Lula Lake Outlook: Behind the Waterfall, Moonshine Trails, and More!

Beyond the Waterfall

Lula Lake Land Trust is more than just a waterfall. Since 1994, our organization has grown with leaps and bounds. We are no longer one of Chattanooga’s best kept secrets. With our Core Preserve’s 8+ miles of trails, the Cloudland Connector Trail system, and the Moonshine Trails, Lula Lake currently has many recreational opportunities available from beginners to experts—and everyone in-between. The Durham Trails are our next adventure, and they're set to open in Spring 2023.

Four years ago, we began surveying the 486-acre piece of land which was once known as the town of Durham. This newly acquired Lookout Mountain property was heavily used during the Industrial Revolution. After the mining resources were depleted, the town was abandoned and the land exhausted. Durham has slowly healed over the last century as nature worked to reclaim its identity, and now it is our duty to keep it that way.

There is more value to land other than its over-worked past. Durham’s history from the late 1800s until today is just a fraction of its story. We’ve discovered plant fossils in the leftover dumps of shale and sandstone that begins its origins of a coastal swamp forest roughly 300-million years ago. A vast array of flora and fauna—Pink Lady Slippers, wild turkeys, Pileated Woodpeckers—have been documented in this new habitat, too. We also found scenic views, natural rock features, and noteworthy terrain that only adds to the conservation landscape of Lookout Mountain. All these aspects prove the natural state of Durham’s lands are rich in significant history, biological importance, and recreational facets.

It’s our mission to preserve this ecosystem so that it may continue to flourish and tell a new story that is more than the chapter devoted to coal. Lula Lake Land Trust has been working "beyond the waterfall" to showcase the importance of Durham to our community. We have approximately 11 miles of new trails finished with a Spring 2023 grand opening. Each section was specifically designed to get people of all abilities out into nature and allows hikers to experience the wonders of Durham from 300-million years ago to today. What was once a coal mining community will now be home to new memories and, most importantly, a newfound appreciation of preserved nature because donors choose to support our organization.

With the new addition of Durham to the vast array of these trail systems connecting all the way to Cloudland Canyon State Park, mountain bikers and hikers have will always have places to explore and get outside. While our Core Preserve is only open to the public during Open Gate Day events (first and last weekend of the month) with required reservations, Lula Lake does have plenty of daily trails open. More information on these trails can be found here.

All of Lula Lake's low-impact, recreational trails are designed to get you up and moving in the outdoors (both at the the famous waterfall and beyond). There’s no better way to inspire land stewardship than by being in the heart of it all—nature.

Meet our Moonshine Trails

The Moonshine Trails, est. 2017, is owned and managed by Lula Lake Land Trust. This trail system made the final connection between Cloudland Canyon State Park and downtown Chattanooga via trail. Named for the area's history with the illicit distillation of liquor, this system is comprised of four different trails totaling over 8 miles: Chattanooga Connector Trail, Firewater, White Lightning, and Bathtub Gin. These dog-friendly trails are open to hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers.

Trail Details:
White Lightning is true to its name, offering a fast, somewhat-technical descent with flow and some narrow passages. Firewater offers riders a chance to explore, traveling over a bridge, through some creeks and rocks. Bathtub Gin is the shortest of the trails, yet is full of rock gardens, boulders and plenty of ups-and-downs with narrow turns for advanced riders. Those with less experience can avoid the section and continue through the connector trail. The 4.1 mile Chattanooga Connector Trail runs through the heart of the Moonshine Trails and is rated moderate. It connects Lula Lake Rd to Lookout Mountain Parkway. For more information about the Cloundland Connector Trail system click here. The system offers an array of trails, all connected, with completely different setups. Rocks and boulders abound throughout the trails, keeping them challenging, yet rideable, for less experienced riders but exciting for advanced riders.

Access Details:

Full details on the Moonshine Trails can be found online here.

Featured Upcoming Events

This Friday: Whiskey, Wits & Woods “pop-up” bar experience will be held on September 2, at Five Wits Brewing Company with a cultivated menu featuring three Chattanooga Whiskey cocktails inspired by the essence of Lula Lake. 100% of proceeds from these drinks will support LLLT’s conservation efforts.

Hike Bike Brew returns for part 2 with Brewtoberfest on October 22! Come join us at Lula Lake for the premier beer festival where brews meet the outdoors. Each Drinker Ticket includes beer, Stanley souvenir stein, tasty bites, axe throwing, access to beer path trail, live music from Jaguar Shark, & the wonderful feeling you get from supporting Lula Lake's conservation efforts.

The Lula Laker:Trail Blazer Race is unlike any you've ever trekked! This race is designed for trail runners with both 10K and Half Marathon courses that utilize Lula Lake's famous trail systems. The race course will be well marked and each registration includes a special race hoodie, beer & food ticket, and afterparty with live music from Jaguar Shark. 100% of proceeds go directly back into Lula Lake's trail work efforts and conservation mission.

FROM THE NEWSROOM

Spend your day in nature during our Open Gate Day! With 8+ miles of trails, bluff views, and a 120-foot waterfall... there's always an adventure to be had! Make your reservation today by clicking upcoming dates below. Spaces are limited to maintain the tranquility of nature. We also have private guided hikes available. Click here to find out more!