We started at Cyrus Gates Overlook, came down Rock Trail, and then onto South Lost Lake trail. This cut down on distance quite a bit. So if you're willing to haul your car up a logging road with a few pot holes this might be the trail starting point for you.
Keep in mind, Rock Trail is very steep both up and down. Heading to the lake you descend some steep stairs and trail - you will have to hike up this trail on the way back. Lost Lake trail itself is fairly flat in comparison.
The lake itself was beautiful for the time of year, thankfully not in as bad of a heat wave. There were some people swimming though I don't know if I'd recommend it personally. The water looked fairly still with clear signs of algae in the shallows.
We saw people of all ages on the trail, so it would be suitable for just about anyone who wants to give it a go.
I'd consider this route to be a good after work hike if you want to get away from the world and because it doesn't take very long. All in all I think it took us about 3 hours to get down the lake, hang out for a bit, and get back to the car (at a leisurely pace for two people in moderately good shape).
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