New Time at Bowmans Island & Laurel Ridge

We will meet at the Bowmans Island CNRA Parking Lot, see GPS Coordinates, at 9:50 am for introductions. We will follow the trail to the south and do the southern loop and return to the parking. We will stop by the Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery. It should be open, we will take a quick tour. We will then head for the Army Crops of Engineer part of the hike, cross the bridge below the dam and start the Laurel Ridge Trail part of the hike. We will hike to the Lower Overlook Park, take a momument to enjoy the view and returnto the parking lot the way we came.

There are restrooms in the Army Crops of Engineer Parking Lot and at the Lower Overlook Park Parking Lots. We will stop at these as we pass them. 

From GA 400 , driving  North from points South of GA-400/GA- 20:

Take exit #14, Buford Hwy/GA-20

Head East on GA -20

At ~ .5 miles, turn LEFT/NE onto Sanders Road

Follow Sanders Rd for ~ .8 miles

Turn RIGHT/EAST onto Buford Dam Road

Follow Buford Dam Road EAST, then SE for ~ 3.7 miles

Turn RIGHT Lowe r Pool Road

 Got to Finial Directions

From GA 400, driving South from points North of GA- 400/GA-20:

Take exit #15, Bald Ridge Marina Rd.

Head East on Ba ld Ridge Road

At ~ .3 miles, turn RIGHT onto Tur ner Road

Follow Turner Rd for ~ .2 miles

Turn RIGHT/SOUTH onto < strong>Market Place Blvd

Follow Market Place Blvd for ~ 1.4 miles

Turn LEFT onto  Buford Dam Road

Follow Buford Dam Road EAST then SE for ~ 4.3 miles

Turn RIGHT onto Lower Pool Road

  Got to Finial Directions

From I-85 , driving North from points South of Lake Lanier :

Take exit #113, I- 985

Follow I- 985 for ~ 3.5 miles, then take

Exit #4, GA- 20/US-23S

At the exit, turn LEFT and follow GA- 20 W/NW for ~ 3.3 miles

Turn RIGHT onto Sycamore Road

Follow Sycamore Road NORTH for ~ 2.6 miles

Turn LEFT onto  Buford Dam Road

Follow Buford Dam Road N/NW for ~ 2.3 miles

Lake Lanier will be on your right

Immediately after you cross over the dam out of which the River, emerges

Turn LEFT onto  Lower Pool Road

 Got to Finial Directions

Finial Directions

This road is IMMEDIATELY after the dam where the River is released.

This road looks like the WRONG place to turn; it doesn’t look like you are entering a park.  You’ll see utility facilities upon entering.

Follow Lower Pool Road, downhill, for ~ .7 miles.

 Turn onto Lower Pool Road and turn right for Bowmans Island NRA parking. Turning left will thake you into the Army Crops of Engineer parking lot.

Do not leave any valuables in your car including the trunk since vandalism has happened in the past.

$5 cash for a daily parking pass - OR if you have the annual CRNRA pass just display in your vehicle and you are good to go.