Situated on the shores of Walter F. George Lake, a 48,000-acre reservoir straddling the Alabama-Georgia state line, Bagby State Park offers tranquility via several different modes of exploration (not to mention an 18-hole golf course). After renting a canoe from the park, shove off from the marina and paddle south-southwest along the shores of the park. Bird watchers, fishermen, and wildlife lovers alike will delight on the paddling stretch of this trip, which passes isolated beaches, sunken islands, and possibly even a gator or two.
After approximately 1.3 miles of paddling, run your canoe aground on the beach near the park lodge and hike inland to the Chattahoochee Trailhead. From here, you’ll start an easy-going 1.7-mile lollipop loop through hardwood forest lined with picnic sites. Take your time on the paddle back to the marina, and consider using out one of Bagby’s secluded beaches for a tranquil lunch spot.
-Mapped by Christopher Harper

Trail Facts

• Distance: 7.8

Waypoints

BAG001

Location: 31.6699352, -85.0556183

Launch your canoe (your own or one of the rentals available from the park) from the marina by the boat docks. Paddle along the shore as it bends to the south.

BAG002

Location: 31.6677036, -85.060112

Paddle right by the first protruding landpoint and keep an eye out for local wildlife, including gators. Continue past this point paralleling the shore, but veer a bit further out to bisect the next point further southwest and the floating trees out in the water.

BAG003

Location: 31.6658459, -85.062912

At the next protruding point, look for a small secluded beach, a nice place for a lunch break on the return trip. Continue paddling south.

BAG004

Location: 31.6627693, -85.0618134

Around the next bend, you will notice a second, more secluded beach. Continue paddling parallel to the shore.

BAG005

Location: 31.6572781, -85.0604935

After rounding the next point, swing your canoe east into shore towards a sandy beach, and walk a little over 0.1 mile to the Chattahoochee Trailhead.

BAG006

Location: 31.6576214, -85.0578079

Chattahoochee Trailhead: Proceed east-northeast on the trail.

BAG007

Location: 31.6611061, -85.0562744

Continue straight @ 3-way junction, heading west-northwest on the trail.

BAG008

Location: 31.6615275, -85.0571501

Bear right @ Y-junction, continuing north on the trail.

BAG009

Location: 31.6624336, -85.0570068

At marker 19, bear right @ Y-junction, passing a giant water oak.

BAG010

Location: 31.6653767, -85.0582733

Bear left @ Y-junction as the trail continues a gradual loop heading west-southwest back towards the water oak. At Waypoint 9, backtrack to the canoe and paddle back to the marina.

Trailhead Marina

Location: 31.669838, -85.0556412

The launching point for this paddle-hike. © Christopher Harper

To the Point

Location: 31.6676521, -85.0600891

Explore this protruding point for local wildlife, but do your best not to disturb any gators you may see. © Christopher Harper

Floating Trees

Location: 31.6672896, -85.0631475

As you round the first point, look off to the right (north-northwest) for a grove of trees that seem to be growing from a submerged island. © Christopher Harper

All Ashore

Location: 31.6574306, -85.0603943

Transitioning from sea to trail. © Christopher Harper

Into the Shade

Location: 31.6576843, -85.0577469

Entering a beautiful forest of hardwood and pine. © Christopher Harper