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Big Trees Forest Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 586 Google reviews · Running trail in Sandy Springs, Georgia · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Big Trees Forest Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
This 30-acre nature preserve has a network of signed trails in a scenic streamside setting.
What runners say about Big Trees Forest Preserve
“Everything is clearly marked and the trails are nice and clean.”
“really beautiful walking trails, easy to navigate and not too advanced so perfect for all ages.”
“A 32 acres park/preserve directly on Roswell road in Sandy Springs with multiple looping shady trails under relatively big trees.”
“While the trails are not blazed (or any blazes aren't visible), the paths are mostly well-trodden and easy to follow.”
“So shady and quiet, and lots of trail options for my curious pup to investigate.”
A 32 acres park/preserve directly on Roswell road in Sandy Springs with multiple looping shady trails under relatively big trees. Some along a small creek with few woody bridges. There also few seating/picnic areas. The park is beautiful. The parking lot is of fair size and free.
The trails are fine for walking, but mostly unremarkable. The creek is nice, but the real highlight is a tunnel in the southeast corner which is in great shape, about 300m long, and has about 2 inches of water flowing through it in the pitch black. Highly recommended, with sandals/water shoes and flashlights.
We had a great time! Wish I had checked the website for trail maps before going. You can see the outside world at a few points along the trail, but you still get that feeling of being somewhere remote.
Excellent place for walk on hot sunny days. Entire trail is covered by thick dense trees and cool climate and damp path. Make sure you leave 1 - 1.5 hrs before sunset. Water stream is fresh and good for quick splash on face. If you have good torch lights, wait for fireflies sighting near water stream.
Trail conditions & character
“really beautiful walking trails, easy to navigate and not too advanced so perfect for all ages.”
“Overall, a very easy trail that is good for kids and dog-friendly.”
“Entrance shared parking lot with Grady clinic on right, park entrance just beyond the public rest rooms on the right.”
“Some parts of the path require pretty good athleticism, lots of roots and steepish slopes, so would not recommend for those with mobility challenges.”
“A 32 acres park/preserve directly on Roswell road in Sandy Springs with multiple looping shady trails under relatively big trees.”
“Not remotely handicap accessible for any mobility device.”
“So shady and quiet, and lots of trail options for my curious pup to investigate.”
“We had a nice time doing a quick loop around Big Trees Forest Preserve!”
“The trails are really nice, and there’s a restroom right by the entrance, which makes everything even better.”
Plan your run at Big Trees Forest Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitebigtreesforest.com
- Phone+1 770-730-5600
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