alpha loop/big creek greenway

The AlphaLoop is a dynamic and transformative project for Alpharetta; one that will connect our neighborhoods to activity centers, improve mobility, promote healthier lifestyles, and enhance the quality of life of everyone who lives, works, and spends time in our awesome community. At its core, the AlphaLoop is a multiuse path looping through Alpharetta and tying to amenities like the Big Creek Greenway, Downtown Alpharetta, Avalon, and the North Point District.

But, the AlphaLoop is more than simply a path. It will, itself, be a destination . . . really, a series of destinations that helps to define and convey to visitors the unique characters of the districts and neighborhoods that make up our community. You can learn more about that by selecting the “The Vision” link below.

The idea of the AlphaLoop was introduced in 2016, and it is a long-term project that, like the Big Creek Greenway, will probably take a number of years to complete. Yet, much has already been accomplished. In 2020 the first full segment of AlphaLoop was completed, connecting Downtown Alpharetta and Avalon, and much more is under construction. Check out the “Our Progress” link at https://www.alpharetta.ga.us/government/departments/recreation-parks/alpha-loop---new to see what has been accomplished and what is happening now.

The Big Creek Greenway

Trail Length: 9.0 miles (Roswell/Alpharetta) 9.6 miles (Forsyth)

Type of Trail: Out and back; easy

Access Points: Alpharetta YMCA at Preston Ridge Road, Haynes Bridge Road, North Point Mall, Kimball Bridge Road or Marconi Drive, Union Hill Park

Characteristics: 12 foot wide paved concrete path that meanders through the deciduous woods along Big Creek; wildlife such as blue heron, deer, ducks and Canadian geese can be observed in this preserved water setting. A soft mulch trail encircles a large wetland between Haynes Bridge Road and Mansell Road. Ideal for biking, walking and inline skating along the creek. Dirt mountain bike trails are located on the east side of the creek 2/5 mile south of Webb Bridge Road. The Greenway is an investment in the future of Alpharetta for citizens to coincide with nature. Restrooms available.

How Long Is The Big Creek Greenway?

Total length of the Big Creek Greenway, from Windward Parkway to Mansell Road, is approximately 18 miles.

Where Can The Greenway Be Accessed?

Alpharetta YMCA: From Old Milton Parkway, go 1/4 mile north on North Point Parkway to Preston Ridge Road and turn right toward the Ed Isakson/Alpharetta YMCA.

Haynes Bridge Road: From North Point Parkway, go 1/5 mile south on Haynes Bridge Road. A parking lot is on the east/left side of Haynes Bridge Road. North Point Mall: Driving northbound on North Point Parkway halfway between Mansell and Haynes Bridge Roads, find the greenway sign directly across from Haverty's Furniture. Parking is located in a wooded area. Restrooms are available at that location. 800 feet south of this entrance is the North Point Village retail center. Walk behind the shops to the stairway that leads to the wetlands mulch trail. Note: The stairs are not A.D.A. accessible. Kimball Bridge Road: Rock Mill Park, located 1/4 mile southeast of North Point Parkway, has Greenway parking and public restrooms. This area is prone to flood during heavy rains. Marconi Drive: Follow Marconi Drive off of Windward Parkway to reach a small parking area at the northern end of the Greenway. Union Hill Park: Located off Windward Parkway and Union Hill Road. Public restrooms, improvements to park scheduled to begin in late 2022.

Is The Big Creek Greenway Complete?

The Alpharetta portion of the Big Creek Greenway is complete. Improvements at Union Hill Park include connection of the Alpharetta Big Creek Greenway to the Forsyth Big Creek Greenway starting in late 2022.

What Can You Do To Help?

• Please stay on the trail and stay off the berm that separates the concrete path from the creek.

• Keep the greenway litter free. Hold your expendables until the first available litter can. • Respect other users and types of uses. Bikers: Please watch for darting children!

Speed limit is enforced on the trail. • Be a steward of the Big Creek Greenway. Please use the See.Click.Fix. app on your phone to report any damage such as fallen trees. • Financially support Greenway maintenance. Maintaining the linear park costs more than its construction. In addition, the City would like to add more amenities, such as a formal flower garden and a children's play areas. Visit www. alpharetta.ga.us for more information.