Laura S. Walker, #39

CAMP (Y/N?): N
MY ACTIVITIES: Picnic, Hike
NOTES: Fun & Active Lake

My visit to Laura S. Walker State Park was during a day stop while traveling between campsites at Crooked River & Stephen C. Foster as part of my SE GA State Park roadtrip.  It was a beautiful Saturday during COVID19 measures - people were out enjoying the park but it wasn't crowded and patrons were following social distancing.  

The Visitor Center office, like other State Park Visitor Centers, was closed but staffed.  A phone call was all that was needed to get information and have my Junior Ranger booklet and pin left outside.  
After a drive through the campground area (site 12 being my chosen "best site" here), me and S went to find a shady spot for lunch.  While we were gathering up our food and drink, a group of motorcycles pulled in on both sides of us.  I got a kick out of the idea of my cute little Prius surrounded by a 'biker gang' and hopped out to take the picture.  There were motorcycles of all kinds, including a luminous white Vespa.  The group of bikers took the pavilion to spread out for their lunch, so S and I went to the gazebo next to the lake.  It was a great spot - we had front row for the water activities happening at the lake including motorized boats, swimming in designated area, and kayaks.  The gazebo was also a great dance floor for me and S to do a few steps and spins - great fun with a beautiful backdrop!
I wanted to hike at Laura S. Walker, but only had limited time so I choose to start across Hwy 177 at the Visitor Center/Gate on Big Creek Trail to the northwest until it intersected with Lake Trail.  At the end of Lake Trail, we walked Hwy 177 back to make a loop rather than backtracking.  I estimate this loop being 2.5 miles.  The bridge going across the end of the lake was a great view, especially with kayakers and boaters going by.  At the spillway under the road, the churn created foam that spread far into the woods.