Elijah Clark State Park is located on the border of Georgia and South Carolina, along the shore of Clarks Hill Lake and the Savannah River. Visitors can boat, fish, swim, camp, hike, picnic, and play mini golf or corn hole. The park was named for a Georgia war hero who led pioneers during the Revolutionary War.
3-Mile Trail
As its name implies, this trail is a 3-mile loop trail. It is a relatively easy dirt path that wanders the edge of Clarks Hill Lake. There are roots and uneven terrain so watch your step.
Starting from across the mini golf course, head into the pine and hardwood forest near the Hornet’s Nest amphitheater. Yellow painted blazes mark the path.
Periodically hikers will pass small information signs about the area’s flora and fauna.
Visitors will cross a few wooden bridges over creeks and streams.
Where the trail splits for the loop, you have the choice to go clockwise or counterclockwise. We turned clockwise (left) which follows the lakeshore.
There are several overlooks of the lake throughout the route. Some have small wooden benches to take in the landscape. A round, elevated observation deck is located near the far end of the loop.
When we visited in December, the water was a beautiful mix of blues and greens.
You can make your way to a short sandy shoreline.
At the loop’s turnaround point, you walk parallel to Highway 378 before turning back to the split point.
The trail was so calm, and we didn’t run into any other hikers. Elijah Clark is also dear to me since it was my first opportunity to see a yellow-bellied sapsucker!
Three of us went on this relaxing hike. A great afternoon, take-your-time kind of hike. Enjoyed the company and scenery.