About This Trail
Whale Tail Hiking Trail is a Lake Lanier shoreline hiking option inside Don Carter State Park. This walking trail follows a natural-surface route near the lake and connects with Hiking Loop 4, giving visitors a quieter way to explore the park’s wooded lakeside setting away from the busier beach, boat ramp, and day-use areas.
This trail is a good fit for hikers who want a moderate, lake-oriented walk with natural footing and a more secluded feel than the park’s short paved or overlook options. The route is especially useful as part of a longer Don Carter hiking plan because it connects into the park’s broader hiking loop network. Visitors should expect a natural trail surface and should use the park map to stay oriented at junctions.
Do not confuse this route with the separate Whale Tail Paddle Trail, which shares the name but is a water route. Before visiting, confirm current park hours, parking requirements, trail conditions, and any lake-area closures with Georgia State Parks.
Trail Notes
Whale Tail Hiking Trail is a Lake Lanier shoreline walking trail at Don Carter State Park that connects with Hiking Loop 4. Do not confuse it with the separate Whale Tail paddle trail of the same name, and use caution near the shoreline, wet rocks, and changing lake conditions.
Always leave no trace, pack out everything you pack in, and if you see trash, pick it up and pack it out.
Stay on the marked trail, tell someone where you're going, pack safety and wayfinding essentials, and do not rely only on a mobile phone to find your way. Practice good trail etiquette, yield appropriately on shared-use trails, and check the trailhead kiosk, official maps, park office, or ranger office for notices about changed routes, closures, safety information, fees, and restrictions before you go.
