Lake Zwerner Trail at Yahoola Reservoir, Dahlonega GA
LOCATION: Morrison Moore Pkwy Dahlonega, Georgia LENGTH: 3.16 mi TYPE: Loop around the lake RANKING: Moderate to Difficult ACCESS: 7 am - 11 pm USAGE: Moderate FEES: None MAPS: No SURFACE: Compact soil with tree roots and rock FEATURES: Beautiful view of the lake PET FRIENDLY: Yes
This trail and small picknic area is located north of downtown Dahlonega along Morrison Moore Parkway East. Yahoola Creek Reservoir provides most of the City of Dahlonega's water supply along with a great recreational area. The lake offers fishing, lake side walking trails, and picnic areas.
Lake Zwerner was named for the Zwerner family, in appreciation of their cooperation with the City of Dahlonega and Lumpkin County to make the Yahoola reservoir possible.
In order to do a full loop, you have to walk next to Highway 52 and 60. Both of these are 45 mph zones. It is easy to keep a distance from the cars, except one spot where you will need to walk on the bridge on Highway 60 to get back to the place you started.
Many people run this loop, but Mike and I are older and we needed our trekking poles for the hills and descents. It is rocky and easy to slide descending the hills. We hiked on a very hot day and appreciated the benches along the way to stop and have a snack.
DIRECTIONS: Head southwest from Dahlonega Turn right toward Alumni Drive Turn left onto Morrison Moore Parkway Travel 1.8 miles to the lake