Yates Lake Trails Parking Lot

UPDATE: March 10, 2020 – The water level on Yates lake is still a little high, but the road and parking lot at our Yates Lake trails is dry and accessible to the public. Happy hiking!

UPDATE: March 5, 2020 – As the heavy rainfall continues, so does the flooding. Once again Martin Dam has been forced to open multiple gates to relieve rising waters above the dam and once again the parking lot at the Yates Lake trails, below the dam, is now under water. The lower portion of Goldmine Road and the parking lot are inaccessible to the public at this time. We will update the status for these trails on this blog as it changes.

UPDATE: February 23, 2020 – Both trails are now open to hike. Some areas may remain wet for a few days. Enjoy the hike and as always, let us know if you experience problems on our trails that we need to address.

UPDATE: February 21, 2020 – Goldmine Road and the Yates Lake trails parking lot are now accessible. Parts of the John B. Scott trail are still flooded near the shoreline of the lake. The Railroad trail is open to hike, but will still be wet and sloppy in some areas.

Due to heavy rains in Alabama during the past week, Alabama Power has been required to open additional gates at Martin Dam. The additional water released quickly into Yates Lake is causing flooding in many areas, especially close to the dam. The parking lot for the John B. Scott Forever Wild Trail and the Cherokee Ridge Dam Railroad Trail, and portions of the trails have flooded and are currently inaccessible. The shoreline part of Goldmine Road is under water and the public should avoid this area until further notice! With additional rain predicted for the area, this area may remain flooded for days. Please check back here on the news page for updates.