New hiking attraction in the Yates Lake area offers scenic views
After more than two years of planning, plotting and physical labor, board members of the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association last month officially opened a new 4.7-mile trail at Yates Lake near Eclectic. The trail opening ceremony honored Montgomery attorney and dedicated conservation advocate, John B. Scott.
Scott has long been a supporter of conservation and the CRATA trail system. He was instrumental in the founding and mission of Forever Wild, which purchased the property and collaborated with CRATA and Alabama Power in the trail project.
Just south of Martin Dam, the newest addition to the CRATA trail series features spectacular views of the Tallapoosa River from Kudzu Bluff. Hikers along the trail also will see Yellowstone Creek and a tulip poplar tree that is 16 feet in circumference, a focal point of the trail.
Overall a moderate trek, the trail does include two difficult sections, said CRATA trailblazer Jimmy K. Lanier.
“It’s a good climb up to Saddle Rock Mountain and another steep climb later on the trail. Instead of taking that Saddle Rock Mountain climb, people could turn at the intersection with the Lowline Railroad that takes them back to the parking lot. The Lowline trail is clearly marked. They don’t have to climb Saddle Rock Mountain, but it is rewarding,” Lanier said.
Along with the Cherokee Bluffs Dam Railroad Trail, the new John B. Scott Forever Wild Trail traverses part of a 6,000-acre area that includes the Yates Lake Wildlife Management Area. Some 30 volunteers spent more than a year blazing the trail by cutting out brush and building steps, signage and other features to assist hikers. Visitors to the trail will find rock formations, seasonal wildflowers, creeks and wildlife viewing along the path.
Hikers may park in the lot off Gold Mine Road.
There are four benches in place now on the trail, and Lanier said two more would be added soon.
In addition to hiking, the new trail offers a climbing venue on the cliffs that overlook the river along the first portion of the trail. Climbers could access the climbing routes a short distance from the parking lot. The climbers’ logo is posted approximately 800 feet along the trail and is located next to wooden steps on the right. Follow them to the cliff line. Climbers are asked to double back to the steps on the trail when leaving.
All visitors are asked to sign the register at the kiosk, and climbers are asked to write a large ‘C’ next to their names. The register helps CRATA to verify the number of people who use the trails.
For more information about the CRATA trails and climbing opportunities at the Yates Lake WMA, visit www.crata.org.
