FUN IN THE FRESH AIR

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE AND EXPLORE THE GREAT OUTDOORS IN GWINNETT

BY JACINTA HOWARD

FLY FISH 

If fly fishing is on the agenda, pack your tacklebox and head to Jones Bridge Park or Holcomb Bridge Park, where you’ll find plenty of rainbow and brown trout but might also luck out with some bass, crappie, or walleye. Team up with a guide for a full- or half-day excursion— but don’t forget your fishing license. At 700-acre Tribble Mill Park in Lawrenceville, lush, winding pathways lead you to Ozora Lake, the centerpiece of the park and a favorite spot for fishing. Avid fishers may also cast a line at Lake Lanier, where the sparkling waters are ripe with stripers and spotted bass. Head to the tailwater section of the Chattahoochee just below the Buford Dam for some of the best fly fishing on the river, which is known for producing particularly large brown trout.

KAYAK 

Though widely known for its 15 miles of trails and one-mile ascent to the summit, Stone Mountain Park is also a favorite destination for kayakers. Set out for Stone Mountain Lake and relish the exclusive views of the park that you won’t catch by land. The lake bends around the towering mountain, making for a stunning sight from the water. Set your own pace and enjoy a short paddle on the clear lake water, or make a full day of it and follow the tree-lined shores for a longer, six-mile paddle.

MOUNTAIN BIKE 

The mountain-biking trails at Yellow River Park in Stone Mountain have something for every skill level. Novices may want to start with the River Loop, which begins on an easier single track before approaching the incline. Or, if you want a more challenging trail, opt for the Creek loop, where the long, technical climb pays off in the end with a scenic view of the creek.

WALK 

In Gwinnett, the opportunities to breathe in the fresh air on a walking trail are as bountiful as the willow oak trees covering the terrain. At Suwanee Creek Park, roam through wooded areas and wetlands, keeping an eye out for native wildlife on your 6.5-mile out-and-back trek. At Harbins Park in Dacula, wind your way through 4.5 miles of trail covering verdant terrain, or head to Little Mulberry Park in Auburn to find several miles of picturesque walking trails.

SKATE 

If you’re into skateboarding, in-line skating, or BMX biking, drop by Pinckneyville Park in Peachtree Corners, Mountain Park in Lilburn, Duncan Creek Park in Dacula, or Settles Bridge Park in Suwanee. Duncan Creek provides a lighted skate park for some late-night skating (open until 11 p.m.), while Pinckneyville has shallow bowls ideal for first timers. Mountain Park offers bowls with transfers and a 10-foot vertical section, while Settles Bridge features a smooth bowl with both shallow- and medium-depth sections for skaters and bikers to tackle, depending on their skill level.

ZIP LINE 

Outdoor thrills are always in high demand at Treetop Quest, a ropes course park in Buford. Curious adventurers can zoom through the trees on zip lines and explore dozens of obstacle courses, including Spider Quest, a one-hour harnessfree course situated above a giant safety net. Kiddos can take a crack at the Chick Pea course, but more experienced thrill-seekers may head straight to Level 5, the zenith of Treetop’s challenges.

PLAY DISC GOLF 

Get your game on at Lawrenceville’s Alexander Park, where you can find an alluring mix of open and wooded holes on gently rolling hills, or visit the 890-acre Little Mulberry Park in Dacula, which features mainly wooded fairways. Lenora Park in Snellville is great for newbies, with its easy course and only a few elevation changes, while Maple Creek Park in Dacula offers a quiet, beginner-friendly course along with opportunities for more experienced players to get in good practice time.

TUBE 

If a hot summer day spent tubing is your idea of perfection, Shoot the Hooch is a must-stop. Tubes, rafts, and kayaks are available to rent for a day on the Chattahoochee River’s mellow waters. Take in the idyllic scenery with a lazy float down the river, drifting your way from the Powers Island National Park Service Unit to Paces Mill National Park Service Unit.