Fall Hikes with Kids
by: Terah Shelton
Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities for every one of all ages, including children. It teaches them about nature, allows room for exploration, and satisfies a child’s need for curiosity. More importantly, hiking provides them with much needed exercise. According to the 2005 dietary guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services, children two years and older should get 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise on most, preferably all, days of the week. And what better place to introduce your child to hiking than in your own backyard. From summiting Stone Mountain, to observing excellent Lake Lanier views on Laurel Ridge Trail, to walking in utter silence on the Tribble Mill Park Trail, it turns out there are enough hiking trails, (both long and short) within and near Gwinnett County to keep you and your children busy and healthy.
Laurel Ridge Trail
Located east of Lake Lanier dam, head out to the 3.8 mile Laurel Ridge Trail (off Buford Dam Road). Its vast facilities—restrooms, picnic areas, and playgrounds—make it a great day hike for families, especially if you have children in tow. The trailhead begins at Lower Overlook (between the bathroom and Highway 20), circling scenic Bowman’s Island Unit, occasionally crossing valleys and busy roads (be careful as cross traffic does not stop), traversing through a dense forest, providing viewing platforms and wooden walkways that offer views of Lake Lanier, before returning to the parking lot. An open forest allows room for insect and animal exploration slightly off the trail. The footpath occasionally changes from braided tree roots to embedded rocks to a dirt path, which can become muddy and slippery when it rains. The distance and frequent ascends and descends can be challenging for younger children, but scattered benches and hidden swimming areas allow for rest areas. For more information, log on to www.georgiatrails.com.
Tribble Mill Park
This relatively new three-mile loop trail located at the 800-acre Tribble Mill Park (located off Tribble Mill Parkway) is arguably the best hiking trail for children in Gwinnett County. Offering breathtaking views of Ozora Lake, the paved trail allows parents the option of either hiking or biking with children. The quiet trail begins at the kiosk when you first enter the park. The footpath is relatively flat, except for a few areas. Along the way, the hike offers a playground, restrooms, and picnic areas. For younger children, ample benches line the trail. Stay on the paved trail – noting the path will become a boardwalk when crossing a stream. However, for the adventurous the trail also offers a unique opportunity to explore the park with numerous unpaved paths that can be utilized for mountain bikers and backcountry hikers. For more information, visit www.georgiatrails.com.
Buford Dam Trail
Like the Laurel Ridge Trail, the Buford Dam Trail (off Buford Dam Road) is located on Lake Lanier. Its short distance, accessibility and views make it great for children. The one-mile path begins at Lower Pool Park at the Buford Dam, crosses a grass field, offers views of the powerhouse channel and saddlebacks, and explores the Chattahoochee River. This hike is not roundtrip, but affords the option of starting and stopping whenever you want. With fantastic views of the Buford Dam, the trail attracts a lot of people, most of whom are sunning, picnicking, and fishing. If you’re lucky, you might see a feeding fawn. At the end of one of the bridges, the trail allows access to the Laurel Ridge Trail (mentioned above). To learn more, go to www.georgiatrails.com.
Stone Mountain Walk-Up Trail
Although Stone Mountain (off Robert E. Lee Boulevard at Confederate Hall) isn’t technically located in Gwinnett County, this hike list wouldn’t be complete without its mention. Because of its high elevation and slippery footing (especially when wet), this hike may be unsuitable for children and not for the fainthearted, but it’s almost a rite of passage for Atlantans. On the ascent, the Stone Mountain Walk-up, Trail (three miles roundtrip) offers breathtaking views of a sometimes hazed Atlanta skyline and the distant Appalachian Mountains. Large boulders along the way, as well as a picnic area halfway to the top, offer areas of rest if needed. At the summit, admire unobstructed views, recuperate at the snack bar, or use the restroom facilities. This trail can be difficult, especially for children with asthma, disabilities, or who are out-of-shape, so consider hiking one way and riding the tram the other way. However, if you do this, the tram deposits riders to an outside parking area, where you will have to walk back to your car. Visit www.stonemountainpark.com for route map, park hours, and event information.
Stone Mountain’s Cherokee Trail
This seven-mile hike meanders among the granite dome of Stone Mountain and weaves in and out of a dense forest while sprinkling in slices of American history. Like the Walk-up Trail, the Cherokee Trail can prove to be difficult for children, but you can stop at various points and attractions throughout. The trailhead for both the Walk-up and Cherokee Trail begin at the base of Stone Mountain a few feet from the Confederate Hall and Railroad Station. Once again, watch your footing. The red-blazed Cherokee Trail originates left approximately 500 feet from the Flag Terrace. On the descent, mind your steps, but relish breathtaking views of green forest. The trail appears to end, but resumes and curves to the right before the railroad tracks. Along the way, stroll along while enjoying views of the Confederate Memorial Carving and The Summit Skyride, traverse the plank way around the historic Grist Mill, and linger at the architectural and engineering marvel, a covered bridge, before continuing along the shores of Stone Mountain Lake. Log on to www.stonemountainpark.com for detailed route map and attractions.
Abbott Bridge & Medlock Bridge Trails
The Abbott Bridge (off GA 120 Duluth Highway) and Medlock Bridge (on GA 141 Medlock Bridge Road) areas of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area feature short trails along the Chattahoochee River. The Abbott Bridge Trail is slightly more overgrown than the other mentioned hikes. Proceed with caution. At Medlock Bridge, there’s also a more moderate trail located inside the park. Both trails offer boat ramps and picnic areas. For driving directions, visit www.nps.gov
