Overview
The Forever Wild Gothard-AWF Yates Lake WMA in Elmore County consists of 5,810 acres of pine-hardwood hills and creek valleys on the western shore of scenic Yates Lake. Habitats include longleaf pine stands and mature hardwood creek bottoms, as well as the protection of three miles of shoreline along the Tallapoosa River.

The tract allows for hunting, fishing, bird watching, canoeing and wildlife viewing while serving as a nature preserve and an environmental education study area.

Hiking
This tract has two hiking trails that currently total 7.4 miles in length. The John B. Scott Forever Wild Trail consists of a 4.7-mile loop starting and ending in the north parking lot on Goldmine Road. The Cherokee Bluffs Dam Railroad Trail is a 2.7-mile trail starting at the north parking lot on Goldmine Road and ending at Channahatchee Creek. The trail is currently only complete to Channahachee Creek but, once completed, it will be 4.3-miles in length and end at the parking area on Tucker Road.

Download Yates Lake Hiking Trail Map

Location
See this tract on an interactive map.

Directions to Hiking Trail Parking
From Wetumpka, take AL-14 east approximately 17.1 miles to AL- 229. Turn left onto AL-229 (Kent Rd.) and travel approximately 8.2 miles. Turn right onto AL-50 East. Take AL-50 East 2.5 miles and turn right onto Martin Dam Road. Parking lot is about 0.5 miles on the right at the beginning of Goldmine Road.

Hunting
Hunters must possess a valid hunting license, a WMA license and a free map/permit. Permits and other WMA information may be downloaded from the Wildlife Management Areas webpage.

Directions to Access the Property for Hunting
From Wetumpka, take AL-14 east approximately 17.1 miles to AL- 229. Turn left onto AL-229 (Kent Rd) and travel approximately 5.5 miles to the parking lot on the right.

A second parking lot is available by turning left onto AL-229 and traveling approximately 3.3 miles to Tallapoosa Co. Rd. 44. Turn right onto Co. Rd. 44. Turn left onto Dean Circle. Parking is available on the left.