Hike Newnans Lake State Forest

Hike Newnans Lake Forest on the Lake Pithlachocco Trail
Newnans Lake State Forest is named after Newnans Lake, which lies just east of the forest. Although shallow, this 6,000-acre lake is approximately 2 miles wide and 4 miles long. The gum and bald cypress swamps extending from the lake are the most intact natural systems in the State Forest and host a variety of wading birds and other wildlife. A couple of bald eagle nests are found adjacent to these swamps. Sunnyland Creek, Lake Ridge Creek and Lake Forest Creek flow through the forest into Newnans Lake. The State Forest is one link in a chain of public lands that runs along the lakeshore and protects this beautiful and historically significant aquatic feature. Trees such as slash pine, longleaf pine, loblolly pine, bald cypress, oaks, sweetgum, red maple, southern magnolia, black gum and hickory are all found in the forest.
The hike will begin on the bike trail. We will hike to the lake where there is a dugout canoe replica and a new boardwalk that offers a sweeping view of the lake. The return trip will be on the hiking trail for a total of 4 miles.
Amenities: There are no restrooms. There is a large parking lot.