The Creeks (North) - 8 miles (with an option for 6 miles)

This hike will be 8 miles in the northern section of the Creeks trail system. It's a combination of part of the Aboothlacoosta Loop, the Lake Clark Loop, and the Sandy Creek Loop. Parking will be at the Lake Clark trailhead. I have not hiked this before, but rode by the trailhead after our last hike and spoke with a mountain biker who said this trail is similar to the Indian Springs trail, but less rooty. We should have 4 creek crossings by bridge. We will keep a pace of 3.0 mph. We will pass through the parking area at the 6 mile point, so hikers who wish to do only 6 miles can stop then. The 8-milers will continue for another two miles.
Well-behaved dogs on a 6-foot leash are welcome.
Suggested items to bring: Bug repellent, water, snacks, and hiking stick/pole.
This is a bike trail, so we will always step off the trail to the right and allow bikers easy passage.
You can enter Lake Clark Road from Brownlee Road to the west, or from the Indian Springs State Park entrance to the east. Coming from Brownlee Road, there is no entrance fee. Coming through Indian Springs State Park may require a $5 entrance fee. Either way requires you to drive about a mile on a gravel road. The trailhead parking is off the road to the north. Parking is in a grassy lot with a port-a-potty on site. I will drop a pin in the map section of this post to help you locate the trailhead parking.