Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Sope Creek

The paper mill ruins are what this park segment is most known for. The ruins are located near marker SC27 on the map. This segment connects to Cochran Shoals via trails. Mountain bikes are allowed on some segments of both Sope Creek and Cochran Shoals. Note: some of the mountain bike trails are one-way only. They change direction based on the day. Hikers hike in the opposite direction of bikes.

Address: 3726 Paper Mill Rd SE, Marietta, GA 30067
Cost of admission: $5/day per car
Governance: NPS
Friends of the Park Group: Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy
Acres: 303
Approximate miles of trails: 5.5
Hours: Dawn to dusk, exact park hours are posted at the trailheads
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 13
Transit directions: The Cochran Shoals is fairly transit-accessible, and this unit connects to that one. Sope Creek itself is not very transit accessible.
Parking: Parking is available at the trailhead
Trailhead(s): There are two trailheads at the parking lot on Paper Mill Rd
Trail surface: Natural
Blazes/markings: Each trailhead is marked with a map of the unit
Restrooms: There are no restrooms in the Sope Creek unit, but there are restrooms at the Columns Drive and Interstate North trailheads of the Cochran Shoals unit, which connects to Sope Creek
Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
Fishing allowed: Yes
Accessibility notes: Lots of rocks in the trail and uneven surfaces. There are also some fairly steep sections. Some muddy sections as well, depending on recent weather.
Guidebook mentions: Chapter 54 in Hiking Atlanta's Hidden Forests (1st edition), page 84 in Hiking the Hooch (1st edition), trip 81 in Afoot & Afield Atlanta (2nd edition)

Links:

• NPS (PDF)

• SORBA (mountain bike trails)

Map notes:

• The yellow trail is one-way. The direction alternates by day. As of September 2021, hikers go clockwise on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and counter-clockwise on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Mountain bikers ride in the opposite direction.

• As of September 2021, some of the trails shown on OpenStreetMap (and therefore on this map’s basemap) are not present. To my knowledge, only the trails I’ve marked on the overlay are usable.

November 20, 2005

November 20, 2005

November 20, 2005

November 20, 2005

April 15, 2017

April 15, 2017

April 15, 2017

Sibley Pond, September 2, 2021

Halloween Pennant, September 2, 2021

More photos on Flickr

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Updated January 6, 2017, April 15, 2017, and September 2, 2021

Morgan Falls Overlook Park & Morgan Falls River Park

It seems the largest attraction to Morgan Falls Overlook Park is the huge playground. That said, the park has other attractions too, including great views of the river and a short nature trail. The nature trail has two trailheads, one from the west side of the parking lot, and the other at the north end of the pavilion.

Birders – or those with dogs – will want to walk or drive 1/3 of a mile to Morgan Falls River Park and Dog Park. There are no trails here, but you can walk a bit along the creek and check out the views of the dam and the river.

Fishing seems to be popular in both locations. In Morgan Falls Overlook Park, an unmarked, narrow, ungraded trail runs for about a third of a mile, beginning at the left side of the kayak rental building and continuing along the river's edge. I saw several folks fishing along this trail. I also saw folks fishing at Morgan Falls River Park from the metal observation deck and along the river bank.

Address: 200 Morgan Falls Rd, Sandy Springs, GA 30350
Cost of admission: Free
Governance: City of Sandy Springs
Acres: 28
Approximate miles of trails: 1
Hours: Sun-up to sun-down
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 17
Transit directions: Take the MARTA 87 bus from Dunwoody Station to Roswell Rd & Morgan Falls Rd, then walk 1.3 miles west on Morgan Falls Rd
Parking: There are free parking lots at both the Overlook Park and the River Park
Trail surface: Natural
Restrooms: Restrooms are available at the Overlook Park
Dogs allowed: Yes, and there is an off-leash dog park at the River Park
Fishing allowed: Yes
Guidebook mentions: Page 74 of Hiking the Hooch (1st edition)

Amenities:

• Restrooms

• Bike racks

• Water fountain (dog & human)

• Playground

• Swinging benches

• Large pavilion

• Kayak rental (seasonal)

• Dog park

Links:
Sandy Springs
High Country Paddle Shack

Overlook Park, January 15, 2017

Overlook Park, January 15, 2017

Overlook Park, January 15, 2017

Spotted Pink Ladybeetle, July 11, 2021

River Park, January 15, 2017

Powdered Dancer, July 11, 2021

Morgan Falls Dam, August 28, 2021

Overlook Park, January 15, 2017

Bald Eagle, River Park, March 4, 2017

Great Blue Heron at Morgan Falls Dam, River Park, March 4, 2017

 More photos on Flickr:

Good to combine with:

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Updated January 15, 2017, July 11, 2021, and August 28, 2021

John Ripley Forbes Big Trees Forest Preserve

In 1989, there were plans for this land to become a car dealership, but it was saved by John Ripley Forbes and the Southeast Land Preservation Trust. Powers Branch creek runs through the preserve.

Also known as: Big Trees Nature Preserve
Address: 7645 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs, GA 30350
Cost of admission: None
Governance: City of Sandy Springs
Acres: 30
Approximate miles of trails: 2
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 15
MARTA directions: Take the #87 bus from Dunwoody Station to the stop at 7741 Roswell Rd. (North Fulton County Government Center). There is no crosswalk near this stop, so it might be best to return by using the same bus stop (instead of crossing the street) and taking the #87 north to North Springs Station.
Trailheads: The trailhead is clearly marked in the parking lot just south of the government center. There are restrooms at the trailhead that are also visible.
Parking: There is free parking available at the main trailhead
Trail surface: About the first 100 yards of the Big Trees Loop trail (starting at the main trailhead) is paved; the rest of the trails are natural surface
Blazes/markings: Most of the intersections are marked with trail names
Geocaching: Yes
Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
Guidebook mentions: Chapter 51 in Hiking Atlanta's Hidden Forests (1st edition)

Amenities:

• Dog poop station

• Restrooms

• Water fountains

• Numerous benches

• Interpretive trail numbers (info here)

Nearby amenities/conveniences:

• There is a grocery store, drug store, and a couple restaurants half a mile south of the park, at Roswell Rd & Trowbridge Rd.

Links:

• Big Trees Forest Preserve

• Park map

October 22, 2016

Jelly fungus, October 28, 2018

October 22, 2016

Banded Tussock Moth caterpillar, October 28, 2018

October 22, 2016

October 28, 2018

Coprinellus mushrooms, October 28, 2018

Red-footed Cannibal Fly, August 14, 2021

Ebony Jewelwing, August 14, 2021

More photos on Flickr:

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Updated October 25, 2016, October 28, 2018, & August 14, 2021

Big Creek Greenway

Address: There are many access points for the trail. The southernmost one is at Big Creek Park, at the intersection of Old Alabama and Belcourt Pkwy
Cost of admission: Free
Governance: City of Roswell, City of Alpharetta, and Forsyth County
Acres: N/A
Approximate miles of trails: About 24 miles of greenway, plus several adjacent hiking and mountain biking trails. The Alpharetta/Roswell section has 8 miles and the Forsyth County section has 16 miles
Hours: March thru October – 6:00 am to 9:30 pm, November thru February – 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 21 (southern end), 38 (northern end)
Transit directions: There are a few convenient access points. All buses depart from North Springs Station.

1. You can take the 140 or 141 to North Point Pkwy @Mansell Rd and walk east until you reach the greenway.

2. You can take the 140 or 141 to North Point Pkwy @ North Point Ct and walk south on Haynes Bridge Road to the Haynes Bridge trail spur.

3. You can take the 140 to North Point Pkwy @ Old Milton Pkwy or take the 185 to Old Milton Pkwy @ North Point pkwy (same intersection) and go southeast on Old Milton Pkwy. On the north side of the road, you'll see stairs leading down to the trail.

Trail surface: Mostly paved with some boardwalk, also with some natural-surface alternate routes or spurs

Amenities:

• Restrooms

• Water fountains

• Bike rentals

Links:
Big Creek Greenway
Maps
Forsyth County map

March 19, 2017

Yellow-crowned Night-Herons, April 8, 2017

March 19, 2017

March 19, 2017

March 19, 2017

Common Whitetail, July 24, 2021

Sweetheart moth, July 24, 2021

Good to combine with:

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Updated April 30, 2017 and July 24, 2021

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Cochran Shoals (Columns Drive & Interstate North)

This unit connects to Sope Creek via trails. Mountain bikes are allowed on some segments of both Sope Creek and Cochran Shoals. Note: some of the mountain bike trails are one-way only. They change direction based on the day. Hikers hike in the opposite direction of bikes.

Address: 150 Columns Dr SE, Marietta, GA 30067
Cost of admission: $5/day parking fee per car
Governance: NPS
Acres: 968, including Sope Creek, Interstate North, and Powers Island sections
Approximate miles of trails: 4 (more if combined with Sope Creek)
Hours: Dawn to dusk, exact park hours are posted at the trailheads
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 12
Transit directions: Take the CobbLinc 10 bus from Arts Center Station to the Cumberland Transfer Center. At the Cumberland Transfer Center, transfer to the CobbLinc 50 to Powers Ferry Rd + Rivers Apartments. Walk southeast on Powers Ferry. Take a left on the multi-use path along Interstate N Pkwy. The multi-use pathway ends at the entrance to Cochran Shoals.
Transfers between CobbLinc (formerly Cobb Community Transit — CCT) and MARTA are free, so taking the train to and from Arts Center will not cost extra. But be aware you will need a Cobb pass or cash to board a Cobb bus when not making a transfer. Cobb trips can be added to your Breeze Card at any Breeze station.
Cycling directions: Cochran Shoals is adjacent to the Akers Mill trail, which is a multi-use path
Parking: Parking is available at both trailheads for $5/day. Annual passes are available.
Trailhead(s): There are two Cochran Shoals trailheads. One is "Interstate North" on Eugene Gunby Rd, just off of Interstate N Pkwy. The other is at the end of Columns Drive. Sope Creek is connected to Cochran Shoals and has its own trailhead.
Trail surface: Mostly natural, some gravel and boardwalk
Blazes/markings: Each trail intersection has signage
Restrooms: There are restrooms at each of the trailheads
Geocaching: No
Guidebook mentions: Chapter 53 of Hiking Atlanta's Hidden Forests (1st edition), page 90 in Hiking the Hooch (1st edition), trip 80 in Afoot & Afield Atlanta (2nd edition), chapter J (page 317) in Hiking Georgia (4th edition)

Nearby amenities/conveniences:

• Gas and food are available along Powers Ferry about 0.4 mi from Interstate North trailhead

Links:

• NPS trail map (PDF)

• SORBA (mountain bike trails)

May 16, 2015

Cottonwood fluff, May 16, 2015

April 15, 2017

April 15, 2017

April 15, 2017

Gunby Creek, April 12, 2018

April 12, 2018

April 12, 2018

Chattahoochee River, April 12, 2018

Spangled Skimmer, June 26, 2021

More photos on Flickr:

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Recent iNaturalist observations

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Updated November 7, 2016, April 15, 2017, April 12, 2018, & June 26, 2021

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Johnson Ferry South

Address: 4630 Columns Dr SE, Marietta GA 30067
Cost of admission: Parking at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area lots costs $5 per vehicle
Governance: NPS
Acres: 77
Approximate miles of trails: 1
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 13
Cycling directions: There are bike lanes on Johnson Ferry and Abernathy, but they don’t yet fully connect to the Sandy Springs MARTA station
Parking: Parking is available at the trailhead
Trail surface: Natural
Blazes/markings: Each formal intersection is marked with a map
Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
Guidebook mentions: Chapter 55 in Hiking Atlanta's Hidden Forests (1st edition); Hiking the Hooch (1st edition) page 81

Amenities:

• Picnic pavilion

Links:

• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

• Park map

May 16, 2015

May 16, 2015

May 16, 2015

May 16, 2015

January 3, 2017

January 3, 2017

November 24, 2019

November 24, 2019

For more photos, see my flickr album.

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Good to combine with:

Good to combine with:

• Cochran Shoals

• Johnson Ferry North

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Updated on August 4, 2016 and November 24, 2019

KSU Sports & Recreation Park Lakeside Trail

Also known as: Kennesaw State University--Sports and Recreation Park; The Walking Trail
Address: 393 Big Shanty Rd NW, Marietta, GA 30066
Cost of admission: Free
Governance: Kennesaw State University
Acres: 88
Approximate miles of trails: 1
Hours: Daylight hours
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 22
Transit directions: Take the CobbLinc Rapid 10 from Arts Center Station to Busbee Park & Ride. Cross George Busbee Pkwy NW at Big Shanty Rd NW to access the trail
Parking: Parking is available at several areas around the park, although it might vary depending on what sporting events are happening
Trail surface: Paved
Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
Fishing allowed: No

Amenities:

• Picnic tables

• Ball fields & volleyball pits available for those with a KSU ID

Nearby amenities/conveniences:

• A couple restaurants across Big Shanty Rd

Song Sparrow, November 11, 2019

Blue Jay, November 11, 2019

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, November 11, 2019

Nelson Lake, November 11, 2019

November 11, 2019

November 11, 2019

For more photos, see my flickr album.

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Noonday Creek Trail

Address: 3015 Bells Ferry Rd NE, Marietta, GA 30066
Cost of admission: Free
Approximate miles of trails: This post covers 2 miles each direction, but the trail extends on beyond that, mostly adjacent to roads
Hours: Unknown
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 21
Transit directions: The CobbLinc #40 and #45 stop at several places in the area. The CobbLinc Rapid #10 stops at Busbee Park & Ride, which is fairly accessible via multi-use paths and adjacent to KSU Recreation Park
Parking: Parking is available at the east end of the trail, at the Bells Ferry trailhead
Trail surface: Paved

Amenities:

• Restrooms & water fountains at eastern trailhead

Nearby amenities/conveniences:

• Town Center Mall

Noonday Creek, November 11, 2019

November 11, 2019

Red-shouldered Hawk, November 11, 2019

November 11, 2019

November 11, 2019

Zagster Bike Share, November 11, 2019

November 11, 2019

For more photos, see my flickr album.

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Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Gold Branch

Address: 5690 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta, GA 30068
Cost of admission: $5/vehicle
Governance: NPS
Acres: 363 acres
Approximate miles of trails: 5
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 16
Transit directions: The nearest bus stop (at Roswell Rd & Azalea Dr) is about 3.5 miles away. However, most of this distance can be covered via the Roswell Riverwalk, making it more enjoyable to cover on bike or on foot.
Parking: Parking is available at the trailhead. It costs $5/day, or you can purchase an annual pass for the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
Trailhead(s): The trailhead is at 33.9843,-84.3854. On Lower Roswell Rd, you'll see a sign for Gold Branch. That's where parking and the trailhead are located.
Trail surface: Natural
Blazes/markings: Each intersection is marked with a full map of the Gold Branch unit.
Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
Fishing allowed: Yes

Guidebook mentions:

• Chapter 57 in Hiking Atlanta's Hidden Forests (1st edition)

• Page 66 of Hiking the Hooch (1st edition)

• Trip 83 in Afoot & Afield Atlanta (2nd edition)

Some of the segments along the river are quite narrow, and some hills are fairly steep and long.

This seems to be one of the less popular CRNRA units that have substantial trails.

Amenities:

• There is a single picnic table at the trailhead

Nearby amenities/conveniences:

• None

Links:
NPS
Map

February 12, 2017

February 12, 2017

February 12, 2017

February 12, 2017

February 12, 2017

February 12, 2017

February 12, 2017

November 9, 2019

November 9, 2019

November 9, 2019

For more photos, see my flickr album.

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Recent iNaturalist Observations

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Random eBird sightings from the last 30 days

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Updated June 30, 2017 & November 9, 2019

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

Address: 900 Kennesaw Mountain Dr, Kennesaw, GA 30152
Cost of admission: $5 per vehicle
Governance: NPS
Acres: 2,888
Approximate miles of trails: 17
Hours: The park is open dawn to dusk, but the parking lots have more specific hours
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 21
Transit directions: The Cobblinc 15, 40, and 45 are all options. The 15 stops somewhat near the Kolb’s Farm trails, and 40 and 45 stop near the trails in the visitors center area.
Cycling directions: Noonday Creek Trail and the Mountain to River Trail are multi-use paths that meet near the visitors center. These paths are pretty extensive, allowing for cycling to the mountain from a number of locations in the area.
Parking: There are several parking lots available
Trailhead(s): There are many trailheads. Check out the park maps for more info.
Trail surface: There is a road to the top of the mountain that is paved. The road is closed to car traffic (other than a shuttle bus) every weekend and on holidays. Most other trails are natural-surface.
Guidebook mentions: Chapters 43-45 of Hiking Atlanta's Hidden Forests (1st edition), chapters 19-20 of 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles (3rd edition), trip 69 in Afoot & Afield Atlanta (2nd edition), chapter 58 in Hiking Georgia (4th edition)

Links:
NPS
Section maps
Park map

July 17, 2016

July 17, 2016

July 17, 2016

July 17, 2016

July 17, 2016

July 17, 2016

July 17, 2016

July 17, 2016

White-tailed Deer, July 5, 2019

Eastern Phoebe, July 5, 2019

For more photos, see my flickr album.

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From around the web

Recent iNaturalist observations

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Random eBird sightings from the last 30 days

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Updated July 17, 2016 & July 5, 2019

Simpsonwood Park

Simpsonwood Park is named after Ludie Simpson who donated the land to the Methodist Church. This Gwinnett County park borders the Chattahoochee River, directly across the river from the Jones Bridge unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. It has about 5 miles of unpaved trails, including an approximately 3-mile-long loop trail. Although the park land no longer belongs to the Methodist Church, its chapel remains and can be rented for events.

Also known as: Simpsonwood Conference & Retreat Center
Address: 4511 Jones Bridge Circle, Peachtree Corners 30092
Cost of admission: None
Governance: Gwinnett County
Acres: 223
Approximate miles of trails: 5.3
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 18
MARTA directions: Not very transit accessible. The park is about two miles from the nearest Xpress bus stop (route 408) or nearest Gwinnett County Transit bus stop (route 35)
Parking: There are two parking lots available at the park
Trail surface: Natural
Blazes/markings: Most trails are blazed
Geocaching: Yes
Dogs allowed: Yes
Photography policy: Gwinnett County Parks photography & film rules
Guidebook mentions: Chapter 48 in Hiking Atlanta's Hidden Forests (1st edition)

Amenities:

• Restrooms

• Group camping (by reservation)

• Picnic areas

• Rentable picnic pavilion

• Rentable chapel

Links:

Gwinnett County

Note: The creeks on Google Maps and Openstreetmap seem to be slightly off. In the map below, I’ve attempted to include more accurate placements of the creeks. I think there may be some trail segments south of the creek, but all the trail segments shown on this map are north of the creek.

January 25, 2019

January 25, 2019

Chapel, January 25, 2019

Ground cedar, January 25, 2019

January 25, 2019

Chattahoochee River, January 25, 2019

January 25, 2019

January 25, 2019

January 25, 2019

For more photos, see my flickr album.

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Good to combine with:

Rogers Bridge Trail

Note: This location will be closed from March 1, 2021 until construction is completed (estimated late summer 2022).

This site consists of a multi-use path (former road) that’s about a mile long, plus an unpaved trail around a retention pond. The fields on either side of the paved trail are open but with no formal paths through them. This is an excellent site for birding.

While the park borders the Chattahoochee River, there is barely any river view from the park.

There are plans to create a 195-acre city park – to be called Cauley Creek Park – to be located on this site, with construction beginning early in 2021.

Please note the potential confusion with Rogers Bridge Park in Duluth, across the river from this trail. The bridge is no longer operational, so the sites are quite far apart by road. Part of the construction project beginning in 2021 will be to reconnect the sites via a pedestrian bridge.

Also known as: Cauley Creek Park
Address: Intersection of Rogers Bridge Rd and Bell Rd, Johns Creek, GA
Cost of admission: None
Governance: City of Johns Creek
Acres: Unknown
Approximate miles of trails: 1.3
Hours: Unknown
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 25
Transit directions: This location is not accessible by transit
Parking: There is a small parking lot at the trailhead
Trail surface: Part paved, part natural
Blazes/markings: None

American Wigeon, December 29, 2018

Field Sparrow, December 29, 2018

Remnants of Rogers Bridge, December 29, 2018

December 29, 2018

December 29, 2018

December 29, 2018

December 29, 2018

December 29, 2018

White-tailed Deer, December 29, 2018

For more photos, see my flickr album.

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Random eBird sightings from the last 30 days

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Roswell Area Park

Also known as: Roswell Park
Address: 10495 Woodstock Rd, Roswell, GA 30075
Cost of admission: None
Governance: City of Roswell
Friends of the Park Group: Friends of the Roswell Parks
Acres: 80
Approximate miles of trails: 2
Hours: Unknown; trails are lit
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 20
MARTA directions: From North Springs Station, take the 85 bus to the Alpharetta St@Woodstock St. stop. Walk northwest on Woodstock St for 0.8 miles. The park entrance will be on the right.
Parking: Parking is plentiful at the park
Trailhead(s): There are several trailheads along the parking lots and roads
Trail surface: Mostly wide gravel, some paved, some sidewalk
Blazes/markings: There are some mile markers for the various running routes
Geocaching: Yes
Dogs allowed: Yes
Fishing allowed: Yes - catch and release only
Photography policy: Permit policy
Guidebook mentions: None

Amenities:

• Ball fields

• Swimming pool

• Restrooms

• Outdoor fitness equipment

• Picnic pavilions

• Playground

Links:

• City of Roswell

Chipping Sparrow, January 1, 2019

January 1, 2019

January 1, 2019

January 1, 2019

January 1, 2019

White-breasted Nuthatch, January 1, 2019

For more photos, see my flickr album.

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From around the web

Recent iNaturalist observations

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Shorty Howell Park

Address: 2750 Pleasant Hill Rd, Duluth, GA 30096
Cost of admission: None
Governance: Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation
Acres: 67
Approximate miles of trails: 3
Hours: Park is open sunrise to 11:00pm, trails are open sunrise to sunset
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 21
Transit directions: From Doraville Station, take the Gwinnett County Transit Bus 10B to the N Berkeley Lake Road & Wal-Mart stop. From there, head east on N Berkeley Lake Road. Once you reach the intersection with Pleasant Hill Rd, you can either turn left and enter via the main park entrance on the right, or you can go straight on Hill Drive and walk into the park (unpaved).
Parking: Parking is plentiful in the park
Trail surface: 1.25 mile paved loop with mile markers every 1/4 mile plus about a mile of unpaved trails and some other short paved trail or sidewalk segments
Dogs allowed: Yes
Photography policy: Gwinnett County Parks
Guidebook mentions: None

Amenities:

• Pavilion

• Grills

• Ball fields

• Playgrounds

Nearby amenities/conveniences:

• Restaurants

• Gas station

• Walmart

Links:

• Gwinnett County Parks

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, December 15, 2018

December 15, 2018

Ruby-crowned Kinglet, December 15, 2018

December 15, 2018

Hooded Merganser, December 15, 2018

December 15, 2018

Great Blue Heron, December 15, 2018

December 15, 2018

December 15, 2018

For more photos, see my flickr album.

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Good to combine with

Roswell Riverwalk

Unlike most of the posts on this blog, this one features a multi-use path instead of a nature trail. Most of the trails here are paved or boardwalk, and bicycles are welcome.

The Roswell Riverwalk provides connections to several trails: the Chattahoochee Nature Center, Vickery Creek (which in turn connects to Old Mill Park), and Allenbrook.

In November 2018, the fifth and final phase opened, running along Willeo Road from the Chattahoochee Nature Center to Willeo Park.

Location: Along Riverside Rd, Azalea Dr, and Willeo Rd
Cost of admission: Free
Governance: City of Roswell
Acres: Linear
Approximate miles of trails: 3.5 miles one way
Hours: Unknown
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 17
MARTA directions: Take the 85 bus from North Springs Station to the Riverside Rd stop. Walk west on Azalea Dr. On the south side of Azalea Dr, you can access the Riverwalk.
Parking: Parking is available at several parks along Azalea Dr and Riverside Rd.
Trail surface: Mostly paved and boardwalk, with one gravel section and some dirt side-trails
Geocaching: Yes

Amenities:

• Parks along the riverwalk have restrooms, water fountains, pavilions, and playgrounds

January 26, 2017

January 26, 2017

Wilson's Snipe, March 4, 2017

October 22, 2017

October 22, 2017

January 21, 2018

January 21, 2018

January 26, 2017

Riverwalk bridge over Big Creek, January 26, 2017

Confluence of Big Creek and the Chattahoochee River, January 26, 2017

 For more photos, see my flickr album.

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From around the web

Random eBird sightings from the last 30 days

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Updated January 27, 2017, October 23, 2017, January 26, 2018, & December 17, 2018

McDaniel Farm Park

McDaniel Farm Park was sold in the 1820 land lottery. It was a subsistence farm and was farmed until 1999. The farm buildings represent a typical farm from the 1930s.

This park is a popular spot with photographers for engagement and family photos. Information about commercial photography is available here.

Address: 3251 McDaniel Rd, Duluth, GA 30096
Cost of admission: None
Governance: Gwinnett County
Acres: 134
Approximate miles of trails: 3 miles paved, 1 mile unpaved
Hours: The park is open dawn to dusk daily; the farm area is open 10-4 daily
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 21
Transit directions: From Doraville Station, take the Gwinnett County Transit bus 10A or 10B to the Gwinnett Transit Center. From there, it is a 12-minute walk to the park. From the transit center, head right on Satellite Blvd. Head left on Old Norcross Road. Then take a right on McDaniel Road and continue to the end of the road. There are sidewalks the whole way.
If you have a Breeze card, you can add cash to it for your trips there and back, or use GCT (but not MARTA) “trips” on the card. Fare information is available here. The 10A and 10B are considered “local” rides.
Trailhead(s): There are multiple trailheads at each of the two parking lots. On both ends of the parks, McDaniel Rd dead-ends at the park. The south parking lot is at 3251 McDaniel Rd (coming from Old Norcross Rd), and the north parking lot is at 3020 McDaniel Rd (coming from Duluth Hwy).
Parking is available at both parking lots, including accessible parking and bike racks at both. Bus parking is also available at the south parking lot.
Trail surface: Approximately 3 miles paved, approximately 1 mile natural, and approximately 0.5 miles gravel
Geocaching: Yes
Dogs allowed: Yes
Fishing allowed: Yes
Guidebook mentions: Chapter 49 in Hiking Atlanta's Hidden Forests (1st edition) and chapter 42 in 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles (3rd edition)

Amenities:

• Two rentable picnic pavilions and assorted other picnic tables

• Restrooms and water fountains at both the north and south end of the park

• Small and large dog parks

• Playground

Nearby amenities/conveniences:

• Gwinnett Place Mall is nearby

Links:

• Gwinnett County

November 10, 2018

November 10, 2018

November 10, 2018

November 10, 2018

November 10, 2018

November 10, 2018

For more photos, see my flickr album.

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From around the web

Recent iNaturalist observations

View more observations near McDaniel Farm Park on iNaturalist.org »

Random eBird sightings from the last 30 days

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Good to combine with:

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Jones Bridge

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

Chattahoochee River, October 18, 2018

October 18, 2018

Trametes versicolor, October 18, 2018

Macrolepiota sp., October 18. 2018

October 18, 2018

For more photos, see my flickr album.

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From around the web

Recent iNaturalist observations

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

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Good to combine with

Garrard Landing Park

Robert McAfee operated a ferry across the river here. In 1834, he received permission to build a toll bridge at the same site. That bridge was burned during the civil war, and rebuilt in 1906. In 1960, the bridge was replaced with the current Holcomb Bridge Road.

T.H. Ellard bought the Garrard Landing Park land along the Chattahoochee River in the early 1920s. The Garrards and Ellards refused to sell their land, and thanks to Larry Garrard it became a park.

The Johns Creek Environmental Campus borders the park. It is a wastewater treatment plant and educational facility that utilizes state-of-the-art technology. The Environmental Campus has a native plant garden adjacent to it.

One section of trail in this park is a remnant of Alabama Road.

Also known as: Johns Creek Environmental Campus
Address: 8000 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell, GA 30075
Cost of admission: Free
Governance: City of Roswell
Acres: Approximately 40
Approximate miles of trails: 2
Hours: Unknown
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 17
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 @ Spalding Dr. From there, walk northwest on Holcomb Bridge (back the way you came) for 0.6 miles. After you cross the Chattahoochee River, the park is the first entrance on the left. Note: most of the 0.6 miles lacks sidewalks, so you’ll have to walk in the grass.
Parking: Free parking is available at the park
Trail surface: Mostly wide gravel trails, with a few sections along the pond being paved, and a couple of natural-surface spur paths. On the included map, paved trails are wide and grey; gravel trails are less wide and green.
Dogs allowed: Yes, with many poop stations along the trails
Fishing allowed: Unknown
Guidebook mentions: None

Amenities:

• Picnic pavilion (reservable)

• Playground

• Restrooms & water fountains

• Dog poop stations

• Canoe & kayak launch

• Native plant garden (at Johns Creek Environmental Campus)

Nearby amenities/conveniences:

• The intersection of Holcomb Bridge and Spalding (0.6 miles southeast of the park) has gas stations, restaurants, and a grocery store

• The intersection of Holcomb Bridge and Barnwell (0.8 miles northwest of the park) has restaurants and a grocery store

Links:

• City of Roswell

• Friends of the Roswell Parks

• Johns Creek Environmental Campus

October 18, 2018

Osprey, October 18, 2018

Eastern Meadowlark, October 18, 2018

Palm Warbler, October 18, 2018

Usnea lichen, October 18, 2018

October 18, 2018

Remnant of original Holcomb Bridge, October 18, 2018

For more photos, see my flickr album.

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From around the web

Random eBird sightings from the last 30 days

Recent iNaturalist observations

View more observations near Garrard Landing Park on iNaturalist.org »

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Good to combine with

Big Creek Park

Address: 1600 Old Alabama Rd, Roswell, GA 30076
Cost of admission: None
Governance: City of Roswell
Acres: 160
Approximate miles of trails: 1.4 miles of unpaved hiking trails + 7 miles of mountain bike trails; connects to 7 miles of Big Creek Greenway
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 22
MARTA directions: From North Springs Station, take the 140 or 141 to North Point Pkwy @ Mansell Rd (the first stop after the Mansell Rd Park & Ride). From there, walk East on Mansell Rd. The path will be on the right. Once on the path, take the first left. Take the first right to walk over the creek and then take another right. Continue straight to enter the park. The walking distance from the bus stop to the Big Creek Greenway paved path is about a block, but the walking distance from the bus stop to the unpaved portion is about 1.5 miles.
Parking: From the Old Alabama Road entrance, there are two parking lots 
Trailhead(s): This map shows the trailheads from the greenway and parking lots
Trail surface: Park trails are natural surface; greenway trails are paved and boardwalk

Amenities:

• Bike rentals (at North parking lot)

• Trash cans

• Restroom

• Mountain bike trails

• Pump tracks

Links:
City of Roswell
RAMBO

March 19, 2017

March 19, 2017

March 19, 2017

March 19, 2017

March 19, 2017

March 19, 2017

August 11, 2018

August 11, 2018

August 11, 2018

For more photos, see my flickr album.

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From around the web

Recent iNaturalist observations

View more observations near Big Creek Park on iNaturalist.org »

Random eBird sightings from the last 30 days

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Updated May 21, 2017 & August 11, 2018

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Powers Island

As well as the trails marked on the official maps, there are social trails on the island. From the PI3 marker, you can walk north to the northern tip of the island and then return via a different path, making a full loop of the island.

The trails in this unit are mostly flat, other than the eastern loop between intersections PI6 & PI7, which is quite hilly.

Address: 5450 Interstate North Parkway, Sandy Springs, GA 30328
Cost of admission: Free, $5/day parking fee per car
Governance: NPS
Acres: 90
Approximate miles of trails: 3
Hours: Dawn to dusk, exact park hours are posted at the trailheads
Miles from downtown Atlanta: 11
Transit directions: Take the CobbLinc 10 bus from Arts Center Station to the Cumberland Transfer Center. At the Cumberland Transfer Center, transfer to the CobbLinc 50 to Powers Ferry Rd + Rivers Apartments. Walk southeast on Powers Ferry. Take a left on the multi-use path along Interstate N Pkwy. The multi-use pathway ends at the entrance to the Cochran Shoals NPS unit. Continue straight along Interstate N Pkwy, on a sidewalk across the river for 300 feet and then in the grass on the roadside for 100 feet. The entrance to the Powers Ferry unit is on the left.
Transfers between CobbLinc (formerly Cobb Community Transit — CCT) and MARTA are free, so taking the train to and from Arts Center will not cost extra. But be aware you will need a Cobb pass or cash to board a Cobb bus when not making a transfer. Cobb trips can be added to your Breeze Card at any Breeze station.
Parking: Parking is available at the trailheads for $5/day
Trailhead(s): There are trailheads at three corners of the parking lot
Trail surface: Natural
Blazes/markings: Blue blazes along some trails. Trails are well-used and clear, other than the social trails on the island.
Guidebook mentions: Page 99 in Hiking the Hooch (1st edition); Trip 79 in Afoot & Afield Atlanta (2nd edition)

Amenities:

• Restrooms

• Picnic tables

• Nantahala Outdoor Center outpost (river trips and rentals) (seasonal)

• Watercraft launch (Note: the launch is a short walk from the parking lot. It is not a ramp that you can back a vehicle up to.)

Nearby amenities/conveniences:

• Harry's Pizza & Subs at the intersection of Powers Ferry & Interstate N Pkwy (0.5 mi from trailhead)

• Gas station at the intersection of Baby Does Ln & Powers Ferry (0.5 mi from trailhead)

Links:

• NPS

• eBird hotspot

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March 10, 2018

Falcate Orangetip butterfly, March 10, 2018

March 10, 2018

March 10, 2018

Mycena mushroom, March 10, 2018

March 10, 2018

Lentinus arcularius, March 10, 2018

March 10, 2018

Chattahoochee River, March 10, 2018

March 10, 2018

For more photos, see my flickr album.

Good to combine with:

• Cochran Shoals

• Sope Creek