Visiting Lula Lake Land Trust's Core Preserve
Lula Lake's Core Preserve located at 5000 Lula Lake Road, Lookout Mountain Georgia. Lula Lake is open to the general public on the first and last Saturdays of each month from December through April and first and last weekends from May through November. Saturday hours are 9:00am - 5:00pm and Sundays (in season) from 12:00pm to 5:00pm. Entrance gates close at 3:30pm.
We have a limited number of Lula Lake Annual Passes available for purchase. These passes allow you to visit on our Open Gate Days without making a reservation... and you get priority parking!
Email us at info@lulalake.org to find out how you can purchase one.
Email us at info@lulalake.org to find out how you can purchase one.
Reservations are rain or shine. Cancellation and refund can occur anytime up to 48 hours in advance. There is a $15.00 Conservation Use Fee per reservation. ONE reservation equals ONE parking space - no buses, passenger vans, extra-large vehicles. 100% of all proceeds go back into the preservation of Lula Lake.
A wait list has been established in the event that cancellations take place. Please read our FAQs below to learn more.
Reservations are booked in advance on a first come basis. Reservations are rain or shine. Cancellation and refund can occur anytime up to 48 hours in advance. There is a $15.00 per car "conservation use fee". 100% of the proceeds go back into the preservation of Lula Lake. We cannot accept large vehicles or buses. Non-profit groups may call our office to arrange a visit at 706-820-0520.
A list of available reservation dates is available by clicking here.
Saturday Schedule:
Check in anytime between 9:00am - 3:30pm. All visitors must exit the property by 5:00pm
Groups must call our office in advance.
Sunday Schedule (May - November):
Check in anytime between 12:00pm - 3:30pm. All visitors must exit the property by 5:00pm
Groups must call our office in advance.
Quick Facts on Open Gate Day:
FAQs
What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from Lula Lake?
Is there Handicap Parking?
What can we bring with us?
How can I contact the Lula Lake Land Trust with any questions?
What's the refund policy?
Are trail maps available for purchase?
What about those cool stickers?
What's with the new reservation system and all the rules?
Is there a policy on Photography or Drones?
In case of emergencies while on property:
A wait list has been established in the event that cancellations take place. Please read our FAQs below to learn more.
Reservations are booked in advance on a first come basis. Reservations are rain or shine. Cancellation and refund can occur anytime up to 48 hours in advance. There is a $15.00 per car "conservation use fee". 100% of the proceeds go back into the preservation of Lula Lake. We cannot accept large vehicles or buses. Non-profit groups may call our office to arrange a visit at 706-820-0520.
A list of available reservation dates is available by clicking here.
Saturday Schedule:
Check in anytime between 9:00am - 3:30pm. All visitors must exit the property by 5:00pm
Groups must call our office in advance.
Sunday Schedule (May - November):
Check in anytime between 12:00pm - 3:30pm. All visitors must exit the property by 5:00pm
Groups must call our office in advance.
Quick Facts on Open Gate Day:
- 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.
- Be prepared.
- 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 OGD and 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
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.
- Option 2 is to purchase an annual parking pass for $75.00 in advance or +$60 day-of. Annual passes are valid only on Open Gate Days and are non-transferable. There is a limited space, Annual Pass, parking area near the maintenance shed with no restrictions on the amount of time spent on the property during open gate days.
- 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.
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
What about those cool stickers?
- Lula Lake stickers are available for a $1.00 donation at check in.
What's with the new reservation system and all the rules?
- Lula Lake Land Trust's core preserve has seen an explosive growth in popularity and visitor demand. It took a very long time and a great deal of money to preserve and protect the property. With this new system we are trying to balance demand AND protect the property from over use. Parking space is not the issue. We try to keep crowd sizes manageable so that each visitor has a great experience. Smaller crowd sizes equal less impact to the property. We are sorry for any inconvenience.
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
