Lula Lake Land Trust on Lookout Mountain, straddling the Georgia-Tennessee border near Chattanooga, protects more than 4,000 acres of Cumberland Plateau gorge terrain and provides access to two dramatic waterfalls and a network of backcountry trails. The primary trailhead is accessed via Lula Lake Road off GA-189, approximately 25 minutes by car from Chattanooga. The Land Trust operates under a distinctive access policy: the property opens to the public only on the first and last weekends of each month, plus every Saturday throughout the year. Visiting on any other day is not permitted and the gate remains locked. Current dates and any special events are listed at lulalake.org. Admission and parking are free.
The main Lula Lake Loop covers approximately 5.7 miles with 900 feet of elevation change, descending from the plateau rim into Rock Creek Gorge and passing both Lula Lake and the primary Lula Falls cascade. Lula Lake is a calm plateau lake fed by Rock Creek just upstream from the gorge rim. Below the lake, the trail descends into the gorge and reaches Lula Falls—a dramatic 100-foot plunge cascade into a sandstone canyon. A separate upstream spur leads to smaller cascades above the lake where the creek enters through a series of rapids.
Trail surface varies considerably across the route. Upper plateau sections near the parking area are wide and graveled, while gorge descent sections are narrow, root-covered, and require careful footing on exposed roots and sandstone. The gorge floor is permanently shaded and cooler than the rim above; the canyon walls drip with seep springs year-round, and Rock Creek is designated a Georgia Wild and Scenic River.
Wildlife in the preserve includes black bears, white-tailed deer, box turtles, and abundant migratory birds during spring and fall migrations. Spring wildflowers bloom along the gorge from March through April; fall foliage on the plateau rim peaks in October and November. No restrooms or services are available at the trailhead.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Lookout Mountain, Walker County (Georgia/Tennessee border)
- Best season
- March–April and October–November; open first and last weekends of each month plus daily on Saturdays
What to bring
- Hiking boots (rocky trail)
- Water
- Check open dates at lulalake.org before visiting
Location
Lula Lake Land Trust, 1 Lula Lake Rd, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750
34.9271, -85.4099 View on map
Highlights
- Lula Falls—dramatic 100-ft plunge cascade into Rock Creek Gorge framed by sandstone canyon walls
- Lula Lake—a calm plateau lake fed by Rock Creek just above the gorge rim
- Rock Creek Gorge with permanently shaded canyon, dripping seep springs, and Wild and Scenic River designation
- Restricted-access Land Trust open only first and last weekends plus Saturdays—creating a quieter experience than most public parks
- Rich wildlife corridor including black bears, migratory birds, and March through April wildflowers in the gorge
Tips for visiting
- Check lulalake.org before every visit—the property is open only on first and last weekends of each month plus Saturdays; the gate is locked on all other days
- Arrive early on open Saturdays; the Lula Lake Road parking area fills by 10 AM during good-weather weekends
- March and April bring wildflowers in the gorge; October and November offer peak fall foliage on the plateau rim
- The gorge descent sections are rocky and root-covered—wear hiking boots with ankle support
- No restrooms or services are at the trailhead; use facilities in Chattanooga before making the 25-minute drive
When to visit
March and April bring wildflower blooms and high water at Lula Falls, while October and November provide vivid fall foliage on the plateau rim. The limited Saturday-and-select-weekends-only access policy makes advance planning essential regardless of season. Saturday mornings shortly after the gate opens are the best time to secure parking.
Accessibility
The upper plateau trail sections near the parking area are wide and graveled and may be passable for all-terrain wheelchairs in dry conditions. The gorge descent to Lula Falls involves narrow, rooted, and rocky terrain that is not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers. Visitors with mobility limitations can view Lula Lake from the plateau section without descending into the gorge.
Frequently asked questions
When is Lula Lake Land Trust open to visitors?
The preserve opens on the first and last weekends (Saturday and Sunday) of each month, plus every Saturday throughout the year. On all other days the gate is locked and access is not permitted. Check lulalake.org for the current schedule and any special event openings.
Is there an entrance fee?
No—admission to Lula Lake Land Trust and parking are free. The Land Trust accepts voluntary donations at the trailhead kiosk to support ongoing conservation work.
How difficult is the main Lula Lake loop?
The 5.7-mile loop with 900 feet of elevation change is rated moderate. Upper plateau sections are easy walking; gorge descent sections are rocky and require sure footing. Allow 3 to 4 hours for the full loop.
Is the preserve in Georgia or Tennessee?
The main trailhead and most of the property are in Walker County, Georgia, just south of the Tennessee state line. The preserve is most commonly accessed from Chattanooga, Tennessee, approximately 25 minutes away by car.
Are dogs allowed at Lula Lake Land Trust?
Dogs on leash are permitted on the trails at Lula Lake Land Trust. Verify the current pet policy at lulalake.org before visiting, as Land Trust rules occasionally update.