Hidden Pond Songbird Trail - Coosawattee Wildlife Management Area
Mar 17th, 2010 by Admin 1
Hidden Pond Songbird Trail
Nearest Town: Chatsworth, GA
Trailhead Location: South Parking Lot closest to entrance of Carters Lake Dam
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Marker: None
Trail Length: Less than 1 Mile
Parking Fee: None
Address/Contact Information: Reregulation Dam Recreation Area, Chatsworth, Georgia 30705 / Georgia DNR 706-295-6041
Directions: From Chatsworth, travel south on Old Hwy. 411 for about 15 miles. Turn left into the recreation area for the Carter’s Lake Reregulation Dam. Trailhead parking will be on your right directly after crossing the Coosawattee River.
From 5/515, Take 136 NW towards Carters Lake until fork (apx. 2.1 mi.). Fork right on 136 W and travel (11.2 mi.). Take a right on Old Hwy. 411 (0.7 mi.) Right into Re-regulation Dam Park.
I broke my toe a couple weeks ago and yesterday was the first time out hiking since. I revisited the Carter’s Lake area for a short hike on the Hidden Pond Songbird Trail to start back in easy. This Corps of Engineers trail is short with very little elevation change and would be good for anyone in the area looking for a quick outing or a nice short hike with the family. I could see myself killing a couple hours sitting by the pond waiting to spot some wildlife with the kids. While I was there I attempted to snap some shots of three little turtles that kept climbing up a log for some sun but seemed to scare them away every time.
There is plenty of wildlife to see in the area from the viewing areas along the banks of the pond. Blue herons, hawks, wild turkey, raccoon, opossum, white-tailed deer have all been spotted and one point or another.
Below is a shot of the dam where there is a park, picnic tables for day use which I imagine can get a little crowded during the warmer months. If your are an avid hiker looking for exercise this will not be challenging enough for you but all in all is a nice little walk in the woods. There are some longer trails in the area such as the Talking Rock Nature Trail and Big Acorn Nature Trail which you can access from the Carters Lake Visitor Center.
Looks like a great walk, with a stunning dam to cap it all off. Have to say that I don’t think I’ve ever done a walk that takes in a dam too, but a great idea.
Well, the dam wasn’t officially part of the hike but was just off the trailhead parking lot. I thought it looked cool so I took a couple shots. I also wanted to give everyone an idea of the surroundings so they knew that when they’re done hiking they have the option to kill a couple hours in the park near the dam.