The Development Authority of Lumpkin County and Yahoola Outdoors hosted a ribbon cutting event officially opening a new section of trail at the Yahoola Creek Reservoir in celebration of National Trails Day on Saturday, June 4.
Over the course of 26 workdays, 35 volunteers completed a total of 425 hours of service to construct approximately 1,000 feet of new trail at the Yahoola Creek Reservoir known as Holly Ridge.
The new section of trail is located right before the one mile marker on the existing trail from the boat ramp entrance.
“I encourage folks to come and experience the Holly Ridge section,” said Yahoola Outdoor President Tom Lamb. “This new trail was built using best trail building techniques for sustainability and to make sure users have a great experience.”
Yahoola Outdoors, Lumpkin County Government, and the Development Authority of Lumpkin County entered into a partnership in 2021 in order to have Yahoola Outdoors assist with trail improvements at the Yahoola Creek Reservoir.
This partnership was created as a part of the Yahoola Creek Reservoir Master Plan that was adopted by the Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners in 2021 and identified updates to the existing trail system as a top priority.
“We are appreciative of Yahoola Outdoors’ leadership and expertise on this project,” said Development Authority of Lumpkin County Executive Director Rebecca Mincey. “The reservoir property is such a strong recreational amenity for the citizens and visitors of Lumpkin County, and I look forward to working with Tom and community volunteers on additional trail projects in the future.”
As a continuation of the Yahoola Creek Reservoir Master Plan implementation, Lumpkin County Government and the Development Authority of Lumpkin County submitted a Georgia Department of Natural Resources Recreational Trail Program grant application to construct an additional two miles of pedestrian trails at the Yahoola Creek Reservoir.
If awarded for funding, the project will begin in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Individuals interested in registering for a work day should sign up in advance through the online portal, http://yahoola.org/zwerner.html.
To review the entire Yahoola Creek Reservoir Master Plan visit, https://picklumpkincounty.org/reservoir-master-planning/.
For other general inquiries call, 706-482-2648.
