Outdoor Recreation, Paths & Trails Lakes & Streams

Brown’s Mill. Photo by Chris Doane.

PATHS, P TRAILST , LAKES & L STREAMSS

In the past few years many people realized that we had become too glued to our phones, monitors and televisions. Once we were asked to stay inside, we desperately wanted to get outside. Luckily for residents of Coweta-Fayette our counties have a plethora of paths and trails for running, walking, hiking, and biking. Coweta and Fayette counties and their 13 cities and towns, have a wide range of paved paths and dirt trails. These paths and trails give residents and visitors alike an opportunity to exercise, get out in nature, and even commute to work. Special events like fun runs, charity walks, and group bike rides are promoted by these assets of the community. Property values are increased based on proximity to paths and trails. Home buyers of all ages say that access to greenspace and trails as one of their top desired amenities.

■ Paved Paths in Coweta & Fayette

■ Coweta County has three recreation complexes and one park with paved paths for safe walking and running. • The new Leroy Johnson Sports Complex in Senoia includes 0.9 miles of path winding around the complex. • The Hunter Complex in Sharpsburg has Coweta County Parks and Recreation’s longest paved path, one mile in length, circling the sports fi elds. • The Central Soccer Fields Complex, also in Sharpsburg, has a paved path 0.7 miles in length. • Madras Park, Coweta’s newest park, has a path of 0.4 miles. It is located in the Madras area in North Coweta. For information on hours and available amenities such as bathrooms, picnic tables, playgrounds, and water fountains go to www.cowetaparksandrec.com. ■ Carl Miller Park is owned and operated by Newnan Utilities. Carl Miller Park has a 0.6-mile loop walking path, as well as a great playground, splash pad and picnic area. It is located on Sewell Road near the water reservoirs,

■ The City of Senoia has over four miles of paved path along Rockaway Road, through several residential areas, and ending at the Marimac Lakes Park. There is convenient parking at Senoia Library, City Park on Seavy Road, and Marimac Lakes Park on Pylant Street.

■ The town of Haralson has .6 miles of paths. The original 0.3-mile path circumnavigates the pavilion near City Hall. The is a 0.3-mile addition travels around the playground. ■ Newnan LINC – The LINC is the City of Newnan’s new multi-use path system. A 12-foot-wide, paved path, the LINC is intended for non-motorized use - walking, running, skating, and bicycling. (The motorized E-bikes are allowed; e-scooters are not.) The LINC has remained open throughout the pandemic, offering a muchneeded outdoor venue that allows us all to get some exercise while practicing social distancing. The LINC is the most heavilyused path in Coweta County. LINC Phase 1, offering 1.4 miles of path, opened in 2019 on the east side of Newnan near Summergrove Subdivision. Phase 2 of the LINC is now complete, which means that you can now ride a bike from Summergrove on the east side, all the way to downtown Newnan, a total of about 4.8 miles. One section of Phase 2 between Greison Trail and Ashley Park Drive currently incorporates the sidewalk along McIntosh Parkway, but will soon involve a path through the adjacent woods. Coweta County residents were asked to provide input for the Coweta County Comprehensive Plan in 2005 and 2016 and asked for more parks for passive recreation, and a frequent classifi cation of this concept was for a linear park.

Peachtree City Multi-use path. Photo by Freddie Frank.

■ Fayette County operates four parks with paved walking paths: McCurry Park, Kenwood Park, Lake Horton Park, and Lake McIntosh Park. • McCurry Park in Fayetteville includes two paved paths. The ‘outer loop’ path covers about one mile, while the ‘inner loop’ circles the picnic area. There is signage so you know which path to take and how far you’ve walked. • Kenwood Park in North Fayette includes a 0.75-mile loop path through a naturally wooded area. • Lake Horton Park, in southeast Fayette County, offers 2.8 miles of path along the lakeshore. The North and South Loop Trail stretches 1.8 miles from mainland to island. The Lake Horton Park Trail is an easy, one-mile loop. • Lake McIntosh Park, has a 0.75-mile loop of paved walking path adjacent to beautiful, 650-acre Lake McIntosh.

■ The City of Fayetteville operates Patriot Park next to the County’s Kiwanis Park. Patriot Park has a wide, paved path for walking.

■ The City of Tyrone offers a half-mile, paved walking path at Shamrock Park. Easy parking, a drinking fountain, a playground, and other park amenities make Shamrock Park a local favorite. ■ City of Peachtree City – Peachtree City is known worldwide for having a paved, multi-use path system for both transportation and recreation that runs throughout the city. Peachtree City’s nearly 100 miles of multi-use paved paths are used by runners, walkers, bicyclists and golf cart drivers. Peachtree City’s paths are shared by both motorized and non-motorized users, which is unusual for most path systems. Maps and rules are available through the City website, at https:// www.peachtree-city.org/1187/Multi-Use-Path-System.

■ Peachtree City has Flat Creek Trail, located behind ‘The Fred’ Amphitheater just off the multi-use path, the short wooden boardwalk over the wetlands to enjoy nature while sighting birds, deer, turtles, snakes, and more.

■ Dirt Trails for Hiking, Trail Running, and Mountain Biking When you think of hiking, you might think of the Appalachian Trail or something bordering on mountain climbing, with heavy packs and long diffi cult trails. Hiking in Coweta-Fayette offers an easier option. Take off for an afternoon and enjoy a simple walk in nature. Trail running has become popular recently. Similar to cross country running, but it is more challenging because the terrain is generally more hilly and uneven compared to most cross country courses.

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Brown’s Mill Race. Photo courtesy Bike Coweta. Roller Coaster Trail on the LINC. Photo courtesy Bike Coweta.

Continued from page 13 Mountain biking is also growing in popularity. The option to enjoy the positive attributes of hiking combined with the excitement of speed appeals to many people. On top of that, it provides a great physical workout! There are many shared use trails (trails offered for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking) throughout Coweta and Fayette Counties.

Coweta County’s two signature trails are the Brown’s Mill Battlefi eld and the Chattahoochee Bend State Park, which are both very popular.

■ Brown’s Mill Brown’s Mill is located in south Coweta County and offers options for bikers, hikers and trail runners. History buffs should also note that Brown’s Mill Battlefi eld is a historic Civil War site. In 2019, six new miles of shared-use trails at Brown’s Mill were added. This was the result of the consolidated efforts of the Brown’s Mill Battlefi eld Association, Bike Coweta, and Mountain Bike (MTB) Atlanta. About four miles of trail are covered in Brown’s Mill – two overlapping trails, with additional hiking and trail running spurs. Brown’s Mill also has three dedicated mountain bike trails totaling about six miles. The trails are suitable for beginner to intermediate mountain bikers. Although built for mountain bikes, adventure walkers and trail runners also enjoy these trails. Brown’s Mill is the most heavily used trail facility in Coweta.

■ Chattahoochee Bend State Park Dedicated in 2011 in western Coweta County, Chattahoochee Bend State Park is one of the newest and largest state parks in Georgia. It includes fi ve miles of shoreline along the scenic Chattahoochee River. Chattahoochee Bend State Park offers six different hiking trails ranging from one mile to ten miles (fi ve miles out and fi ve miles back). Diffi culty levels range from easy to moderate. Chattahoochee Bend State Park covers 2,910 acres, and is a hiking and biking paradise. Mountain biking is based around 3.2 miles of trail built by Friends of Chattahoochee Bend State Park. In the coming years, the non-profi t Friends group hopes to add 20 more miles of trails.

Fayette County offer a wide variety of nature areas and shared-use trails. In Peachtree City, Line Creek Nature Area is operated by the Southern Conservation Trust. Line Creek Nature Area is a popular 70-acre preserve located off Highway 54 on the Coweta/Fayette County line. Six short trails provide easy, fl at, scenic access to woods, a pond, picnic areas, and Line Creek.

■ The Peachtree City Athletic Complex (PAC) Conveniently located at the PAC on Highway 74, this shareduse trail begins right behind the soccer fi elds. An easy trail, it’s two miles are suitable for all ages and skill levels of mountain bikers.

■ The Ridge Nature Area Fayette County’s 300-acre Ridge Nature Area has just over 7 miles of shared trails for walking, hiking, trail running, and mountain biking. The Ridge is owned by the City of Fayetteville and operated by the Southern Conservation Trust. The mixture of trails means beginning walkers, experienced hikers, and thrill-seeking mountain bikers can fi nd what they need at The Ridge Nature Area. G

Lake Kedron, Peachtree City. Photo by Barbara Corley.

If you like the water, there are plenty

of streams, rivers, and lakes in Fayette and Coweta Counties available in the State Park System.

■ Chattahoochee Bend State Park Chattahoochee Bend runs along the banks of the Chattahoochee River for 5 miles and covers 2,910 acres in northwest Coweta. There is a boat ramp for easy access to the river for fi shing and paddling. You can rent canoes and kayaks from the park, but there is no shuttle service, so you’ll have to plan ahead for a pick-up at the end of your paddle. The park is open daily, 7am to 10pm. The parking fee is $5; 770-6577271; 425 Bobwhite Way, Newnan. https://gastateparks.reserveamerica.com/ camping/chattahoochee-bend/r/ca

■ B. T. Brown Reservoir – Coweta The 300-plus-acre B. T. Brown Reservoir is operated by Coweta County Water and Sewage Authority. Fishing is permitted with a license. Only electric trolling motors or paddles are allowed. The park is open daily from 8am to sundown. 770-254-3710; cowetawater.com; 621 South Alexander Creek Rd. Newnan.

■ Coweta County Riverside Park Situated at the Highway 16 Bridge over G the Chattahoochee River, this location is ideal for putting in a kayak or canoe to begin a trip down river. There is a concrete boat ramp, and ample parking. You can put-in from here and enjoy, an easy-to-moderate, paddle and take-out at McIntosh Reserve. Chattahoochee Bend State Park is open 6am to 8pm. 4013 Hwy 16 W., Newnan.

■ Lake Peachtree – Peachtree City Fed by the waters of Flat Creek, the 270-acre Lake Peachtree begins near the Highway 54 Bridge and ends a mile south at the spillway at McIntosh Trail. Lake Peachtree is reserved for the use of Peachtree City residents and their accompanied guests. Only non-gasoline powered boats—canoes, kayaks, pontoons, and electric driven boats—are allowed. Swimmers and properly licensed fi shermen are allowed. (The only gasoline powered boats operating on this lake are owned by residents on the westside of the lake with grandfathered rights in their property deed).

■ Lake McIntosh – Peachtree City,

operated by Fayette County

Lake McIntosh is the largest of Peachtree City’s three lakes and has a familyfriendly park with multi-use paths, a picnic pavilion, playground, gazebo, restrooms, boat ramps and docks, and parking for golf carts and automobiles. The park provides the only public access to the lake. Boats with electric motors, canoes, paddle boats and sailboats are permitted. Fishing is allowed but swimming is not. Open 6:30am to 8:30pm DST; 6:30am to 6pm EST. 3501 TDK Blvd., Peachtree City.

■ Lake Horton – Fayette County Lake Horton is a major recreation spot and a principal source of Fayette’s water supply. As such, swimming or other bodily contact with the water is not allowed in the 780 acre lake. However, boating and fi shing are allowed. Open 6:30am to 8:30pm DST; 6:30am to 6pm EST. 1275 Antioch Rd., Fayetteville. Located between Woolsey and Brooks.

■ Lake Kedron – Peachtree City,

operated by Fayette County

Lake Kedron is a local favorite for fi shing. It has a large pier and convenient boat ramp providing easy access to this 235-acre reservoir, located in Peachtree City but owned by Fayette County. Boats with electric motors and other non-motorized boats are permitted via the public access. You can often see kayakers paddling its calm waters as the sun sets. Fishing is allowed. Swimming is not permitted. Open 6:30am to 8:30pm DST; 6:30am to 6pm EST. Peachtree Parkway North, Peachtree City.

PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENTS

COWETA

Coweta County Parks & Recreation Dept 39 Hospital Road, Newnan 30263 770-254-3750, coweta.ga.us

Grantville Parks & Recreation Dept 123 LaGrange St., Grantville 30220 770-583-2289, grantvillega.org

Sharpsburg Parks & Recreation 105 Main Street, Sharpsburg, 30277 770-251-4171, sharpsburg-ga.gov

FAYETTE

Fayette County Parks & Recreation Dept 980 Redwine Road, Fayetteville 30215 770-716-4320, fayettecountyga.gov

Peachtree City Recreation & Special Events Dept 202 Fieldhouse Drive, Peachtree City 30269 770-631-2542 or 770-631-2525 peachtree-city.org

Tyrone Recreation 145 Commerce Drive, Tyrone 30290 770-487-4694, tyrone.org

SELECT AREA RECREATIONAL GROUPS & FACILITIES

FAYETTE & COWETA

Aquatics—Southern Crescent Aquatic Team (SCAT) Kedron Fieldhouse & Aquatic Center: 202 Fieldhouse Drive, Peachtree City 30269 Glenloch Recreation Center: 601 Stevens Entry, Peachtree City 30269 678-521-9450, scatswimming.org

BMX—Peachtree City BMX William B. Davis BMX Track 191 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City 30269 Shayne Robinson, 678-770-1750 ptcbmx.com

Cycling—SouthSide Cycling Club southsidecycling.com

Golf—ClubCorp Golf Clubs, includes: • Braelinn Golf Club; 500 Clubview Dr, Peachtree City 30269; 770-631-3100 • Flat Creek Golf Club; 100 Flat Creek Rd., Peachtree City, 30269 770-487-8140 • Planterra Ridge Golf Club 500 Clubhouse Dr., PTC 30269 770-487-8141 • Whitewater Creek Country Club; 175 Birkdale Dr., Fytvl., 30215 770-460-0877 • White Oak Golf Club; 141 Clubview Dr. Newnan, 30265 770-251-6700 • Canongate Golf Club; 924 Shaw Rd., Sharpsburg, 30277 770-463-3342

Golf—Newnan Country Club; 1356 Hwy 29N, Newnan 30263; 770-253-9856 newnancc.org

Golf—Summer Grove Golf Club; 335 Summer Grove Parkway, Newnan 30265 770-251-1800, summergrovegolf.com

Golf—Wendell Coffee Golf Center; 1963 Highway 74N, Tyrone 30290; 770-969-4469, coffeegolfcenter.com

Running—Peachtree City Running Club ptcrc.com

Tennis—Peachtree City Tennis Center 10 Planterra Way, Peachtree City 30269 770-486-9474, peachtreecitytennis.com

YMCA—Summit Family; 1765 Highway 34E, Newnan 30265 770-254-9622, ymcaatlanta.org

LAKES, PARKS & PRESERVES

COWETA

Newnan Utilities’ Carl Miller Park; 74 Sewell Rd off of Hwy 29S newnanutilities.org

Reservoir & Park—B.T. Brown Park Pavilion & Reservoir; 621 S Alexander Creek Road, Newnan 30263; 770-254-3710, cowetawater.com

River & Park—Coweta County Riverside Park; 3222 US 27 ALT, Newnan 30263 770-254-3750, coweta.ga.us

State Park—Chattahoochee Bend State Park; 425 Bobwhite Way, Newnan 30263 770-254-7271 GAStateParks.org/ChattahoocheeBend

FAYETTE Lakes & Parks Fayette County Water System manages four lakes with parks that are open to county residents.

• Lake Horton; 1275 Antioch Rd. (Carson Road, off Highway 92), Fayetteville, 30215 • Lake Kedron; 420 N. Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree City, 30269 • Lake McIntosh; 3501 TDK Boulevard, Peachtree City, 30269 • Starr’s Mill; 115 Waterfall Way, Fayetteville, 30215

Lakes, Ponds & Parks Peachtree City manages a lake, ponds and parks that are open to city residents.

• Lake Peachtree; Highway 54 & Willowbend Road • Drake Field, Luther Holt Memorial Park (Picnic Park) and All Children’s Playground are located on the shoreline of Lake Peachtree, beside the Peachtree City Library. •Huddleston Pond & Park; 221 Windgate Road • Three Ponds & Luther Glass Park: 269 S Peachtree Parkway • Atlanta Regional Airport—Falcon Field Park; 7 Falcon Drive • Clover Reach/Sweetgum Park; 151 Sweetgum Road • Pebblepocket Park; 200 Willow Road

Nature Preserves Southern Conservation Trust manages several nature preserves in the area that are open to the public. Southern Conservation Trust 770-486-7774, sctlandtrust.org

• Flat Creek Nature Area; 201 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City • Line Creek Nature Area; off Hwy 54 on Fayette/Coweta county line, Peachtree City • Morgan Grove Nature Area; 171 Morgan Road, Fayetteville • Nesmith Preserve; 101 Panther Path, Fayetteville • Sam’s Lake Bird Sanctuary; Old Senoia Road, south of Fayetteville • Somerby Woods Nature Area; Rockaway Road and Hwy. 74. • The Ridge; 390 Burch Road, Fayetteville • Wildcat Woods; Coming soon!