Cliatt Creek Loop to Rock Dam Trail

Mistletoe State park encompasses 15 miles of hiking trails that lead both along Clarks Hill Lake and the river adjacent to it. Although not a necessarily strenuous hike, the 2-mile Cliatt Creek Nature Loop (white blaze) begins at the park’s nature center and features some amazing wildlife as it loops it way from the park entrance, to the creek, and back around the nature center with multiple wildlife observation areas along the way! 

I’ve personally viewed a large family of deer in the area, along with some gorgeous birds and tons of rabbits. If you choose not to take the full loop, cross at the river over onto the park's most famous trail: the Rock Dam Trail (blue blaze) which features a 4-mile hike, crossing 4 streams and climbing 200ft in elevation. This trail features the highest point of the park which is a lake view at 465 feet. You can cut the trail short by taking the Rock Dam Return Loop trail (red and blue blaze) which is around 1 mile, and cuts across the middle of the Rock Dam Trail. Hikers are usually rewarded for going the whole distance by viewing some amazing river and forest wildlife along the way. 

The entire hike is around 7 miles long, but can be cut short by either skipping Rock Dam Trail altogether and just doing Cliatt Creek Loop, or by taking the shortcut trail (Return Loop Trail). It's a fun hike for those who enjoy just seeing nature and don't want to have to worry about climbing rocks or steep hills. Enjoy!