CLL Trails Booklet & Maps

Signs are at all important junctions

Trails are good for all ages

Overlooks Lake Lanier

Steps are used on slopes

The Cresswind trails are a valuable amenity for residents and guests. Created in the beginning of the development, these trails have been maintained by residents and continue to provide rest and respite with nature. The Committee members and volunteers regular hike the trails to make sure they are safe and available for all residents. Contact the committee through the Cresswind website with any suggestions or comments. Below are descriptions and maps of the available trails.

Trail Guidelines

The trails in Cresswind are well marked and safe as long as common sense is applied to their use. Adhering to these trail guidelines will protect the trails - and you. Let the trail committee know if you see issues that are dangerous or need addressing.

Enjoy these amenities...

Bluebird Trail:

Data:

• Rating: Easy.

• Length: 0.4 miles.

• Elevation: Relatively flat at 62’ total gain. 24% of trail is ascent or descent.

Accessibility:

• Surface: Mostly wide/open, but a few narrow spots. Few rocks, few roots.

Much of the trail has trail fabric, which can be slippery when wet, but trail is relatively flat, and there are options to use dirt edges. Tree nuts can be slip hazards from late Summer to late Fall.

• Ascents/Descents: 12 easy steps at Dog Park Trailhead. 6 high steps at Bluebird Bridge. 4 high steps at another location.

Access:

• At Cresswind Parkway across from the Dog Park.

• At Cresswind Marina Drive just below the Main Gate Roundabout.

• Intersects with Robin Trail for an option to/from the Clubhouse.

Features:

• Flora: Old-growth forest of Chestnut, Oak, Hickory and Beech, some

200’ feet tall. Flowering Native Azalea, Dogwood, and Mountain

Laurel.

• Fauna: Deer, squirrels, hawks, many other birds.

• Water: Far-down creek views from Dog Park Trailhead to mid-point.

Cardinal Trail:

Data:

• Rating: Moderate, Cresswind’s second most challenging trail.

• Length: 0.67 miles, or 0.75 miles if returning to Marina Drive trailhead.

• Elevation: Hilly, at 138’ elevation gain. 79% of trail is ascent or descent, with 5 incline sections.

Accessibility:

• Surface: Combination of wide and narrow sections. Few rocks, but manyroots. A portion of the trail has trail fabric, which can be slippery when wet, but there are options to use dirt edges. Some sections are tilted side-to-side. A bit more rugged compared to other trails because trail is largely within Corps boundaries and maintained less diligently (i.e. branch trimming, leaf blowing).

• Ascents/Descents: 12 steps at Marina Drive Trailhead, and 3 steps at Pump Station Trailhead. Moderate ups/downs from Marina Drive Trailhead to Pump Station Trailhead.

• Safety: Shoes/boots with good ankle support is recommended. Walking sticks may be beneficial.

Access:

• At Marina Drive down first descent from Clubhouse. Walk as a ‘loop’ by turning right or left after bridge #1. If right, cross bridge #2, continue uphill, then turn right. Ignore ‘cut thru’ signage.

• At Pump Station at end of service drive off Noble Fir Trace. Walk as a ‘loop’ by turning right or left. If right, cross bridge #2, as described above. Ignore ‘cut thru’ signage.

• Instead of walking as a full loop, use ‘cut thru’ for shorter options.

• Connect from Robin Trail or Bluebird-to-Robin Trails for longer options.

Features:

• Flora: Old-growth forest of Chestnut, Oak, Hickory and Beech, some 200’ feet tall.

• Fauna: Deer, squirrels, turkeys, fox, hawks (screeches), and many other birds. The infamous coyotes have been spotted on the back sections of the trail

• Water: Creeks crossed on two bridges, with flow quite picturesque/audible after rains. Creeks visible from multiple point of the trail. Views of lake from backwaters behind Kayak Dock A and Dock B area.

Robin Trail:

Data:

• Rating: Easy.

• Length: 0.2 miles.

• Elevation: Relatively flat at 66’ total gain. However, 63% of trail is mild ascent or descent.

Accessibility:

• Surface: Mostly wide/open, but a few narrow spots. Few rocks, but many roots. No trail fabric.

• Ascents/Descents: No steps but moderate ups/downs at a ridge, and at the Bluebird Trail intersection.

Access:

• More of a ‘connector’ trail between the Bluebird and Cardinal trails.

• One end at the midpoint of the Bluebird Trail.

• One end where the Cardinal Trail comes off Marina Drive.

Features:

• Flora: Old-growth forest of Chestnut, Oak, Hickory and Beech, some

200’ feet tall. Flowering Native Azalea, Dogwood, and Mountain Laurel.

• Fauna: Deer, squirrels, hawks, and many other birds.

• Water: Creek(s) for full length of the trail. Flow is quite picturesque and audible after rains.

Swallow Trail:

Data:

• Rating: Moderate, Cresswind’s longest and most challenging trail.

• Length: 0.6 miles.

• Elevation: Hilly with 143’ elevation gain. 75% of trail is ascent or descent.

Accessibility:

• Surface: Combination of wide and narrow sections. Many rocks and roots. Trail fabric through middle section can be slippery when wet, especially on the ascents/descents, but there are options to use dirt edges. Tree nuts can be slip hazards from late Summer to late Fall.

• Ascents/Descents: 32 steps with handrail at Main Gate Trailhead, but can be slippery when wet. Significant ups/downs between Pavilion down to lake level, and then to lake overlook from both approaches.

Access:

• At Pavilion behind Clubhouse.

• At Cresswind Parkway across from guard shack/main gate.

• Connect from Bluebird by walking sidewalk from main roundabout to guard shack/main gate.

Features:

• Flora: Old-growth forest of Chestnut, Oak, Hickory and Beech, some 200’ feet tall. Dogwood.

• Fauna: Deer, squirrels, turkeys, beavers (at least evidence of), and many birds.

• Water: Marina overlook from the Pavilion. Lake views from Pavilion to midpoint of trail. Far-down creek views for section off Scarlet Oak Lane.

Hummingbird Trail:

Data:

• Rating: Easy.

• Length: 0.25 miles.

• Elevation: Flat, with little/no elevation change.

Accessibility:

• Surface: Wide. Relatively soft surface with little/no rocks or roots. Good traction whether wet or dry.

• Ascents/Descents: None

Access:

• Off Montgomery Road across from the Cresswind’s Montgomery entrance.

• A loop trail with a single entry/exit point

Features:

• Heavily wooded/shaded.

• Used mostly by residents in close proximity to the Montgomery entrance, with many using it as a dog walk with shade and a soft surface.

Layout of trails within the community.

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