ATLnature

ATLnature is your guide to Atlanta's trails and other rad nature stuff in the city. Live in the city but miss hiking on the weekends? Don’t have time (or a car!) for a trip to north Georgia? Did you know there are over 30 nature trails inside the perimeter of 285 alone?

  • Home
  • Parks
  • Species
  • More
jones-bridge.png

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Jones Bridge

Jones Bridge Unit
October 20, 2018 by Shawn Taylor in parks

Jones Bridge (formerly Jones Ferry) was constructed in 1904. It fell into disrepair in the 1930s and was partially dismantled sometime between then and 1960. The remains of the bridge were a highlight of both this park and Jones Bridge Park on the other side of the river until the remains of the bridge collapsed and were disassembled in January 2018. Today, nothing remains of the historic bridge.

The Jones Bridge Unit is home to the Chattahoochee River Environmental Education Center (CREEC) at 9101 Barnwell Road, Johns Creek. Parking is available at CREEC, but only when it is open for events.

Also known as: Jones Bridge Unit
Address: 8615 Barnwell Road, Johns Creek, GA 30022
Cost of admission: Free, $5/day parking fee per car; annual pass available
Governance: NPS
Acres: Approximately 150
Approximate miles of trails: 4
Hours: Dawn to dusk; exact park hours are posted at the trailheads
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 19
MARTA directions: Take the 140 or 141 from North Springs Station to Mansell Park & Ride (the first stop). From there, walk across the parking lot to the other bus station, near the on-ramp for GA-400. Transfer to the 142 (only runs on weekdays). Take the bus to Holcomb Bridge Rd @ Nesbit Ferry Rd. From there, walk southeast on Holcomb Bridge to Barnwell Road. Turn left on Barnwell Road and continue until you see the National Park Service sign for CREEC on the right. The total walking distance from bus stop to trailhead is 1.0 miles. Note: most of this distance lacks sidewalks, so you’ll have to walk in the grass, including navigating a short bridge with no shoulder.
On the return trip, you can wait for the bus at Barnwell and Holcomb Bridge. In this direction, the walking distance from trailhead to bus stop is 0.8 miles.
Parking: Parking is available at the main trailhead.
Trail surface: Natural
Blazes/markings: Each intersection is marked with a full park map of the unit
Dogs allowed: Yes
Fishing allowed: Yes
Guidebook mentions: Chapter 60 in Hiking Atlanta's Hidden Forests (1st edition), chapter 40 in 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles (3rd edition), page 36 in Hiking the Hooch (1st edition)

Amenities:

  • Picnic area

  • Restrooms

  • Boat ramp

Nearby amenities/conveniences:

  • The intersection of Holcomb Bridge and Barnwell has restaurants and a grocery store

Links:

  • NPS map

October 18, 2018

October 18, 2018

October 18, 2018

October 18, 2018

October 18, 2018

October 18, 2018

Chattahoochee River, October 18, 2018

Chattahoochee River, October 18, 2018

October 18, 2018

October 18, 2018

Trametes versicolor, October 18, 2018

Trametes versicolor, October 18, 2018

Macrolepiota sp., October 18. 2018

Macrolepiota sp., October 18. 2018

October 18, 2018

October 18, 2018

For more photos, see my flickr album.


From around the web

Recent iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist.org
View more observations near Jones Bridge Unit - Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area on iNaturalist.org »

Random eBird sightings from the last 30 days

REI Hiking Project


Good to combine with

Featured
Simpsonwood Park
Simpsonwood Park
Garrard Landing Park
Garrard Landing Park
Big Creek Park
Big Creek Park
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Island Ford
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Island Ford
Autrey Mill Nature Preserve
Autrey Mill Nature Preserve
October 20, 2018 /Shawn Taylor
atlanta page 4, north metro, boat ramp, allows dogs, near: island ford, near: garrard landing, near: big creek park, 3+ miles of trails, near: simpsonwood park
parks
  • Newer
  • Older