Open Gate Day

Open Gate Days are when Lula Lake's Core Preserve is open for public hiking. Reservations are required, and spaces are limited to maintain the tranquility of nature.

Reservations are segmented into arrival times. We created these arrival time segments to help with the flow of traffic, but if you would like to show up a little earlier than your designated arrival time, that is completely fine!

The gates open at 9:00am EST where you will check-in at our Core Preserve, located at 5000 Lula Lake Road, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750. The Core Preserve closes promptly at 5:00 PM ET. We do not allow anyone in past 1:00pm EST.

The person who makes the reservation is signing our Release of Liability on behalf of all visitors who arrive in his/her/their vehicle.

Reservations are rain or shine. Cancellation and refund can occur anytime up to 48-hours in advance. There is a $16.00 Conservation Use Fee per reservation.100% of all proceeds go back into the preservation of Lula Lake. ONE reservation equals ONE parking space - no buses, passenger vans, extra-large vehicles. A wait list has been established in the event that cancellations take place. Non-profit groups may call our office to arrange a visit at 706-820-0520. **Cancellations MUST be made at least 48 hours in advance.**

Guided Hikes:

Are you planning on coming to an Open Gate Day to hike around, but want a knowledgeable guide to show you the trails? Join our Open Gate Day group hikes! Led by a local expert, we will hike the “Classic Loop” where you will experience all the outstanding novelties, including the famous Lula Lake, impressive 110-foot Lula Falls, and the beautiful Bluff overlook. Learn about the history of Lula Lake Land Trust, our conservation efforts, and everything our gorgeous Core Preserve has to offer. At 4.5 miles with an elevation gain of 700ft., this hike is considered moderately difficult. Group hikes will meet at 11:00am ET and will last 3-4 hours.

*One Guided Hike Ticket includes one person's full access to Open Gate Day during operating hours. You DO NOT need to purchase an Open Gate Day entry ticket in addition to the Guided Hike ticket.

$40.00 per person. Click tickets to reserve your spot.

A minimum of 4 people are required for the group hike. If the minimum is not met, we will exchange your ticket for a regular vehicle pass.

General Information:

Plan your hiking adventure and arrive anytime during your time slot at Lula Lake Land Trust (5000 Lula Lake Road, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750). You'll be directed where to park, and you must check-in with our staff before hiking.

• All visitors should plan for a remote outdoor experience. Carry water, wear sturdy hiking shoes, pack a rain jacket, be aware of physical abilities. The easiest hike to the Lake and Falls is 4.2 miles, round trip. The typical hiking experience's most common route ("The Classic Loop") is generally a 3-hour hike, and last admittance is at 1:00 PM ET. More details, trail route suggestions, and maps are available online at www.LulaLake.org/visit.
• Picnicking is allowed in three primary areas; near the footbridge in the meadow area, at the lake, and on the bluff - grills are available. Please pack out what you pack in. There are very limited trash facilities. Thank you in advance for keeping Lula Lake clean!
• Dogs are welcome on a leash. Please pick up after your pet.
• There is no swimming in Lula Lake at any time and please refrain from swimming dogs.
• Please do not attempt to visit the base of the waterfall after 3:30PM ET - you will not make the 5:00 PM ET closing time.
• All visitors are required to be leave the Core Preserve no later than 5:00 PM ET
• In case of emergencies while on property: For serious emergencies while on property during Open Gate Day call 911. Lost on a trail or need assistance while on property during Open Gate Day, call the staff cell phone at 706-483-2628.

Lula Lake Land Trust does not discriminate nor does it allow discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, disability, gender identity, marital status, nationality, political belief, race, religious belief, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Frequently Answered Questions:

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from Lula Lake? The parking lot is just inside the south gate along Lula Lake Road. 1 Reservation equals 1 parking space, so please carpool. We cannot accept large passenger vehicles such as passenger vans, buses, motor coach. There is neither parking along Lula Lake Road nor at Rock Creek Fellowship Church - citations will be issued. Cloudland Connector Trail users may not pass through Lula Lake en route to the Nickajack Trailhead ​at any time.

Is there Handicap Parking? There is limited handicap parking close to Lula Lake and Lula Fall. It is still a short walk over uneven terrain. Lula Lake makes no claims to be handicap accessible. Please exercise good judgement and know limitations.

What can we bring with us? All visitors should plan for a remote outdoor experience. Carry water, wear sturdy hiking shoes, pack a rain jacket, use sunscreen and be aware of physical abilities. The easiest hike to the Lake and Falls is a 3.2 mile round trip. Be prepared. If you are planning a picnic, it must be packed in and out by foot or bike. If you are allergic to bees, please carry your own epipen as we do not have them on site. We do see quite a bit of yellow jackets along the trails in the warmer months.

How can I contact the Lula Lake Land Trust with any questions? Questions can be answered prior to Open Gate Days by calling 706-820-0520, 8:30am - 4:00pm, Monday through Friday. If you reach voice mail, please leave a message and we will get back to you. We do not monitor phones or social media on weekends and cannot answer specific "day of" questions.

What's the refund policy? Refunds are offered on reservations up to 48 hours prior to your scheduled visit. Please make and keep your reservations.

Are trail maps available for purchase? Trail maps are available free of charge. There are large trail maps on information kiosks throughout the preserve. There are downloadable trail maps on our website at https://www.lulalake.org/maps--directions.html

Is there a policy on Photography or Drones? Yes. Take beautiful pictures but leave only footprints. Drones are not allowed during Open Gate Days out of respect for other visitors.