Lakeside Nature Trail

The trail meanders along the north shore Carrion Bay, intersects with the Cairns Trail, crosses a small stream and then follows along the south shore of the bay to the park road. Follow the park road along the causeway back to the trailhead. The trail meanders closely along or near the lake's entire length. As you hike along Carrion Bay, you'll find beautiful views of the lake and quiet places in one of the more remote areas of the park. The south side of the bay is more shaded, creating natural areas of ground-level plants such as ferns and mosses. The north side of the bay is exposed to greater amounts of sun, which produces a drier and different habitat. Along the north side of the bay, you'll encounter a section of old US Route 19, which was relocated years ago due to the construction of Stonewall Jackson Dam. On rainy days, the trail can be muddy because of the clay soil types of the region; however, this same soil dries out very quickly following rain.