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.
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: 0.3 miles.
• Elevation: Hilly at 91’ elevation gain. 48% of trail is ascent or descent.
Accessibility:
• Surface: Combination of wide and narrow sections. Few rocks, but many
roots. Much of the trail has trail fabric, which can be slippery when wet,
but there are options to use dirt edges. 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 at Pump
House Trailhead. Moderate ups/downs from Marina Drive Trailhead to
Pump House Trailhead.
Access:
• At Marina Drive down first descent from Clubhouse.
• At Pump Station at end of service drive off of Noble Fir Trace.
• Use Goldfinch Trail sections to connect ends of Cardinal Trail and hike as a
loop.
• Continue onto Cardinal Trail from Clubhouse end of Robin Trail.
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.
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/audible after rains.
Goldfinch Trail
Data:
Goldfinch is a moderate to challenging trail, but with great views of the CLL inlet.
Length: 0.25 miles;
Total Elevation Gain: 104 ft, some steep spots. 48% of trail is ascent or descent
Access:
Goldfinch trail connects to Cardinal trail in 2 places.
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.
