Laurel Ridge Trail to Buford Dam to GA 20: off trail hike

Join us as we explore an extension of the Laurel Ridge Trail. We will be exploring unmarked trails that follow the Chattahoochee River to Hwy 20. We start off on the Laurel Ridge trail and take it to the river just south of Buford Dam. Then we hit the open woods. This exploratory trail has several small creeks and ravines to be traversed, log bridges to be crossed, and climbing sections. As the crow flies, it's about three miles through the woods to get to Hwy 20 but it's not easy to do three straight miles. Once we get to the large ravines, the group tends to split in to smaller groups and cross in several different places and gather on the other side. The saltier of the group cross towards the river where the banks are steeper and the crossing is more technical. Or the further back you trek from the river, the more narrow the ravine. Teamwork is sometimes the name of the game while crossing. Some folks may get 9 miles and some 10 or 11. Your TLs have done most of this hike; we've seen Hwy 20 from the trail but didn't go quite that far as we ran out of time. 

Water levels and current weather will determine the difficulty of the terrain. This is definitely not a beginner hike. You need balance and a good bit of upper body strength to pull yourself up embankments grabbing roots, ropes or a fellow hiker's arm. The effort is well worth it. If you have them, waterproof shoes are recommended. It is also advisable to wear clothes you don't mind getting wet, muddy or pulled on briars. We're mostly bushwhacked or following along deer trails. The water should not be more than ankle or calf deep in the deepest of sections. With careful footwork, you can stay dry.

We'll stop for a short break once we make it to Hwy 20. Bring a snack or small lunch.

 Dogs are not permitted per Lake Lanier Authority 

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.

From 400 - exit 14, go east to Samples Rd. Turn left on Samples and follow to Buford Dam rd. Turn right onto Buford Dam and continue east. immediately after crossing the dam look for Lower Overllok parking on your left.