I hope your family can visit the place where Four Discovery was first inspired, a hike at Lula Lake Land Trust. It was on this hike that Kara declared, “Princesses don’t hike.” Well, they do, because on that hike, she was in a princess dress and Crocs, discovering something new every step of the way. That led to us to having conversations and dreaming about something that would encourage discovery. This inspiration became Four Discovery. Go ahead and make reservations to hike at Lula Lake this summer or a weekend this Fall as the leaves change.
From their website,
“Lula Lake Land Trust (LLLT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established by the will of Robert M. Davenport in January of 1994. Dedicated to the preservation of lands located within the Rock Creek watershed on Lookout Mountain, the mission of LLLT is to preserve the natural and historic landscapes surrounding Rock Creek and its tributaries through conservation, education, and low-impact recreation.”
Upon arrival, this became one of my favorite places for its beauty to its purpose, and I know your family will enjoy the opportunity to discover and seek awe. Just under 2 hours from metro-Atlanta, this is an easy day trip for locals or if you’re in town visiting. This is a must visit!
What you might need on your visit:
- Pack a picnic. There are picnic tables along the trail.
- You might get a little damp, so bring some clothes that can withstand a little water.
There are so many options for hiking on the land trust. Check out the maps. We did the easiest trail, creatively called, “The Out and Back.” It’s 4.2 miles total of mostly easy hiking for even the littlest of legs like our 4-year old Kara and or myself, as I carried our chunk, Amos. This trail is a gravel bed that follows the Rock Creek. At about the 1.5 mile mark, you arrive at Lula Lake. Just before you arrive to the lake, be sure to stop and pick some muscadines if you visit in early Fall. Stop here and take in the beauty of the lake, the Hemlocks, and all the flora and fauna surrounding you. This is also the perfect place to stop for that picnic you packed. After you pack up or throw away your trash, take a few more steps to arrive at the overlook for the Waterfall. It’s a beautiful setting.
Your family could turn around here, but at the same time the adventure could continue. And when the adventure could continue it should. From the overlook, head about 0.1 mile, bypassing other trailheads, to the Lula Falls Trail. This will take you to the base of the falls. It’s a more challenging trail as you depart the gravel road, but your family can navigate the rocks and the steep grade.
The Waterfall
Enjoy the experience at the base of the falls, as the water pours over and the mist sprays. I bet it feels great on a hot, summer day, but be careful on the slick rocks. When you’re ready to head home, take the steps out of the base falls and head back up the gravel road the same way you came in, hence the name “The Out and Back.”
Be sure to stop and pick some muscadines for the road, if you visit this Fall.
