Lula Lake Land Trust: How to Visit North Georgia’s Best-Kept Secret
Lula Lake Land Trust features the most uniquely beautiful waterfall in Georgia, but it is only open to the public on Open Gate Days. Because of that, it can be difficult to know how to plan a visit. The good news is that you’re reading this article, which means you’ve found clear instructions for planning your visit to Lula Lake!
Hidden away in northwest Georgia and often overlooked by tourists in favor of more popular attractions in Chattanooga, Lula Lake is one of Georgia’s best-kept secrets! Below, we’ve tackled 11 commonly asked questions about Lula Lake Land Trust to help you plan your trip …
1. When Can You Visit Lula Lake Land Trust?
Lula Lake Land Trust is only open to visitors on Open Gate Days, which are typically on the first and last weekends of the month. Visitors on Open Gate Days must have a reservation to visit, so be sure to plan your trip in advance! Open Gate Days are confirmed up to two months ahead of time on the Lula Lake website.
All visitors must leave by 5 p.m. on Open Gate Days so be sure to get there early and give yourself plenty of time to explore! Visitors are discouraged from hiking down to the falls after 3:30 p.m. since that would not allow them enough time to return to the parking lot by closing time.
2. How to Get a Permit for Lula Lake Land Trust
Planning a trip to Lula Lake is absolutely worth it, but it can’t be done on a whim! You’ve got to put in the work ahead of time. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to secure a permit online. Visit Lula Lake’s registration page and sign up for the date you want to attend!
It costs $15 to book a reservation. This is not a per-person charge; $15 gets you a reservation for one parking spot (no passenger vans, busses, or other large vehicles though). All proceeds go back to Lula Lake Land Trust’s conservation work!
3. What To Do at Lula Lake Land Trust
Lula Lake Land Trust manages a nature preserve that encompasses over 850 acres and features two waterfalls, sweeping views of the Chattanooga Valley, and over 8 miles of hiking trails. Here are the top things to do on your visit!
Hike to Lula Lake
Whitewater from the first waterfall rushes into the gorgeous Lula Lake, which is surrounded on one side by high rock walls resembling a natural amphitheater. The emerald-colored waters of Lula Lake glisten in the sunlight and are clear enough to see through in shallow areas. It’s a must-see spot that is only a 1.5-mile trek from the parking lot. (For those with limited mobility, there is an even closer parking lot).
Sit at the Base of Lula Falls
Even Civil War soldiers had to stop and admire the view. A dramatic 120-foot drop sends the waters of Rock Creek into a complete free fall. Visitors can hike down to the base of the falls for a one-of-a-kind view.
Love waterfalls? So do we.
We included 12 waterfall hikes on our list of best dog-friendly hikes in North Georgia.
View the Lula Falls from Above
As you hike the segment of trail between Lula Lake and Lula Falls, look out for the side trail that will take you to the top of the 120-foot waterfall. But watch your step! It’s not for the faint of heart.
Picnic on the Bluff
After seeing Lula Falls, hike over to The Bluff for sweeping views of the Chattanooga Valley and a picnic. Picnicking is also allowed in the meadow and by the lake, but the Bluff is our personal favorite! There are grills available, too.
We recommend taking the 4.6-mile Classic Loop Trail, which will allow you to see the lake, falls, and bluff in one fell swoop. Other trail options are available as well for those who want to do even more exploring!
Attend a Special Event at Lula Lake Land Trust
Special events are opportunities to visit Lula Lake without making it to an open gate day! Lula Lake has tons of events throughout the year so check out their events calendar for 5Ks, beer festivals, and other festivities.
4. How to Get to Lula Lake Land Trust
Lula Lake is located in northwest Georgia just a 20-minute drive from Chattanooga, Tennessee! Whether you live in Atlanta, are visiting Chattanooga, or are staying in the area, just plug the address of the preserve (5000 Lula Lake Rd Lookout Mountain, GA 30750) into your directions app!
Use the south gate on Lula Lake Road to enter the preserve (pictured above). The parking lot is located just inside that gate! Keep in mind that parking is not available along the main road or at the nearby church.
5. How Far is Lula Lake from the Parking Lot?
It’s only about a 1.5-mile hike from the gravel parking lot to Lula Lake! You follow a gravel road, cross a bridge over Rock Creek and walk through a beautiful rocky passageway before arriving at Lula Lake.
Be sure to download a Lula Lake trail map before you go!
6. Can You Swim in Lula Lake?
We know it’s beautiful, but you cannot swim in Lula Lake.
The good news is that you are encouraged to get in the water at the base of Lula Falls and wade in Rock Creek.
7. Are Dogs Allowed at Lula Lake Land Trust?
Dogs are absolutely welcome at Lula Lake! We love taking our dogs to Lula. Just be sure to keep them leashed and be particular when navigating the rocky areas around Lula Falls or the dangerous drops near the Bluff.
This may be a given, but please clean up after your dog!
8. Can You Mountain Bike at Lula Lake Land Trust?
Yes, mountain biking is allowed! There’s even a whole trail named after it. For an advanced adventure, take the Mountain Bike Loop Trail.
9. Are There Bathrooms at Lula Lake Land Trust?
Yes, there are some really neat composting toilet facilities at Lula Lake. One is located near the parking lot and another is located closer to Lula Lake.
Keep in mind that there are no places to refill water, so bring plenty of it!
10. What is There to do Nearby?
Cloudland Canyon State Park
For those looking for more outdoor adventures, Georgia’s Cloudland Canyon State Park is located just 20 minutes south of Lula Lake Land Trust. The park offers 64 miles of hiking trails that explore cascading waterfalls, sandstone rock formations, and deep canyons.
After visiting, you’ll only have three more canyons to conquer to become a Georgia Canyon Climber!
Chattanooga
Chattanooga, Tennessee, is located just 20 minutes away from Lula Lake Land Trust. The drive will take you through a magical community called Fairyland, where every street is named after a fairy tale. Then, you’ll get beautiful views of Chattanooga from the mountainside road that descends Lookout Mountain and crosses the state line.
Rock City Gardens Enjoy panoramic views from Lover’s Leap, where you can see seven states at one time!
Ruby Falls Venture deep into Lookout Mountain and behold the tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public in the country!
Naughty Cat Cafe (Not a Strip Club) For a more low-key affair, we recommend making a reservation at the Naughty Cat Cafe, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee, a pastry, and hang out with up to 30 adoptable cats in an elegant lounge.
11. Who Owns Lula Lake Land Trust?
Lula Lake Land Trust is a nonprofit organization that was established by the will of Robert Davenport in 1994. According to their website, they work to preserve the lands located within the Rock Creek watershed on Lookout Mountain through conservation, education, and low-impact recreation.
A more recent conservation challenge for the organization is the impact of the wooly adelgid insect on hemlock trees. They are also working with the state of Georgia to reintroduce the American Chestnut tree, which was decimated by a fungus in the 1800s.
Through their work, Lula Lake Land Trust has helped conserve over 8,000 acres in the area, doubled the size of Cloudland Canyon State Park, and built almost 60 miles of new recreational trails!
Next Steps: Plan Your Lula Lake Land Trust Trip
Alright, you’ve got everything you need to start planning your Lula Lake Open Gate Day trip. We love action steps, so we’ve provided some below to help you get going!
- Check out the Open Gate Day schedule and identify a date to visit
- Register for an Open Gate Day and pay the $15 conservation fee
- Add it to your calendar and look forward to your day at Lula Lake Land Trust
We’ve got your packing list ready!
Check out our essential packing list of what to bring on a hike with your dog! You can download and print it to help you prepare for your next hike.
