Trail Length: 1.7 miles | Type of trail: Loop |
County: Murray County, GA | Our rating: E |
Features: swimming, songbirds, picnicking, fishing, family, camping, bathrooms | Your rating: |
Usage: Light | Added on: January 01, 1997 |
Last hiked: November 04, 2006 | Updated on: February 05, 2009 |
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Additional Trails Hiking trails in Murray County, GA Directions |

Initially, the trail follows an old road as it descends to lake level. As you descend a sign shows the Songbird Trail comes off to the left, but we normally continue straight ahead for a number of reasons. Hiking the trail counter-clockwise saves the songbird area for last, after we've completed the beaver dam section of the hike, which keeps hikers in the full sun. Travelling through a normal Georgia mountain forest, watch for short-leaf pine, hickory, tulip poplar and many varieties of oak and hickory.
As the trees open up on the left, the river that once flowed freely has been dammed thanks to the work of the beaver, widening it and making it more stagnant. Trees whose stumps are covered by the pond die, providing homes for both waterfowl and songbirds. Well-placed bird housing can be spotted around the perimeter of the lake and in some of the dead trees. Grasses begin to grow in the bottom, and mud, formerly carried off by the river, thickens. Water also provides a home for insects, on which the songbirds feed.
The trail narrows to a single lane bridge and crosses an unused beaver dam. After crossing turn left and continue as the trail makes an energetic climb to another left turn. Here the trail leaves the Grassy Mountain Tower Trail, which continues straight ahead. As the trail levels and begins to descend, the sound of the birds grows louder,until a nearly continuous din makes it difficult to tell each call. We have seen many species on our walks here, most notably the red-tailed hawk and a couple of spotted owls.
Walking this trail with kids in mid-to-late May should be lots of fun because the rhododendren is in bloom and the bushes cover a significant portion of the trail.
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