CRNRA Hidden Gems Part 2: Suwanee Creek

Of course we all enjoy the many Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) Units, around metro ATL.  This three part series will visit a some hidden gems of the park system, Orrs Ferry, Suwanee Creek....and McGinnis Ferrry.

It turns out they are each "hidden in plain sight".  They can be found on various official maps, but somehow they've largely flown under the radar, as far as past AOC events have gone.

The Suwanee Creek unit is actually shown quite clearly here: https://www.chattahoocheeparks.org/CRNRA-map and the directions are actually on the main website:  https://www.nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/suwanee-creek-directions.htm

I don't remember for sure, but I must have always assumed this area was totally undeveloped, no no trails, but not sure why I assumed that.  But I recently noticed some trails on an AllTrails map, and went to check it out and it's a really nice area, with beautiful river views and nice wooded trails.  Some of the trails are just barely discernable, but have to think that the residents of the surrounding neighborhood walk there fairly often.

One slight downside is that there is no trailhead parking, so we will need to park in a shopping area off of Peachtree Industrial Blvd (see directions below), and then we just walk on the sidewalk, through the neighborhood, for 4/10 mile, to reach the park.  Crossing PIB is a slight hassle, but there is a traffic light and a Walk/Don't Walk signal, so it's fine.

I've been there twice now and found some fun side trails.  One peters out and I can't tell where it continues, so there will be around 5 or so minutes of off trail hiking, but it isn't especially difficult and the spiders and snakes aren't active yet.  So it was very pleasant, even in the off trail areas.

The total distance is about 5 miles and there's about 450' of total ascent, so it's a light D2, but still a solid hike, and a good workout. The weather forecast is currently looking great, with highs in the 60s and plenty of sun, so should be a beautiful day to be out there.

There is a Lidl Food Market at 2330 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Duluth, GA 30097, and it has a large parking lot.   So the best place to park is on the East side of the lot, right by Main St, and Chattahoochee Dr. NW.   We will meet there, at the corner of that parking lot.