Laurel Ridge Trail and Bowmans Island

The Laurel Ridge Trail at Buford Dam Park takes advantage of Lake Lanier's shoreline in the forested areas around the dam. We will meet at the Lower Overlook Parking area before heading east away from the dam at a moderate pace. We'll complete much of the 4.5 miles of the loop before we cross the Hooch below the spillway to connect to the Bowmans Island trail of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA). This 3.7 mile in/out trail runs parallel to the river below the lake until it reaches the Buford trout hatchery. This impressive DNR operation supplies the Chattahoochee and other GA trout waters with a half a million brown and rainbow trout each year.

We will grab a snack somewhere along the way and then double back at trail's end near the Hatchery to return upriver at our crossing below the dam and then rejoin the Laurel Ridge Trail. We will complete our last short leg to end at the Lower Overlook parking lot for a total of aproximately 8.5 miles.

Note: There will be some ups and downs through potentially muddy areas, especially following rain, so please wear good grippy shoes/boots that won't slip. Bring a hearty snack and enough water to stay hydrated.

From I85, head north and take the I 985 exit. Continue a little under 4 miles on I 985 until Exit 4. At the top of the ramp take a left onto SR 20. Proceed about 5.5 miles on SR 20 and take a right onto Suwanee Dam Road, which dead ends after 2.2 miles when it reaches Buford Dam Road. Take a left onto Buford Dam Road, and proceed 1 mile. The Lower Overlook parking will be on your right. If you reach Buford Dam you have gone too far. 

Dogs are not allowed on the trails at Buford Dam Park.