Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites
  • Southeast Tourism

Trails at Hard Labor Creek
  • Rules of Etiquette at Hard Labor Creek.
  • Rules of Stable & Equestrian Trail Use at Hard Labor Creek.

    NATURE TRAILS:

    • BRANTLEY NATURE TRAIL
      1 mile. Rated easy to moderate ~ An easy walk characterized by mature hardwoods, this trail has reminders of the park’s origin. A prominent ravine echoes the past and the result of poor land-use practices. Much of the land which comprises Hard Labor Creek State Park was eroded cotton and corn fields and only marginally productive. Originally known as Hard Labor Creek National Recreation Demonstration Area, land stabilization was one of the first projects accomplished in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. (Download brochure)
    • BEAVERPOND NATURE TRAIL
      1 mile. Rated easy to moderate. ~ Be sure you do not miss the tulip poplar (liriodendron tulipifera L) found on the left not long on your hike. Using care, step to its base and gain a greater appreciation of its size. Another feature of importance are the wetlands. These cradles of life contain the required food, shelter, and water for organisms across the entire food chain. (Download brochure)


    EQUESTRIAN AREA & TRAILS:
    The equestrian area features trails of various lengths up to 22 miles. A gated entrance allows secured access. In addition to the trails this area includes paved parking, campsites with water and electricity, a bathroom with hot showers, and a large riding ring. A negative equine infectious anemia test must be presented prior to riding any state park trail.

    • LAKE RUTLEDGE EQUESTRIAN TRAIL
      This 14-mile trail features both mature hardwood and hardwood/pine forests. Most striking are the bottoms and the creeks that course through them. Often one feels relocated to a more mountainous setting. Short climbs of moderate difficulty are common throughout the trail. Four return loops can be used to measure a ride’s length and duration. The section of trail across Fambrough Bridge Road is used less often and offers a ride of quiet solitude. The Lake Rutledge equestrian trail is open to hikers. (See Rules of Etiquette.)
    • LAKE BRANTLEY EQUESTRIAN TRAIL
      This 8-mile trail has both pine and hardwood forests. Deep gorges and granite outcroppings are common. A rock quarry used by the Civilian Conservation Corps can be seen if you are especially observant. For a shorter ride take the gray loop and cut the distance in half. Use caution crossing Fairplay Road by dismounting. The Lake Brantley equestrian trail is open to hikers. (See Rules of Etiquette.)



    Click on the map below to download a pdf file of the trail map brochure for Hard Labor Creek State Park.
    Printed trail map brochures are also available at the park office.
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