of hiking trails that lead both along Clarks Hill Lake and the river adjacent to it. Although not a necessarily strenuous hike, the 3.75-mile Cliatt Creek Nature Loop (white blaze) begins at the park’s nature center and features some amazing wildlife as it loops it way from the park entrance, to the creek, and back around the nature center with multiple wildlife observation areas along the way! 

I’ve personally viewed a large family of deer in the area, along with some gorgeous birds and tons of rabbits. If you choose not to take the full loop, cross at the river over onto the park's most famous trail: the Rock Dam Trail (blue blaze) which features a 6.25-mile hike, crossing 4 streams and climbing 200ft in elevation. This trail features the highest point of the park which is a lake view at 465 feet. You can cut the trail short by taking the Rock Dam Return Loop trail (red and blue blaze) which is around 1 mile, and cuts across the middle of the Rock Dam Trail. Hikers are usually rewarded for going the whole distance by viewing some amazing river and forest wildlife along the way. 

The entire hike is around 10 miles long, but can be cut short by either skipping Rock Dam Trail altogether and just doing Cliatt Creek Loop, or by taking the shortcut trail (Return Loop Trail). It's a fun hike for those who enjoy just seeing nature and don't want to have to worry about climbing rocks or steep hills. Enjoy!

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Features

Chillin
Photography
Hiking
Bathrooms
Beach
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Groups
Lake
River
Romantic
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife
Swimming Hole
ADA Accessible

Hike Cliatt Creek Loop to Rock Dam Trail Reviews

It definitely was a little more than your average nature walk. From what I was told in the info center, the entire trail is a little over 8 miles. Thats going from the Cliatt Creek trail (white) then venturing to the Rock Damn Trail (blue). I hit about 6.74 after coming up the same southern most path of Cliatt creek when I returned back. The trails start off simple enough and footing on some of the paths only get a little tough around the northern side of Rock Damn Trail. The trail is covered by the trees above for about 95% of the time so it’s quite cool even on a hotter day like today (high being 95 degrees). Bring snacks and plenty of water, as well as bug spray and you’ll have a great time!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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