Fort Yargo Trail Map

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Trails at Fort Yargo
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Bird Berry Trail (yellow blazes)½ mile round-trip, easy
This short, paved trail features a birding area, nature signs, and gazebo. Originally constructed to allow physically challenged visitors to access a nature trail, it is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. A teardrop loop at the end showcases plants maintained by the Tri-County Master Gardeners, as well as a gazebo built by the local Garden Club. A birding platform near the lake’s edge allows visitors to watch for great blue heron, green heron, red wing blackbirds, Canada geese, wood thrush and occasionally white egrets. Thirty signs with text and Braille teach about native flora and fauna such as deer, rabbits, raccoons and lob-lolly pine.

Hiking Trail (orange blazes) 2.5 miles round trip, moderate 
​This hikers only trail follows the lakeside starting at the end fishing rd parking, down by a wooden bridge, or you can start near the beach parking area. Make this an out and back hike for about 2.5 miles  This trail is rather rugged compared to the groomed outer and inner loops. The roots and rocks are more like you would find on a back country trail experience. The trail does criss cross the disc golf course, so pay attention to the orange arrows and keep the lake on your left (starting at Fishing Rd.) or your right (starting at the beach area)

Mountain Bike Loop (blue blazes)13 mile loop, moderate to difficult
This popular mountain bike loop travels 13 miles around the park’s perimeter and is best suited for experienced riders.  The mostly single-track trail features intermediate climbs and downhills with views of the lake, wetlands, creeks, a power-line clearing, and wooded ridges. Portions of the trail are bumpy due to roots. Direction travels clockwise on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, and switches to counter-clockwise Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The trail is occasionally used for races and triathlons. Access this trail from the park’s nature center or Area B.
     Sections of this Trail:
  • Heart Attack Hill: This challenging section will get blood pumping as riders climb, twist, and descend a beautiful hillside above the lake.
  • Horseshoe Drop: Experienced bikers can test their skills on this horseshoe-shaped, double ten-foot drop through a drainage ditch.
  • Cemetery Hill: This steady climb leads to the Hill Family Cemetery dating back to the 1800s.
  • Deadwood Hill: This section of trail is littered with dead and dying trees due to lightning and disease. This makes for an interesting ride allowing twisting and turning through trees on the ground and those still standing.
  • Monster Mile: Advanced riders will enjoy this one-mile section with climbs, tight turns, and steep descents. 
  • 3-Step Hill: Old farming terraces make for a fun ride on the downhill and a quick, three-step climb on the uphill.

Lake Loop Trail (yellow blazes)7-mile loop, easy to moderate
This relatively flat trail travels 7 miles around the lake and is open to both foot traffic and bicycles. Bikers should yield to hikers. The trail hugs the shoreline in many locations, offering good wildlife viewing. Riders may see white-tailed deer, squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, and turtles. It also travels into wooded uplands for different views of plants and trees. Although it looks like an easy walk around the lake, the distance can be deceiving. Be prepared for three to four hours of walking if traveling the entire 7-mile loop.

 
Winder Connecting Trail (green blazes)1.2-miles one way, easy to moderate
This access point to our hiking and biking trails begins at the Barrow County Recreation Department on Second Street. Visitors can access the trail which will lead to a grocery store, shopping center and many restaurants.