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Georgia
Classic South Region
Mistletoe State Park
Mistletoe State Park © Barbara Lord
Spring Hike © stateparks.com
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MISTLETOE STATE PARK
MISTLETOE STATE PARK
3723 Mistletoe Road
Appling, Georgia   30802

Phone: 706-541-0321
Reservations: 800-864-7275
Located on 72,000-acre Clarks Hill Lake near Augusta, this park is known as one of the finest bass fishing spots in the nation. During the summer, guests can cool down at the beach or on miles of shaded nature trails. A wildlife observation area is available. The park has 10 fully equipped cottages on the lake, five of which are log cabins. The campground is situated on a peninsula, offering spectacular views of both sunset and sunrise over the open water. A one-room camper cabin faces the lake, offering a porch with rocking chairs, electricity, four bed platforms, a grill, picnic table and water spigot.
Swimming
1. Mistletoe State Park offers a designated swimming beach for visitors to enjoy.
2. The park's 71, 100-acre Clarks Hill Lake is perfect for open water swimming.
3. Swimming in the lake provides beautiful views of Georgia's natural scenery.
4. Life jackets are recommended when swimming due to varying depths and currents in the lake area.
5. No lifeguards are on duty; swim at your own risk policy applies here.

6. Swimming season typically runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day each year.

7. Private boats can be launched into the lake providing more remote areas suitable for experienced swimmers only.

8. Pets aren't allowed on or near public beaches but may join owners during boat-based swims away from crowds.


9. Campers have easy access to late-night dips as several campsites sit close by lakeside shores.

10. The day-use picnic shelters also provide quick access to refreshing waters after meals with family and friends.
Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. There is a mega ramp available for boat launches, ideal for those who bring their own boats. For others without personal watercrafts, the park rents out canoes and fishing boats on an hourly basis or daily rate which includes life jackets and paddles/oars as well. The 72,000-acre Clarks Hill Lake within the premises provides ample space to enjoy these activities.
Fishing
Located in Georgia, this park offers abundant fishing opportunities. Anglers can catch largemouth bass, bream and catfish from the 72,000-acre Clarks Hill Lake. Fishing tournaments are often held here due to its reputation as a top-notch spot for catching large fish.

Boat ramps provide easy access to the lake's waters while rental cottages offer comfortable accommodations near prime casting locations. For those who prefer shore fishing or don't have their own boat equipment rentals are available on-site.

The area is also home to several species of wildlife including deer and turkeys making it an excellent location not only for anglers but nature enthusiasts too!


Location
Mistletoe State Park is located near Augusta, Evans and Grovetown

Picnicking
Mistletoe State Park offers numerous picnic spots with tables and grills, some overlooking the lake. Shelters are available for rent.
Bicycling
For biking enthusiasts, the park offers 15.5 miles of trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty levels.

The Cliatt Creek Nature Trail Loop is a popular choice for cyclists with its scenic views and wildlife sightings.

However, it's important to note that this trail can be challenging due to steep inclines and rough terrains in certain sections.

Another option is the Rock Dam Trail which provides an easier ride but still showcases beautiful lake vistas along its path.

Cyclists should always wear helmets while riding on these paths as safety precautions are paramount within natural environments like this one.

It's also advised not only for your own safety but respect towards other visitors who may share these pathways too.

Remember: Always follow designated bike routes; off-trail cycling could damage delicate ecosystems or pose unexpected risks.

Lastly, ensure you have enough water supplies before setting out since there aren't many refill stations available throughout most areas here.
Trails
CLIATT CREEK NATURE TRAIL LOOP This 3.75-mile trail has a maximum grade of 25% in 200 feet. The trail is blazed white. Parking and the trailhead are across from the office next to an information kiosk. The trail soon crosses a paved road, descends to the Cliatt Creek, follows the creek and then ascends and crosses a second paved park road. It continues its upland loop back to the office. This area was originally fields of cotton, corn and tobacco grown in rotation. Now fields are replaced by pines, oaks, sweetgum and beech. Stop to enjoy the cool temperatures and beauty along Cliatt Creek.

CANYON TRAIL LOOP This 1/3-mile trail has a maximum grade of 10% in 200 feet. The trail is blazed red and white. This is a loop trail off the Cliatt Creek Trail. Begin on the Cliatt Creek Trail between the office and the nature center. Follow the Cliatt Creek Trail behind the office for 1/10 mile. Watch for the Canyon Trail Loop red and white blazes to your right. Along this loop you?ll come to a canyon caused by water run-off from poor farming practices in the 1920s. This is a good spot for a photo and to rest on benches.

OFFICE TRAIL This 1/2-mile trail has a maximum grade of 10% in 200 feet. The trail is blazed deep pink. This is a connector trail off the Beach Trail. From the Beach Trail, look for a sign designating a right turn onto the Office Trail.

BEACH TRAIL This 1.9-mile trail has a maximum grade of 20% in 200 feet. The trail is blazed yellow. It begins just southwest of the campground opposite the dump station. Here it is blazed both yellow and white because it runs with the Campground Loop Trail for ? mile. At the ? mile point, the Campground Loop Trail turns right while the Beach Trail continues straight south and then turns east to the beach. The Beach Trail provides a scenic way to access the beach. It goes through pines and hardwoods, across a bridge, then crosses a paved road and terminates at the beach.

CAMPGROUND LOOP TRAIL This 1.5-mile trail has a maximum grade of 15% in 200 feet. The trail is blazed white. The Trailhead is just southwest of the campground opposite the dump station. Here it is blazed both yellow and white because it runs with the Beach Trail for 3/4 mile. At the 3/4 mile point, the Campground Loop Trail turns right while the Beach Trail continues straight. The Campground Loop Trail crosses a paved road and continues through a stand of American holly, descends to the lake, crosses a tributary by footbridge and back up to the campground.

ROCK DAM TRAIL This 6.25-mile trail has a maximum grade of 25% in 200 feet. The trail is blazed blue. The Rock Dam Trail requires 4 stream crossings and is the park?s most challenging trail. To access this trail, start at the parking area across from the office to the left of an information kiosk. Follow the Cliatt Creek Trail across the paved road and descend to the Cliatt Creek. Now look for the Rock Dam Trailhead on your right. Follow the blue blazes across the Cliatt Creek in a counterclockwise direction. In about 1.5 miles you will come to the intersection with the Rock Dam Return Loop Trail. To return to the office, follow the Return Loop or continue on the Rock Dam Trail across the scenic Rock Dam and back to the office via the Cliatt Creek trail.

ROCK DAM RETURN LOOP TRAIL This 1-mile trail has a maximum grade of 15% in 200 feet. The trail is blazed red and blue. This is a shortcut on the Rock Dam Trail. It begins about 1.5 miles from the Rock Dam Trailhead. The Return Loop Trail is an old dirt road

COTTAGE TRAIL This 1/3-mile trail has a maximum grade of 25% in 200 feet. The trail is blazed orange. This is a spur trail to the Beach Trail. From cottages 1-5, follow the paved road toward the park exit. The Cottage Trailhead is about 1/4 mile from the cottages on your right . Look for a trail sign and orange blazes. This trail is short but descends steeply to a bridge, across a stream, and up a gentler slope to the beach trail.
Birding
The park offers excellent birding opportunities, with over 195 species recorded. Birdwatchers can spot various songbirds, waterfowl and raptors throughout the year. The diverse habitats attract a wide range of birds including warblers during migration season. There are several trails for bird watching hikes such as Beach Trail or Rock Dam trail.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
October 11 Kids fall festival by Barbara_L_
park review stars; one to five I took my granddaughter Bonnie to the kids fall festival today. We both had so much fun, would recommend this festival.
November 28 Wonderful visit by Mark & Barbara from NC
park review stars; one to five Stayed Thanksgiving night. Beautiful site on the water with wonderful facilities. Camp host helped us the next morning with a flat and saved the day for us RV newbies. Thanks Skip!
April 27 Very well maintained
park review stars; one to five
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