Decision tool · park and trail matcher
Which park or trail fits your afternoon?
Between Sawnee Mountain, the Big Creek Greenway, the Lake Lanier shore and the county's own parks, Forsyth has more places to spend an afternoon outside than most newcomers find in a year. Tell us where you are starting from, how much time you have and what you want to do, and whether a dog, a stroller, a restroom stop or a fee matters, and we will rank the places that fit.
Every park and trailhead in the matcher
| Place | What is there | Run by | By car from Cumming City Hall | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cumming City Center source | A nature trail | City of Cumming | about 3 min | — |
| Cumming Recreation & Parks playground and pavilions source | A playground, Picnic pavilions | City of Cumming Recreation and Parks Department | about 3 min | Monday-Sunday 8 a.m.-dusk. Office: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. |
| Cumming Aquatic Center source | An indoor pool | City of Cumming | about 7 min | — |
| Mary Alice Park source | A swim beach, Lake Lanier access, A boat ramp, Picnic pavilions | Forsyth County Parks & Recreation (leased from the City of Cumming and USACE) | about 8 min | Day-use areas: March-October 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; November-February 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Boat ramps: open 24 hours (may close when the park reaches capacity). |
| Sawnee Campground source | Camping, Lake Lanier access, A boat ramp | Forsyth County Parks & Recreation in partnership with USACE | about 10 min | — |
| Sawnee Mountain Preserve source | A nature trail, Mountain views, A playground, Picnic pavilions | Forsyth County Parks & Recreation | about 11 min | Trails: March-October 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; November-February 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Visitor Center: Monday-Saturday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. |
| Coal Mountain Park source | Ball fields and courts, A playground, Paved trail miles, Picnic pavilions, A dog park | Forsyth County Parks & Recreation | about 11 min | 7 a.m.-11 p.m. |
| Haw Creek Park source | A nature trail, A playground, Picnic pavilions | Forsyth County Parks & Recreation | about 11 min | March-October 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; November-February 6 a.m.-7 p.m. |
| Central Park source | Ball fields and courts, A playground, Disc golf, Paved trail miles, Picnic pavilions | Forsyth County Parks & Recreation | about 12 min | Park: daily 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Recreation center: Monday-Thursday 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday 2-6 p.m. |
| Midway Park source | Ball fields and courts, A playground, Paved trail miles, A nature trail, Picnic pavilions | Forsyth County Parks & Recreation | about 12 min | Daily 7 a.m.-11 p.m. |
| Bald Ridge Creek Campground source | Camping, Lake Lanier access, A boat ramp, Fishing | Forsyth County Parks & Recreation in partnership with USACE | about 12 min | — |
| West Bank Park (Lake Lanier) source | A swim beach, Lake Lanier access, A playground, Picnic pavilions | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Lake Lanier Project Management Office | about 12 min | USACE day-use parks: daily 8 a.m.-10 p.m. (some parks totally or partially closed in winter). |
| Little Ridge Park (Lake Lanier) source | A boat ramp, Lake Lanier access, A nature trail | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Lake Lanier Project Management Office | about 12 min | USACE day-use parks: daily 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; boat launching only after closing. |
| Bowmans Island (Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area) source | A nature trail, A boat ramp | National Park Service, Chattahoochee River NRA | about 12 min | Park lands and waters are open for day use only, dawn (30 min before sunrise) to dusk (30 min after sunset), year round. |
| Sharon Springs Park source | Ball fields and courts, A playground, Paved trail miles, Picnic pavilions | Forsyth County Parks & Recreation | about 13 min | Closed for renovations. |
| Charleston Park source | A boat ramp, Lake Lanier access, A nature trail | Forsyth County Parks & Recreation (leased from USACE) | about 13 min | Day-use areas: March-October 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; November-February 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Boat ramps: open 24 hours. |
| Six Mile Creek Park source | A boat ramp, Lake Lanier access, Fishing | Forsyth County Parks & Recreation (leased from USACE) | about 13 min | Day-use areas: March-October 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; November-February 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Boat ramps: open 24 hours. |
| Tidwell Park source | A boat ramp, Lake Lanier access, Fishing | Forsyth County Parks & Recreation (shared-cost partnership with USACE) | about 13 min | Temporarily closed. |
| Joint Venture Park source | Ball fields and courts, Picnic pavilions | Forsyth County Parks & Recreation with the Forsyth County Board of Education | about 13 min | Daily 7 a.m.-11 p.m.; closed to the public during normal Daves Creek Elementary School hours. |
| Big Creek Greenway (Forsyth County) source | Paved trail miles | Forsyth County Parks & Recreation | about 14 min | Trail: March-October 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; November-February 6 a.m.-7 p.m. |
| Fowler Park source | Ball fields and courts, A playground, A dog park, Paved trail miles, Picnic pavilions | Forsyth County Parks & Recreation | about 14 min | Park: daily 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Recreation center: Monday-Thursday 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday 2-6 p.m. |
| Ducktown Community Park source | A playground, Paved trail miles, Picnic pavilions | Forsyth County Parks & Recreation | about 14 min | March-October 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; November-February 6 a.m.-7 p.m. |
| Polo Fields Park source | Ball fields and courts | Forsyth County Parks & Recreation | about 14 min | 7 a.m.-11 p.m. |
| Bennett Park source | Ball fields and courts, A playground, Paved trail miles, Picnic pavilions | Forsyth County Parks & Recreation | about 15 min | 7 a.m.-11 p.m. |
| Old Atlanta Park source | A splash pad, A playground, A nature trail, Picnic pavilions | Forsyth County Parks & Recreation | about 16 min | Park: daily 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Recreation center: Monday-Thursday 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday 2-6 p.m. Splash pad (2026 season): May 23-Aug 1 Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Aug 8-Sept 5 Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; also Memorial Day and July 4. |
| Sawnee Mountain Park source | Ball fields and courts, A playground, Paved trail miles, Picnic pavilions | Forsyth County Parks & Recreation | about 16 min | Daily 7 a.m.-11 p.m. |
| Caney Creek Preserve source | A dog park, A nature trail, A playground, Picnic pavilions | Forsyth County Parks & Recreation | about 17 min | March-October 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; November-February 6 a.m.-7 p.m. |
| Lanierland Park source | Ball fields and courts, A playground, Paved trail miles, Picnic pavilions | Forsyth County Parks & Recreation | about 18 min | 7 a.m.-11 p.m. |
| Poole's Mill Park source | History, A playground, Picnic pavilions | Forsyth County Parks & Recreation | about 19 min | March-October 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; November-February 6 a.m.-7 p.m. |
| Young Deer Creek Park source | A boat ramp, Lake Lanier access, A swim beach, Fishing, Picnic pavilions | Forsyth County Parks & Recreation (leased from USACE) | about 21 min | Day-use areas: March-October 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; November-February 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Boat ramps: open 24 hours. |
| Two Mile Creek Park source | A swim beach, Lake Lanier access, A boat ramp, Fishing | Forsyth County Parks & Recreation (shared-cost partnership with USACE) | about 22 min | Day-use area and boat ramps: open 24 hours. |
| Vann's Tavern Park source | A boat ramp, Lake Lanier access, Fishing | Forsyth County Parks & Recreation (shared-cost partnership with USACE) | about 22 min | Boat ramps: open 24 hours. |
| Chattahoochee Pointe source | Disc golf, A nature trail, A playground, Picnic pavilions | Forsyth County Parks & Recreation | about 22 min | March-October 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; November-February 6 a.m.-7 p.m. |
| Windermere Park source | A dog park, A playground, A nature trail, Paved trail miles, Picnic pavilions | Forsyth County Parks & Recreation | about 23 min | March-October 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; November-February 6 a.m.-7 p.m. |
| Shady Grove Campground source | Camping, Lake Lanier access, A boat ramp, A swim beach, A playground, Picnic pavilions | Forsyth County Parks & Recreation | about 23 min | — |
| Matt Community Park source | Ball fields and courts, A nature trail, A playground, Picnic pavilions | Forsyth County Parks & Recreation | about 24 min | 7 a.m.-11 p.m. |
| Long Hollow Park source | A swim beach, Lake Lanier access, A boat ramp, Fishing | Forsyth County Parks & Recreation (shared-cost partnership with USACE) | about 24 min | Day-use areas: May 1-Sept. 22, 2026, 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Boat ramps: open 24 hours. |
| Eagle's Beak Park source | A nature trail, Paved trail miles, A playground, Picnic pavilions | Forsyth County Parks & Recreation | about 24 min | March-October 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; November-February 6 a.m.-7 p.m. |
| South Forsyth Soccer Complex source | Ball fields and courts, Picnic pavilions | Forsyth County Parks & Recreation | about 24 min | 7 a.m.-11 p.m. |
| Keith's Bridge Park source | A swim beach, Lake Lanier access, A boat ramp, Fishing | Forsyth County Parks & Recreation (shared-cost partnership with USACE) | about 25 min | Day-use areas: May 1-Sept. 22, 2026, 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Boat ramps: open 24 hours. |
Amenities, hours, fees and rules as Forsyth County Parks and Recreation, the City of Cumming or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers publishes them, checked October 19, 2026. Drive times are computed routes from Cumming City Hall on OpenStreetMap data, one way, with no traffic.
Amenities, hours, fees and pet rules come from each park's own page at the managing agency. Drive times are computed one-way routes on OpenStreetMap data from Cumming City Hall or from the area you pick, with no traffic. Parks close fields, ramps and trails for weather, lake levels, events and construction, so check the park page on the day.
Want one of these parks around the corner? The area matcher shows which parts of the county put you closest.
The county park system
- Forsyth County lists 37 county parks, 58.5 miles of trails, 9 lake parks, 2 river parks, 3 campgrounds and 25 playgrounds. Forsyth County: About (Outdoor Adventures)
- Forsyth County Parks & Recreation is accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA), which required meeting 154 standards. Main line: (770) 781-2215. Forsyth County Parks & Recreation: About Us
Big parks worth knowing
- Fowler Park, at 4110 Carolene Way, Cumming, opened in 2011 on former Fowler family farmland. It has a recreation center, 12 tennis courts, 8 pickleball courts, a dog park, a skate park and a Big Creek Greenway trailhead. Forsyth County: Fowler Park
- Central Park, at 2300 Keith Bridge Road, Cumming, opened in 2001. It has athletic fields, tennis courts, a disc golf course, walking trails, a recreation center and a senior services facility. Forsyth County: Central Park
- Poole's Mill Park in north Forsyth preserves a historic covered bridge over Settingdown Creek. The county restored the bridge and opened the park in 1997. Forsyth County: Poole's Mill Park
- Mary Alice Park, at 1820 Mary Alice Park Road, Cumming, has a Lake Lanier boat ramp, a sand swimming beach and a picnic pavilion. Forsyth County has run it since 2023 under a lease with the Corps of Engineers and the City of Cumming. Ramp parking costs $10 a day or $60 a year. Forsyth County: Mary Alice Park
Trails
- Sawnee Mountain Preserve protects over 820 acres just north of Cumming and has more than 11 miles of trails, including routes to the Indian Seats. The county says the Barker Overlook, a new hike-in viewpoint, is planned to open in 2026. Dogs are not allowed on the trails. Forsyth County: Sawnee Mountain Preserve
- The Big Creek Greenway is a 12-foot-wide concrete and boardwalk path that first opened in 2009. It runs nearly 16 miles through Forsyth County, from south Forsyth to Sawnee Mountain Preserve. Forsyth County: Big Creek Greenway
- Phase 4 of the Big Creek Greenway, from the Bethelview Trailhead (mile 8.5) to south of Kelly Mill Road (mile 10.3), is closed for boardwalk renovation. It closed in fall 2024 because the old boardwalk had worn out. Forsyth County: Big Creek Greenway (Renovation Updates)
More on each: Sawnee Mountain, the Big Creek Greenway and Lake Lanier.
Every park and trailhead in the matcher
Cumming City Center
City of Cumming
About 3 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route)
The City's 75-acre town-center development west of downtown Cumming, with an amphitheater, pocket parks and a boardwalk trail system along Kelly Mill Branch.
What is there: Lou Sobh Amphitheater beside a reflection pool, Water fountain, Green space including several pocket parks, Putting course, Steam engine display, Trail and boardwalk system above the Kelly Mill Branch stream and wetlands, Shops and restaurants
Surface: Trail and boardwalk system (surface and length not stated)
Good to know: The City says another 10 acres across Canton Highway will be developed with additional walking trails in a later phase.
Source: City of Cumming: Cumming City Center, checked 2026-10-19
Cumming Recreation & Parks playground and pavilions
City of Cumming Recreation and Parks Department
About 3 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route)
The City recreation department's grounds on Pilgrim Mill Road, with a public playground and first-come pavilions.
What is there: Public playground, Pavilions (not available for rent; programs have priority)
Hours: Monday-Sunday 8 a.m.-dusk. Office: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Source: City of Cumming Recreation and Parks: Park Pavilion & Playground, checked 2026-10-19
Cumming Aquatic Center
City of Cumming
About 7 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route)
The City of Cumming's indoor aquatic center, with a 25-yard competition pool, public lap lanes, swim lessons and swim teams.
What is there: Competition pool (short course, 25 yards) with public lane schedule, Swim lessons, Group exercise, Swim and dive teams
Fee: Daily admission: under 2 free; youth (2-13) $8; adult (14-59) $9; senior (60+) $8. Family Friday: 50% off general admission the 3rd Friday of the month (Sept-April). 30/90/180-day and annual passes also sold.
Good to know: Hours change by season; the center posts them as a schedule PDF (current one runs through 2/7/2027).
Source: Cumming Aquatic Center (City of Cumming), checked 2026-10-19
Mary Alice Park
Forsyth County Parks & Recreation (leased from the City of Cumming and USACE)
About 8 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route)
Lake Lanier park closest to Cumming with year-round boat access, a sandy swimming beach, grills and a pavilion; the County has operated it since 2023.
What is there: Boat ramp (Lake Lanier), fee required, Courtesy dock, Picnic pavilion, Sand beach with swimming area, fee required, Grills
Fee: Day-use pass $10 per vehicle; boat ramp $10 (County day-use table). Forsyth County annual Lake Lanier pass $60 (10% discount for ages 55+); temporary annual passes sold at the kiosks at Charleston, Mary Alice, Six Mile Creek and Young Deer Creek parks and redeemed within 7 days at Central Park, Fowler Park or Old Atlanta Park recreation centers or the Sawnee Mountain Preserve Visitor Center.
Hours: Day-use areas: March-October 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; November-February 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Boat ramps: open 24 hours (may close when the park reaches capacity).
Parking: Vehicles must display a valid day-use or annual pass on the dashboard or mirror.
Dogs: Beach rules: pets must be leashed at all times; clean up pet waste.
Good to know: USACE 2026 deer hunt closure: closed the evening of Nov. 9 and Nov. 10-12; reopens Nov. 13.
Source: Forsyth County: Mary Alice Park; Lake Lanier Day Use Parks, checked 2026-10-19
Sawnee Campground
Forsyth County Parks & Recreation in partnership with USACE
About 10 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route)
Lake Lanier campground just north of Buford Dam, first developed by USACE in the 1950s, with campsites, bathhouses and a boat ramp.
What is there: Campsites, Bathhouses, Boat ramp, Beach, lake access and playground (County amenity tags)
Dogs: Campground rules: pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet; not allowed in restrooms, playground areas, shelters or designated swim areas.
Source: Forsyth County: Sawnee Campground, checked 2026-10-19
Sawnee Mountain Preserve
Forsyth County Parks & Recreation
About 11 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route) · 11 mi of trail (as published)
Forested mountain preserve just north of Cumming with over 11 miles of hiking, including routes to the Indian Seats overlook, plus a visitor center, climbing tower and zip-line programs.
What is there: Hiking trails (11 miles), Indian Seats overlook, Outdoor amphitheater, 4 picnic pavilions, Rock climbing area, Climbing tower, Zip-line, Bird observatory, Fairy Trail, Playground, Visitor center: indoor classroom, restrooms, animal exhibit, interactive exhibit, resource library, information desk, educational gardens
Surface: Natural-surface hiking trails
Hours: Trails: March-October 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; November-February 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Visitor Center: Monday-Saturday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Dogs: Dogs are prohibited on all trails at Sawnee Mountain Preserve.
Access: 'Wheels in the Wild': free, reservation-only use of an Action Trackchair (all-terrain mobility device) with a Trail Buddy, picked up at the Visitor Center; maximum trail distance 2.4 miles; eligibility form required.
Good to know: Barker Overlook (hike-in viewing point) is under construction, anticipated early 2027; the project site is closed to the public until complete.
Source: Forsyth County: Sawnee Mountain Preserve, checked 2026-10-19
Coal Mountain Park
Forsyth County Parks & Recreation
About 11 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route) · 1 mi of trail (as published)
North Forsyth sports park (opened 1988) with youth ballfields, six pickleball courts, two playgrounds and a 1-mile paved walking trail; a county recycling center shares the address.
What is there: 7 youth diamond fields (1 turf), 6 pickleball courts, 2 playgrounds, 2 picnic pavilions, Turf rectangle field, Batting cages, Community building, Paved walking trail (1 mile), Restrooms, Dog park (in the County's amenity tags for this park; not listed in the page's amenity list)
Surface: Paved walking trail
Hours: 7 a.m.-11 p.m.
Dogs: County parks FAQ: leashed pets are welcome in all parks except Sawnee Mountain Preserve; clean up after your pet; pets are not allowed on playgrounds, athletic fields or spectator areas, or inside buildings (service animals excepted).
Source: Forsyth County: Coal Mountain Park, checked 2026-10-19
Haw Creek Park
Forsyth County Parks & Recreation
About 11 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route)
Wooded east-of-Cumming park (opened 2012) with miles of shaded multi-use trails, a bike skills track, a storybook trail and nature-themed playground pods.
What is there: Picnic pavilion, Bike skills track, Multi-use trails (walking and biking), Playground pods (woodlands theme), Restrooms, Storybook trail
Surface: Shaded multi-use trails (County amenity tags: natural trail, mountain bike trail)
Hours: March-October 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; November-February 6 a.m.-7 p.m.
Dogs: County parks FAQ: leashed pets are welcome in all parks except Sawnee Mountain Preserve; clean up after your pet; pets are not allowed on playgrounds, athletic fields or spectator areas, or inside buildings (service animals excepted).
Source: Forsyth County: Haw Creek Park, checked 2026-10-19
Central Park
Forsyth County Parks & Recreation
About 12 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route) · 1.1 mi of trail (as published)
Flagship county park on Keith Bridge Road (opened 2001) with ballfields, eight tennis courts, a disc golf course, a 1.1-mile paved trail and an indoor recreation center.
What is there: 8 tennis courts, 5 youth diamond fields, 4 adult diamond fields, 3 picnic pavilions, 3 turf rectangle fields, Batting cages, Disc golf course, Paved walking trail (1.1 miles), Playground, Restrooms, Recreation center: 2 indoor basketball courts, cardio-weight room, indoor walking track, dance, pottery, fitness and multipurpose classrooms, community room, showers, Senior Recreation and Services facility
Surface: Paved walking trail
Fee: Recreation center daily pass $5 per person (County parks FAQ).
Hours: Park: daily 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Recreation center: Monday-Thursday 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday 2-6 p.m.
Dogs: County parks FAQ: leashed pets are welcome in all parks except Sawnee Mountain Preserve; clean up after your pet; pets are not allowed on playgrounds, athletic fields or spectator areas, or inside buildings (service animals excepted).
Source: Forsyth County: Central Park, checked 2026-10-19
Midway Park
Forsyth County Parks & Recreation
About 12 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route) · 1.3 mi of trail (as published)
The county's second-oldest park (1985) on Post Road west of Cumming, renovated in 2022, with youth ballfields, pickleball courts and a 1.3-mile paved loop.
What is there: 7 youth diamond fields, 6 pickleball courts, 2 turf rectangle fields, Batting cages, Community building, Nature trail (0.1 miles), Paved walking trail (1.3 miles), Picnic pavilion, Playground, Restrooms
Surface: Paved walking trail (1.3 mi) and short nature trail (0.1 mi)
Hours: Daily 7 a.m.-11 p.m.
Dogs: County parks FAQ: leashed pets are welcome in all parks except Sawnee Mountain Preserve; clean up after your pet; pets are not allowed on playgrounds, athletic fields or spectator areas, or inside buildings (service animals excepted).
Source: Forsyth County: Midway Park, checked 2026-10-19
Bald Ridge Creek Campground
Forsyth County Parks & Recreation in partnership with USACE
About 12 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route)
Lakeside campground on Lake Lanier just east of GA 400 near Cumming, with showers and a boat launch.
What is there: Bathrooms/showers, Boat launch, Campsites, Activities: boating, camping, fishing, lakeside relaxation
Dogs: Campground rules: pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet; not allowed in restrooms, playground areas, shelters or designated swim areas.
Source: Forsyth County: Bald Ridge Creek Campground, checked 2026-10-19
West Bank Park (Lake Lanier)
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Lake Lanier Project Management Office
About 12 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route)
USACE-run Lake Lanier day-use park at the west end of Buford Dam, with a swimming area, play area and reservable picnic shelters; pets are not allowed.
What is there: Reservable group picnic shelters SL8203 and SL8206 (70 people each; tables, grill, outlet, lights; $90/day), Shelter chart also marks beach and play area for West Bank (no boat ramp)
Fee: USACE day-use fees: $3 per pedestrian, $8 per vehicle; no boat ramp. USACE annual passes accepted.
Hours: USACE day-use parks: daily 8 a.m.-10 p.m. (some parks totally or partially closed in winter).
Parking: When parking areas are full, entry may be closed; USACE advises groups to arrive before 11 a.m.
Dogs: Pets are prohibited at West Bank day-use park (USACE).
Good to know: Picnic shelters reservable March 29-Sept. 26 via Recreation.gov.
Source: USACE Mobile District: Lake Lanier Day-Use Parks; Picnic Shelters, checked 2026-10-19
Little Ridge Park (Lake Lanier)
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Lake Lanier Project Management Office
About 12 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route) · 1.1 mi of trail (as published)
Free USACE day-use area on Lake Lanier with a boat ramp and the 1.05-mile Little Ridge Trail; no restrooms.
What is there: Boat ramp, Little Ridge Trail (1.05 miles) with wildlife viewing, No restrooms
Fee: Free day-use park (USACE 'Free Day Use Parks' list).
Hours: USACE day-use parks: daily 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; boat launching only after closing.
Source: USACE Mobile District: Lake Lanier Day-Use Parks, checked 2026-10-19
Bowmans Island (Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area)
National Park Service, Chattahoochee River NRA
About 12 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route) · 5.4 mi of trail (as published)
The northernmost unit of the Chattahoochee River NRA, just below Buford Dam (its Lower Pool entrance is in Forsyth County; the Island Ford Road and Upper Pool entrances are in Gwinnett County), with 5.4 miles of hiking trails plus boat and canoe launches.
What is there: Hiking trails (5.4 miles), Boat launch, Canoe launch, Picnic area with grills, Restrooms
Fee: Entrance pass required: $5 per private vehicle per day (or $5 per person on foot/bike, 16+); $40 park annual pass; America the Beautiful passes accepted.
Hours: Park lands and waters are open for day use only, dawn (30 min before sunrise) to dusk (30 min after sunset), year round.
Parking: A pass is not a parking reservation; parking is not guaranteed.
Dogs: Pets are allowed on park trails on a leash 6 feet or shorter at all times, including in the water.
Source: NPS Chattahoochee River NRA: maps, unit directions, fees, hours, pets, checked 2026-10-19
Sharon Springs Park
Forsyth County Parks & Recreation
About 13 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route) · 1.8 mi of trail (as published)
South Forsyth's first sports complex (1994), currently closed for a full renovation expected to finish in early 2028.
What is there: 8 tennis courts, 8 youth diamond fields, 6 pickleball courts, 3 volleyball courts, 2 turf rectangle fields, Batting cages, Community building, Paved walking trail (1.8 miles), Restrooms, Playground, Picnic pavilions
Surface: Paved walking trail
Hours: Closed for renovations.
Dogs: County parks FAQ: leashed pets are welcome in all parks except Sawnee Mountain Preserve; clean up after your pet; pets are not allowed on playgrounds, athletic fields or spectator areas, or inside buildings (service animals excepted).
Good to know: CLOSED: the park has been closed since Feb. 9, 2026 for a multi-year, $52.7 million renovation; anticipated completion early 2028, weather permitting. Planned: new all-inclusive playground, 1.75 miles of paved multi-loop trails, eight pickleball and eight tennis courts, three sand volleyball courts.
Source: Forsyth County: Sharon Springs Park, checked 2026-10-19
Charleston Park
Forsyth County Parks & Recreation (leased from USACE)
About 13 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route)
Lake Lanier park first developed by USACE in the 1950s, now run by the County, with boat ramps, a multi-use trail and lakeside picnic tables.
What is there: Boat ramps (fee required), Multi-use trail (walking and biking), Picnic tables with grills, Restrooms
Surface: Multi-use trail (surface not stated; County amenity tag: natural trail)
Fee: No vehicle fee; boat ramp $10 per day (County day-use table). Forsyth County annual Lake Lanier pass $60 (10% discount for ages 55+); temporary annual passes sold at the kiosks at Charleston, Mary Alice, Six Mile Creek and Young Deer Creek parks and redeemed within 7 days at Central Park, Fowler Park or Old Atlanta Park recreation centers or the Sawnee Mountain Preserve Visitor Center.
Hours: Day-use areas: March-October 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; November-February 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Boat ramps: open 24 hours.
Dogs: County parks FAQ: leashed pets are welcome in all parks except Sawnee Mountain Preserve; clean up after your pet; pets are not allowed on playgrounds, athletic fields or spectator areas, or inside buildings (service animals excepted).
Source: Forsyth County: Charleston Park; Lake Lanier Day Use Parks, checked 2026-10-19
Six Mile Creek Park
Forsyth County Parks & Recreation (leased from USACE)
About 13 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route)
Boat ramp and shoreline fishing access to Lake Lanier off Browns Bridge Road (GA 369).
What is there: Boat ramp (Lake Lanier), fee required, Lake access, Shoreline access for fishing, Fishing tournament permits
Fee: No vehicle fee; boat ramp $10 per day (County day-use table). Forsyth County annual Lake Lanier pass $60 (10% discount for ages 55+); temporary annual passes sold at the kiosks at Charleston, Mary Alice, Six Mile Creek and Young Deer Creek parks and redeemed within 7 days at Central Park, Fowler Park or Old Atlanta Park recreation centers or the Sawnee Mountain Preserve Visitor Center.
Hours: Day-use areas: March-October 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; November-February 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Boat ramps: open 24 hours.
Dogs: County parks FAQ: leashed pets are welcome in all parks except Sawnee Mountain Preserve; clean up after your pet; pets are not allowed on playgrounds, athletic fields or spectator areas, or inside buildings (service animals excepted).
Source: Forsyth County: Six Mile Creek Park; Lake Lanier Day Use Parks, checked 2026-10-19
Tidwell Park
Forsyth County Parks & Recreation (shared-cost partnership with USACE)
About 13 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route)
Pilgrim Mill Road boat ramp on Lake Lanier, closed until 2029 for the County's water intake project.
What is there: Restrooms, Boat ramp, Courtesy dock, Activities: boating, fishing
Fee: When open: no vehicle fee; boat ramp $8 (County day-use table).
Hours: Temporarily closed.
Dogs: County parks FAQ: leashed pets are welcome in all parks except Sawnee Mountain Preserve; clean up after your pet; pets are not allowed on playgrounds, athletic fields or spectator areas, or inside buildings (service animals excepted).
Good to know: CLOSED for the Forsyth County Water Intake Project until 2029.
Source: Forsyth County: Tidwell Park; Lake Lanier Day Use Parks, checked 2026-10-19
Joint Venture Park
Forsyth County Parks & Recreation with the Forsyth County Board of Education
About 13 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route)
Shared school-and-community park beside Daves Creek Elementary; open to the public evenings and weekends.
What is there: 3 youth diamond fields, 3 picnic pavilions, Turf rectangle field, Batting cages, Restrooms
Hours: Daily 7 a.m.-11 p.m.; closed to the public during normal Daves Creek Elementary School hours.
Dogs: County parks FAQ: leashed pets are welcome in all parks except Sawnee Mountain Preserve; clean up after your pet; pets are not allowed on playgrounds, athletic fields or spectator areas, or inside buildings (service animals excepted).
Source: Forsyth County: Joint Venture Park, checked 2026-10-19
Big Creek Greenway (Forsyth County)
Forsyth County Parks & Recreation
About 14 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route) · 16 mi of trail (as published)
Forsyth County's long paved-and-boardwalk greenway along Big Creek, running nearly 16 miles from the Halcyon trailhead in south Forsyth north toward Sawnee Mountain Preserve.
What is there: 12-foot-wide concrete and boardwalk path, Walking, running, biking and roller blading, Big Creek Greenway app
Surface: 12-foot-wide concrete and boardwalk path
Hours: Trail: March-October 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; November-February 6 a.m.-7 p.m.
Dogs: Greenway rules: pets must be leashed at all times; clean up and dispose of pet waste.
Access: Fowler Park Trailhead is temporarily not ADA accessible (a portion of its boardwalk is disconnected; the trail is reached by steps).
Good to know: Phase 4 between Bethelview Trailhead (mile marker 8.5) and south of Kelly Mill Road (mile marker 10.3) has been closed since fall 2024 for a boardwalk rebuild; the County's estimated construction completion is March 2028.
Source: Forsyth County: Big Creek Greenway, checked 2026-10-19
Fowler Park
Forsyth County Parks & Recreation
About 14 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route) · 1.5 mi of trail (as published)
One of the county's busiest active parks, opened in 2011 on former Fowler family farmland, with courts, turf fields, a skate park, a dog park, a recreation center and a Big Creek Greenway trailhead.
What is there: 12 tennis courts, 8 pickleball courts, 6 turf rectangle fields, 5 picnic pavilions, 4 diamond fields, 2 playgrounds, 1 outdoor basketball court, Batting cages, Big Creek Greenway trailhead, Braille, Dog park, Paved walking trail (1.5 miles), Skate park, Track and field, Restrooms, Recreation center: 2 indoor basketball courts, cardio-weight room, indoor walking track, dance, fitness and multipurpose classrooms, community room, showers
Surface: Paved walking trail
Fee: Recreation center daily pass $5 per person; ages 14+ need a membership or daily pass for the gym (County parks FAQ).
Hours: Park: daily 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Recreation center: Monday-Thursday 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday 2-6 p.m.
Dogs: County parks FAQ: leashed pets are welcome in all parks except Sawnee Mountain Preserve; clean up after your pet; pets are not allowed on playgrounds, athletic fields or spectator areas, or inside buildings (service animals excepted).
Source: Forsyth County: Fowler Park, checked 2026-10-19
Ducktown Community Park
Forsyth County Parks & Recreation
About 14 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route) · 0.2 mi of trail (as published)
Small west Forsyth neighborhood park on the former Ducktown Community Club grounds, with a playground, rubberized walking loop, fitness area and sand volleyball.
What is there: Outdoor fitness equipment, Picnic pavilion, Playground, Restrooms, Rubberized walking trail (0.2-mile loop), Sand volleyball court
Surface: Rubberized walking path
Hours: March-October 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; November-February 6 a.m.-7 p.m.
Dogs: County parks FAQ: leashed pets are welcome in all parks except Sawnee Mountain Preserve; clean up after your pet; pets are not allowed on playgrounds, athletic fields or spectator areas, or inside buildings (service animals excepted).
Source: Forsyth County: Ducktown Community Park, checked 2026-10-19
Polo Fields Park
Forsyth County Parks & Recreation
About 14 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route)
About 39 acres of grass soccer fields off Majors Road in west Forsyth, with a posted master plan for future development.
What is there: Grass soccer fields, Portable restrooms
Hours: 7 a.m.-11 p.m.
Dogs: County parks FAQ: leashed pets are welcome in all parks except Sawnee Mountain Preserve; clean up after your pet; pets are not allowed on playgrounds, athletic fields or spectator areas, or inside buildings (service animals excepted).
Good to know: A master plan (PDF) for the property is posted on the park page.
Source: Forsyth County: Polo Fields Park, checked 2026-10-19
Bennett Park
Forsyth County Parks & Recreation
About 15 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route)
Forsyth County's first public park (1978), fully renovated in 2026, with youth ballfields, turf fields, basketball courts and a walking trail.
What is there: 3 youth baseball/softball fields, 2 basketball courts, 2 turf multi-use rectangle fields, Picnic pavilions, Batting cages, Community building, Playground, Walking trail
Surface: Walking trail (County amenity tag: paved trail)
Hours: 7 a.m.-11 p.m.
Dogs: County parks FAQ: leashed pets are welcome in all parks except Sawnee Mountain Preserve; clean up after your pet; pets are not allowed on playgrounds, athletic fields or spectator areas, or inside buildings (service animals excepted).
Good to know: Fully renovated in 2026.
Source: Forsyth County: Bennett Park, checked 2026-10-19
Old Atlanta Park
Forsyth County Parks & Recreation
About 16 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route) · 1 mi of trail (as published)
South Forsyth park (opened 2012) anchored by a 40,000-square-foot recreation center, with a seasonal splash pad, two playgrounds and a 1-mile nature trail.
What is there: Splash pad (seasonal), 2 picnic pavilions, 2 playgrounds, Nature trail (1 mile), 40,000-square-foot recreation center: 2 indoor basketball courts, cardio-weight room, indoor walking track, dance, fitness and multipurpose classrooms, community room, showers, restrooms
Surface: Nature trail
Fee: Splash pad: $2 per visit for children 1 and up; adults free with a child (dry deck only); family annual pass $60. Recreation center daily pass $5 per person (parks FAQ).
Hours: Park: daily 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Recreation center: Monday-Thursday 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday 2-6 p.m. Splash pad (2026 season): May 23-Aug 1 Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Aug 8-Sept 5 Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; also Memorial Day and July 4.
Dogs: County parks FAQ: leashed pets are welcome in all parks except Sawnee Mountain Preserve; clean up after your pet; pets are not allowed on playgrounds, athletic fields or spectator areas, or inside buildings (service animals excepted).
Good to know: Splash pad is seasonal; the posted 2026 schedule ended Sept 5.
Source: Forsyth County: Old Atlanta Park, checked 2026-10-19
Sawnee Mountain Park
Forsyth County Parks & Recreation
About 16 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route) · 0.9 mi of trail (as published)
Northwest Forsyth community sports park (opened 1998; not the same place as Sawnee Mountain Preserve) with ballfields, tennis and basketball courts and a short paved loop.
What is there: 8 diamond fields, 4 tennis courts, 2 outdoor basketball courts, 2 turf rectangle fields, Batting cages, Community building, Paved walking trail (0.9 miles), Playground, Picnic pavilion, Restrooms
Surface: Paved walking trail
Hours: Daily 7 a.m.-11 p.m.
Dogs: County parks FAQ: leashed pets are welcome in all parks except Sawnee Mountain Preserve; clean up after your pet; pets are not allowed on playgrounds, athletic fields or spectator areas, or inside buildings (service animals excepted).
Good to know: Tennis courts closed for resurfacing beginning Sept. 14 for approximately 4-6 weeks, weather permitting.
Source: Forsyth County: Sawnee Mountain Park, checked 2026-10-19
Caney Creek Preserve
Forsyth County Parks & Recreation
About 17 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route) · 1.5 mi of trail (as published)
South Forsyth nature preserve (opened 2012) designed for low-impact recreation: wooded walking trails, a dog park, pavilions and a nature-themed playground.
What is there: 2 picnic pavilions, Dog park, Natural trail (1.5 miles), Playground, Restrooms
Surface: Natural trail
Hours: March-October 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; November-February 6 a.m.-7 p.m.
Dogs: County parks FAQ: leashed pets are welcome in all parks except Sawnee Mountain Preserve; clean up after your pet; pets are not allowed on playgrounds, athletic fields or spectator areas, or inside buildings (service animals excepted). Dog park rules: dogs leashed entering/exiting the fenced area; limit 2 dogs per adult; aggressive dogs must be removed.
Source: Forsyth County: Caney Creek Preserve, checked 2026-10-19
Lanierland Park
Forsyth County Parks & Recreation
About 18 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route)
Northeast Forsyth park on the former Lanierland Music Park site (phases opened 2017 and 2023) with turf fields, a Miracle League field, tennis and pickleball courts.
What is there: 4 turf rectangle fields, 6 picnic pavilions, 2 playgrounds, 4 pickleball courts, 6 tennis courts, 4 diamond fields, Miracle League turf field, Paved walking trail, Restrooms
Surface: Paved walking trail
Hours: 7 a.m.-11 p.m.
Dogs: County parks FAQ: leashed pets are welcome in all parks except Sawnee Mountain Preserve; clean up after your pet; pets are not allowed on playgrounds, athletic fields or spectator areas, or inside buildings (service animals excepted).
Source: Forsyth County: Lanierland Park, checked 2026-10-19
Poole's Mill Park
Forsyth County Parks & Recreation
About 19 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route)
Park built around a historic covered bridge over Settingdown Creek (originally early 1800s, later rebuilt); a county park since 1997 with creek banks, picnic areas and a playground.
What is there: Covered bridge, Settingdown Creek, Picnic pavilion, Picnic tables, Playground, Restrooms
Hours: March-October 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; November-February 6 a.m.-7 p.m.
Dogs: County parks FAQ: leashed pets are welcome in all parks except Sawnee Mountain Preserve; clean up after your pet; pets are not allowed on playgrounds, athletic fields or spectator areas, or inside buildings (service animals excepted).
Source: Forsyth County: Poole's Mill Park, checked 2026-10-19
Young Deer Creek Park
Forsyth County Parks & Recreation (leased from USACE)
About 21 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route)
Lake Lanier access point with a boat ramp, sand beach, picnic pavilion and shoreline access.
What is there: Boat ramp (fee required), Courtesy dock, Sand beach with swimming area, Picnic pavilion, Swing set, Shoreline access, Fishing tournament permits
Fee: No vehicle fee; boat ramp $10 per day (County day-use table). Forsyth County annual Lake Lanier pass $60 (10% discount for ages 55+); temporary annual passes sold at the kiosks at Charleston, Mary Alice, Six Mile Creek and Young Deer Creek parks and redeemed within 7 days at Central Park, Fowler Park or Old Atlanta Park recreation centers or the Sawnee Mountain Preserve Visitor Center.
Hours: Day-use areas: March-October 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; November-February 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Boat ramps: open 24 hours.
Dogs: Beach rules: pets must be leashed at all times; clean up pet waste.
Source: Forsyth County: Young Deer Creek Park; Lake Lanier Day Use Parks, checked 2026-10-19
Two Mile Creek Park
Forsyth County Parks & Recreation (shared-cost partnership with USACE)
About 22 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route)
Lake Lanier beach, picnic and boat-ramp park on Bethel Road in east Forsyth.
What is there: Restrooms, Boat ramp, Courtesy dock, Picnic tables with grills, Sand beach with swimming area, Activities: fishing, boating, picnicking, swimming
Fee: $8 per vehicle; boat ramp $8 (County day-use table). The $40 U.S.A.C.E. annual pass (sold at the USACE office, 1050 Buford Dam Road) is valid at Keith Bridge, Long Hollow, Tidwell (boat ramp only), Two Mile and Vann's Tavern parks.
Hours: Day-use area and boat ramps: open 24 hours.
Dogs: Beach rules: pets must be leashed at all times; clean up pet waste.
Source: Forsyth County: Two Mile Creek Park; Lake Lanier Day Use Parks, checked 2026-10-19
Vann's Tavern Park
Forsyth County Parks & Recreation (shared-cost partnership with USACE)
About 22 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route)
Boat-ramp park on Lake Lanier at the end of Vanns Tavern Road in east Forsyth.
What is there: Restrooms, Boat ramp, Courtesy dock, Activities: boating, fishing
Fee: No vehicle fee; boat ramp $8 (County day-use table). The $40 U.S.A.C.E. annual pass (sold at the USACE office, 1050 Buford Dam Road) is valid at Keith Bridge, Long Hollow, Tidwell (boat ramp only), Two Mile and Vann's Tavern parks.
Hours: Boat ramps: open 24 hours.
Dogs: County parks FAQ: leashed pets are welcome in all parks except Sawnee Mountain Preserve; clean up after your pet; pets are not allowed on playgrounds, athletic fields or spectator areas, or inside buildings (service animals excepted).
Source: Forsyth County: Vann's Tavern Park; Lake Lanier Day Use Parks, checked 2026-10-19
Chattahoochee Pointe
Forsyth County Parks & Recreation
About 22 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route) · 3.1 mi of trail (as published)
Chattahoochee River park in southeast Forsyth (opened 2012) with a paddler launch, a 3.1-mile soft-surface trail and an 18-hole disc golf course.
What is there: 2 picnic pavilions, 18-hole disc golf course, Multi-use soft surface trail (3.1 miles), Playground, River access (Chattahoochee River) / canoe-kayak launch
Surface: Multi-use natural (soft) surface trail; one loop is a 5K course
Hours: March-October 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; November-February 6 a.m.-7 p.m.
Dogs: County parks FAQ: leashed pets are welcome in all parks except Sawnee Mountain Preserve; clean up after your pet; pets are not allowed on playgrounds, athletic fields or spectator areas, or inside buildings (service animals excepted).
Source: Forsyth County: Chattahoochee Pointe, checked 2026-10-19
Windermere Park
Forsyth County Parks & Recreation
About 23 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route) · 0.6 mi of trail (as published)
Neighborhood park in southeast Forsyth (opened 2004) with a dog park, playground, short nature and paved trails and a small pavilion.
What is there: Picnic pavilion, Dog park, Nature trail (0.55 miles), Paved walking trail (0.37 miles), Playground, Restrooms
Surface: Nature trail (0.55 mi) and paved walking trail (0.37 mi)
Hours: March-October 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; November-February 6 a.m.-7 p.m.
Dogs: County parks FAQ: leashed pets are welcome in all parks except Sawnee Mountain Preserve; clean up after your pet; pets are not allowed on playgrounds, athletic fields or spectator areas, or inside buildings (service animals excepted).
Source: Forsyth County: Windermere Park, checked 2026-10-19
Shady Grove Campground
Forsyth County Parks & Recreation
About 23 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route)
County-run Lake Lanier campground on about 100 wooded acres; camping is by advance reservation only.
What is there: Lakeside campsites (many with lake views), Beach, boat launch, lake access, pavilion, playground (County amenity tags)
Dogs: Campground rules: pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet; not allowed in restrooms, playground areas, shelters or designated swim areas.
Access: ADA-designated campsites require proof of disability on arrival.
Source: Forsyth County: Shady Grove Campground; Park Rules (campground), checked 2026-10-19
Matt Community Park
Forsyth County Parks & Recreation
About 24 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route) · 3.2 mi of trail (as published)
Northwest Forsyth's large community park at Settingdown Creek (opened 2016) with turf fields, lighted tennis courts and 3.2 miles of multi-use trails.
What is there: 4 turf rectangle fields, 6 tennis courts, 3 picnic pavilions, Playground, Restrooms, Multi-use trail (3.2 miles), walking and biking
Surface: Multi-use trail for walking and biking (surface not stated on the page; the County's amenity tags list natural trail, paved trail and mountain bike trail)
Hours: 7 a.m.-11 p.m.
Dogs: County parks FAQ: leashed pets are welcome in all parks except Sawnee Mountain Preserve; clean up after your pet; pets are not allowed on playgrounds, athletic fields or spectator areas, or inside buildings (service animals excepted).
Good to know: The park's phase-three master plan adds a recreation center, a library, outdoor courts, picnic areas and another playground (planned, not built).
Source: Forsyth County: Matt Community Park, checked 2026-10-19
Long Hollow Park
Forsyth County Parks & Recreation (shared-cost partnership with USACE)
About 24 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route)
Seasonal Lake Lanier beach and boat-ramp park on Bryant Road in the county's northeast corner.
What is there: Restrooms, Boat ramp, Courtesy dock, Sand beach with swimming area, Picnic tables with grills, Activities: fishing, boating, picnicking, swimming
Fee: $8 per vehicle; boat ramp $8 (County day-use table). The $40 U.S.A.C.E. annual pass (sold at the USACE office, 1050 Buford Dam Road) is valid at Keith Bridge, Long Hollow, Tidwell (boat ramp only), Two Mile and Vann's Tavern parks.
Hours: Day-use areas: May 1-Sept. 22, 2026, 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Boat ramps: open 24 hours.
Dogs: Beach rules: pets must be leashed at all times; clean up pet waste.
Good to know: Day-use area season (May 1-Sept. 22, 2026) has ended; boat ramps are listed as open 24 hours.
Source: Forsyth County: Long Hollow Park; Lake Lanier Day Use Parks, checked 2026-10-19
Eagle's Beak Park
Forsyth County Parks & Recreation
About 24 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route) · 1.3 mi of trail (as published)
Quiet north Forsyth park beside the Etowah River (opened 2017) with a paddle launch, nature and paved trails, open green space and a playground.
What is there: Canoe/kayak launch (Etowah River), Nature trail (1.2 miles), Paved walking trail (1.25 miles), Picnic pavilions (4), Playground, Restrooms
Surface: Nature trail (1.2 mi) and paved walking trail (1.25 mi)
Hours: March-October 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; November-February 6 a.m.-7 p.m.
Dogs: County parks FAQ: leashed pets are welcome in all parks except Sawnee Mountain Preserve; clean up after your pet; pets are not allowed on playgrounds, athletic fields or spectator areas, or inside buildings (service animals excepted).
Source: Forsyth County: Eagle's Beak Park, checked 2026-10-19
South Forsyth Soccer Complex
Forsyth County Parks & Recreation
About 24 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route)
Four-field soccer complex (opened 2004) in the far southeast corner of the county.
What is there: 4 grass soccer fields, Grass practice field, Picnic pavilion, Restrooms
Hours: 7 a.m.-11 p.m.
Dogs: County parks FAQ: leashed pets are welcome in all parks except Sawnee Mountain Preserve; clean up after your pet; pets are not allowed on playgrounds, athletic fields or spectator areas, or inside buildings (service animals excepted).
Source: Forsyth County: South Forsyth Soccer Complex, checked 2026-10-19
Keith's Bridge Park
Forsyth County Parks & Recreation (shared-cost partnership with USACE)
About 25 min by car from Cumming City Hall (computed route)
Seasonal Lake Lanier beach and boat-ramp park at the end of Old Keith Bridge Road in northeast Forsyth.
What is there: Restrooms, Boat ramp, Courtesy dock, Sand beach with swimming, Picnic tables with grills, Activities: fishing, boating, picnicking, swimming
Fee: $8 per vehicle; boat ramp $8 (County day-use table). The $40 U.S.A.C.E. annual pass (sold at the USACE office, 1050 Buford Dam Road) is valid at Keith Bridge, Long Hollow, Tidwell (boat ramp only), Two Mile and Vann's Tavern parks.
Hours: Day-use areas: May 1-Sept. 22, 2026, 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Boat ramps: open 24 hours.
Dogs: Beach rules: pets must be leashed at all times; clean up pet waste.
Good to know: Day-use area season (May 1-Sept. 22, 2026) has ended; boat ramps are listed as open 24 hours.
Source: Forsyth County: Keith's Bridge Park; Lake Lanier Day Use Parks, checked 2026-10-19
Questions
Where can I launch a boat on Lake Lanier in Forsyth County?
County lake parks include Mary Alice Park (1820 Mary Alice Park Road, Cumming), with a boat ramp, beach and pavilion, plus Charleston Park and Vann's Tavern Park. County ramp parking costs $10 a day or $60 a year. Mary Alice Park is closed Nov. 10-12, 2026 (and the evening of Nov. 9) for a Corps of Engineers deer hunt.
How many parks does Forsyth County have?
The county lists 37 parks, 58.5 miles of trails, 9 lake parks, 2 river parks, 3 campgrounds and 25 playgrounds. Its Parks & Recreation department is nationally accredited by CAPRA. Popular parks include Sawnee Mountain Preserve, Fowler Park, Central Park and the Big Creek Greenway.
Where can I hike in Forsyth County?
Sawnee Mountain Preserve, just north of Cumming, protects over 820 acres and has more than 11 miles of trails, including the route to the Indian Seats. The visitor center is at 4075 Spot Road. Dogs are not allowed on its trails. The paved Big Creek Greenway runs nearly 16 miles through the county.
Source: Forsyth County: Sawnee Mountain Preserve; Big Creek Greenway
Is the Big Creek Greenway open?
Most of it. The 12-foot-wide path runs nearly 16 miles from south Forsyth to Sawnee Mountain Preserve, but Phase 4, from the Bethelview Trailhead (mile 8.5) to south of Kelly Mill Road (mile 10.3), is closed while the boardwalk is rebuilt. Trail hours are 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. March-October and 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. November-February.
Dates, rules and hours can change. The organizers have the final word: Forsyth County Government