Hard Labor Creek State Park trail map [Aug. 2013]

LEGEND
LAKE RUTLEDGE EQUESTRIAN TRAIL LEGEND: Sign Posts 1-12
Blue Trail - 14 miles Red Loop - 4.4 miles Orange Loop - 8.8 miles 1 - 15 Mile Markers
LAKE BRANTLEY EQUESTRIAN TRAIL LEGEND: Sign Posts 13-18
Green Trail - 8 miles Gray Loop - 4.4 miles (between posts 3 & 6) 1 - 7 Trail Mile Markers

SYMBOLS:
Trading Post The Creek Golf Course Equestrian Area Mountain Biking Area Restroom
Cottage

Campground Group Shelter Picnic Area Picnic Shelter Pioneer Camping Beach Boat Ramp

MOUNTAIN BIKING AREA: Orange Loop - 1 mile Red Loop - 5.25 miles Blue Loop - 3.5 miles Trail Markers
NATURE TRAIL: Brantley Nature Trail - 1 mile Beaverpond Nature Trail - 1 mile
OTHER: Paved Road Unpaved Road Creek

PARK BOUNDARY

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Knox Chapel Road
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PARK BOUNDARY

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Beaverpond

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NATURE

TRAILS

Brantley Trail

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PARK BOUNDARY

Forest Se r vice Road

Old Mill Road

Rutledge
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abor Creek
Lake Brantley

PARK BOUNDARY

1
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Fairplay

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Trail

NATURE

TRAILS

Brantley Trail

Knox Chapel Road

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PARK BOUNDARY

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Lake Rutledge

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FREE MOBILE APP DOWNLOAD

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PARK BOUNDARY
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Hard Labor Creek State Park Trail Map
Knox Chapel Road, Rutledge, GA 30663 706-557-3001 Reservations: 800-864-7275 Emergency: 911 GeorgiaStateParks.org

Hard Labor Creek State Park, located in Morgan and Walton counties, is one of the largest state parks in Georgia. The park's unusual name is derived from a bold stream that cuts an easterly course through the park and joins the Apalachee River 25 miles away. The park came into being during the Great Depression when the National Park Service acquired 44 parcels of land, joining them to form the 5,804-acre Hard Labor Creek Recreational Demonstration Area. The site's purpose was to demonstrate the reclamation of marginal farmland for recreation. The task of land stabilization, along with early facility construction, was completed by the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Work Progress Administration. Beginning in 1934, these industrious workers planted thousands of trees, built dikes and terraces, constructed roads and cleared lakebeds. In 1946, the Recreation Demonstration Area was given to the State of Georgia and became known as Hard Labor Creek State Park.
Rules for Stable Use and Equestrian Trails:
Present a negative equine infectious anemia test for each horse.
Ride only during daylight, between dawn and sunset.
Do not ride on roadways or any other area that is not clearly identified for equestrians.
Do not ride in a fast or reckless manner.
Attend horses at all times.
Ride no more than 2 abreast on trails.
Do not graze horses.
Camp only in the designated campground.
Do not ride horses into the campground.
Do not picnic in the campground.
Do not stable horses using a tie-line or temporary corral.
Do not put more than one horse in each stall.
Dogs must be leashed and attended at all times.
Only registered overnight park visitors may stable horses.
Return stall key(s) to the park office by 1 p.m. on the day of departure.
Remove soiled bedding from stall(s) prior to departing.
Do not consume alcoholic beverages in day-use areas.
No smoking in the stable area.

BRABRNANTTLLEEY TYRANIL ATURE TRAIL

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Brantley Trail - 1 mile, Compacted Soil Surface, EASY TO MODERATE

An easy walk characterized by mature hardwoods, this trail has reminders of the park's origin. A prominent ravine echoes the past and the result of poor land-use practices. Much of the land which comprises Hard Labor Creek State Park was eroded cotton and corn fields and only marginally productive. Originally known as Hard Labor Creek National Recreation Demonstration Area, land stabilization was one of the first projects accomplished in the
1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

BEABEVAVEERRPPOONDNTRADIL NATURE TRAIL

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Miles

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Beaverpond Trail - 1 mile, Compacted Soil Surface, EASY TO MODERATE

Be sure you do not miss the tulip poplar (liriodendron tulipifera L) found on the left not long on your hike. Using care, step to its base and gain a greater appreciation of its size. Another feature of importance are the wetlands. These cradles of life contain the required food, shelter, and water for organisms across the entire

food chain.

EQUESTRIAN AREA The equestrian area features trails of various lengths up to 22 miles. A gated entrance allows secured access. In addition to the trails this area includes paved parking, campsites with water and electricity, a bathroom with hot showers, and a large riding ring. A negative equine infectious anemia test must be presented prior to riding any state park trail.
LAKE RUTLEDGE EQUESTRIAN TRAIL This 14-mile trail features both mature hardwood and hardwood/pine forests. Most striking are the bottoms and the creeks that course through them. Often one feels relocated to a more mountainous setting. Short climbs of moderate difficulty are common throughout the trail. Four return loops can be used to measure a ride's length and duration. The section of trail across Fambrough Bridge Road is used less often and offers a ride of quiet solitude. The Lake Rutledge equestrian trail is open to hikers (see etiquette).
LAKE BRANTLEY EQUESTRIAN TRAIL This 8-mile trail has both pine and hardwood forests. Deep gorges and granite outcroppings are common. A rock quarry used by the Civilian Conservation Corps can be seen if you are especially observant. For a shorter ride take the gray loop and cut the distance in half. Use caution crossing Fairplay Road by dismounting. The Lake Brantley equestrian trail is open to hikers (see etiquette).

MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL AREA
There are 10 miles of mountain trails appropriate for the beginner to advanced experience level mountain biking. The Orange Loop is about 1-mile on level ground which takes the rider through an interesting area of regenerating pine forest. The Red Loop is a more challenging 5.25-mile loop that will take the rider up and down gently sloping terrain, and crosses older hardwood forest of mixed pine and hardwood stands. Along the way are lush fern covered stream bottoms, boulder formations, and cascading streams. This trail is rated more for the Intermediate/Advanced riders. The Blue Loop is the newest bike trail that is a 3.5-mile loop rated for Beginner/Intermediate riders and highlights four creekside excursions. Joining the Parking Lot and the Orange Trail to the Red and Blue Trails is the Purple Connector Trail, a .5-mile, bi-directional Beginner level trail featuring a gentle climb and ascent through a spacious hardwood stand. Riders may also enjoy seeing wildlife like deer, turkey, and possibly fox squirrels as they enjoy a day of biking.

SAFETY TIPS
Tell someone your itinerary and expected return time.
Take a map, water, snacks, first aid kit, flashlight and whistle. Three short blasts on a whistle are known as a call for help.
Do not stray from trails. If you become lost, stay in one location and wait for help. This will make it easier for rescuers to find you.
Don't count on cell phones to work in remote areas, but if they do, be able to give details about your location.
Invest in good hiking socks such as those found at sporting goods stores. Avoid blisters by carrying "moleskin" and applying it as soon as you feel hot spots on your feet.
Be prepared for unexpected rain and wind which can lead to hypothermia. Always carry quality rain gear and turn back in bad weather. If you become wet or cold, it is important to get dry and warm as quickly as possible.
Dress in layers and avoid cotton.
ETIQUETTE
Pack out all trash.
Keep dogs on a leash at all times.
Do not pick flowers, disturb wildlife or take anything off the park.
Protect the park and help prevent erosion by staying on the trails.
Give the right-of-way to equestrians. Do not make loud noises or hurried movements around horses.
TICKS
These arthropods feed on warm-blooded animals. They do not fly or jump; they come in contact with us or our pets when we walk in tall grass or brush. It is possible to contract diseases such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever or Lyme Disease if an infected tick stays attached for a long period of time. Use insect repellant and always check yourself and your pet after each hike. Ticks should be removed with tweezers. Avoid crushing the tick. Nail polish, hot matches, or kerosene will NOT make a tick let go. If you develop a fever or rash within 2 to 3 weeks after a tick bite, see your physician.
printed on recycled paper 20,000 / $1715 - August 2013