Visiting Lula Lake's Core Preserve

Lula Lake is only open to the general public on the first and last weekends of each month during our Public Access Dates, or as we call them Open Gate Days. Reservations are required to visit.

Saturday hours are 9:00am - 5:00pm.
Sunday hours are 12:00pm to 5:00pm.
Entrance gates close at 3:30pm.
Special dates and times will vary.
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There is a $15.00 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. Reservations are rain or shine. Cancellation and refund can occur anytime up to 48 hours in advance.  A wait list has been established in the event that cancellations take place. Please read our FAQs below to learn more.
Reservations can NOT be made my phone.
ONLINE ONLY.
​Upcoming dates:
Saturday, August 29 SOLD OUT
Sunday, August 30 SOLD OUT
Saturday, September 5 SOLD OUT
Sunday, September 6
​Saturday, September 26
​Sunday, September 27
Saturday, October 3
​Sunday, October 4
Saturday, October 31
​Sunday, November 1
More Dates TBA

Public Access Dates Sponsored By:

Lula Lake's Annual Pass for Open Gate Days

This is your all access pass to Lula Lake's Open Gate Days! Your contribution allows you to visit during Open Gate Days without making a reservation. It's simple and easy: order your pass, receive it in the mail, plan your visit using our public access dates, arrive on any of those dates, and show our check-in staff your pass!

Valid for Open Gate Days (public access dates) only. Pass is active once received in the mail, and it is valid for 12 full months.
Click here for the Lula Lake Core Preserve Map

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Plan Your Hiking Adventure:
  • The Core Preserve is located at 5000 Lula Lake Road, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750.
  • Be prepared for a hike. From the parking lot to the falls and back is roughly 3.2 miles and takes 2-3 hours. This is our "easiest" hike.
  • Wearing the proper shoes for a hike will make a world of difference.
  • Bring plenty of water. We recommend 2 liters.
  • If you're planning a long adventure, bring snacks. Be sure to collect your trash. Pack it in, pack it out.
  • Bug repellant and sunscreen area also good ideas to make your hike more enjoyable.
  • Check the weather forecast and bring a rain jacket if needed.
  • Keep a check on the time. You'll need to be back to the parking area by 5:00 PM ET.
Suggested Hiking Routes:​​
  • The Classic Loop (3.5 Miles) – MODERATE
    From the parking lot, hike down the gravel road for 0.5 miles until you reach the meadow. Cross the foot bridge and take a left onto Middle Trail. Hike Middle Trail for 1.1 miles to the top of the Bluff. Here you will have a great view of Chattanooga Valley. Head North on Bluff Trail until you reach the Gravel Road. Head North again and hike to Lula Falls Trail. If you find yourself at this point and it is 3:30 or later, please do not hike to the bottom of the falls, you will not have enough time to enjoy the bottom of the falls before closing. Lula Falls Trail will take you to the bottom of Lula Falls. If you want to get a workout you can take the Old Falls Trail back up to the Gravel Road or the friendly option of retracing your steps back up the Lula Falls Trail to the Gravel Road. From the Gravel Road you will hike South for 0.75 miles passing Lula Lake and the Exit Rd back to your vehicle.
  • Adventure Loop (6.1 miles) – MODERATE
    From the parking lot, hike down the gravel road for 0.5 miles until you reach the meadow. Cross the foot bridge and take a right on South Creek, straight on Homestead, right on Turkey, left on Bluff, Straight on High Adventure, right on Gravel Road, left on Lula Falls, left on Old Falls, right on Gravel Road, left on Connector, right on North Creek, right on Ford, left on Gravel Road. What to expect: The same views as the Classic but add a bit more adventure.
  • Mountain Bike Loop (8.7 Miles) – ADVANCED
    Head North on the Gravel Road, right on Bluff, right on Turkey, right on Jedi, left on Middle, left on Turkey, right on Homestead, straight on South Creek, left on Middle, left on Ford, right on North Creek, right on Connector, left on Middle, left on Bluff, left on Gravel Road. What to expect: This is a tough route that combines long climbs, technical rock gardens, and fast singletrack.
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Don't just visit... make a difference!
Did you know that Lula Lake is preserved through donations from generous supporters? These Heroes on Conservation are responsible for preserving the natural beauty that will take your breath away during your visit.  Through support of donations, we have helped protect 12,000 acres for going on 26 years. Find out how you can make a difference by visiting our webpage here or emailing our Director of Development, Matthew, at matthew@lulalake.org.
Enhance your hiking experience! 
Download the iNaturalist app before your visit to enhance your hiking experience. With this app, you can ID any plant, animal, or fungi you find along your hiking journey at Lula Lake's Core Preserve! Perfect for educating children, friends, or even yourself while you enjoy the beauty of our Core Preserve.
Quick Facts
  • 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.
  • Reservations are required, and they are rain or shine
  • There is a $15.00 Conservation Use Fee per reservation
  • Cancellation and refund can occur anytime up to 48 hours in advance
  • ONE reservation equals ONE parking space - no buses, passenger vans, extra-large vehicles. 
  • 100% of the proceeds go back into the preservation of Lula Lake.
  • Lula Lake's Core Preserve is located at 5000 Lula Lake Road, Lookout Mountain Georgia
  • Non-profit groups may call our office to arrange a visit at 706-820-0520.
  • All visitors must check in at the kiosk before hiking
  • All visitors are expected to be leaving the property no later than 5:00pm
  • 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 3.2 miles, round trip
  • ​Picnicking is allowed in three primary areas; near the footbridge in the meadow area, at the lake, and on the bluff - grills are available.
  • Dogs are welcome on a leash, but 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 4:00p.m. - you will not make the 5:00p.m. closing time.
  • There is no parking on Lula Lake Road at any time - citations will be issued.
  • There is a $15.00 Conservation Use Fee charged per reservation. This money is used to fund property restoration.
  • Cloudland Connector Trail users may not pass through Lula Lake en route to the Nickajack Trailhead ​at any time.
  • Pack out what you pack in. There are very limited trash facilities. Thanks for keeping Lula Lake clean!
  • Release of Liability. The person who makes the reservation is signing a release on behalf of all visitors who arrive in his/her vehicle.

FAQs
Do I really need a reservation?
  • ​Absolutely. No reservation, no admittance.

I'm on the waitlist, but what are the chances I'll get a spot?
  • We allow refunds up to 48 hours in advance. Once a ticket is refunded when we're sold out, each person on the waitlist will receive an email notification. 

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.

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.
 
Can I swim in Lula Lake?
  • No, we do not allow swimming in Lula Lake. You're more than welcome to wade in the creek and get in the water at the base of Lula Falls.

Can I bring my dog?
  • Absolutely! As long as your dog is leashed and you clean up after it, your dog is allowed into Lula Lake's Core Preserve.

Can I bring my mountain bike to Open Gate Day?
  • Yes.

Is there water on site to refill my water bottle?
  • No.

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 this web page.
 
What about those cool stickers?
  • Lula Lake stickers are available for a $1.00 donation at check in.
 
Is there a policy on Photography or Drones?
  • Yes. Take beautiful pictures but leave only footprints. Wedding photography can be arranged through one of our preferred vendors please see the list here: https://www.lulalake.org/photography-at-lula-lake.html. Drones are not allowed during Open Gate Days out of respect for other visitors.
 
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 706-483-2628

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.
 

Behind the Waterfall

Lula Lake Land Trust was established by the will of Mr. Robert Davenport, Sr. at his death in 1994. Since then, his children Bobby, Elliott, Eleanor and Adelaide along  with the Board of Trustees, local foundations and staff have helped to conserve over 8,000 acres on Lookout Mountain, doubled the size of Cloudland Canyon State Park, built nearly 60 miles of recreational trails spanning private, conservation, and state owned lands. Our fee owned properties are research sites for  UTC, UGA, and the State of Georgia Forestry Division as we seek to reintroduce the American Chestnut Tree while attempting to fight the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid with both chemical and biologic agents. We are in continuous pursuit of additional properties to protect and conserve within the Rock Creek and Bear Creek watersheds on Lookout Mountain. We seek to become outstanding stewards of conservation lands surrounding Chattanooga, Tennessee along with our 6 other land trust partners in the region.  

Contact Us


Lula Lake Land Trust
PO Box 395 
Lookout Mtn, TN 37350
​706-820-0520
​info@lulalake.org