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Bowmans Island Trail
4.4 ★★★★☆ 89 Google reviews · Running trail in Cumming, Georgia · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Bowmans Island Trail'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.
Hiking area offers shady trails with views of the water and wildlife, plus kid-friendly options.
What runners say about Bowmans Island Trail
“The hiking trail is approximately 3 miles roundtrip and it's well-kept, except for one portion where you need to climb the bridge rails to continue on the trail.”
“The trail is beautiful and dog-friendly, even though some of the signage outside can make it look like dogs might not be allowed.”
“Shady trails offer a nice visit and look fairly well-kept.”
Shady trails offer a nice visit and look fairly well-kept. Much of the trail follows along the banks of the Chattahoochee River. The main highlights are the "tree tunnels" near the beginning and four footbridges crossing over small streams. It's about a 2 hour walk to see everything and circle back.
Parking is limited although there is plenty of parking and restroom just 100 yards away. The hiking trail is approximately 3 miles roundtrip and it's well-kept, except for one portion where you need to climb the bridge rails to continue on the trail.
The shady trails were pretty well maintained! Nice views near the water and lots of wildlife!
$8 parking fee, which seems a bit much since facilities are very minimal. But the trail is beautiful, winding along the river, with some great secluded spots to sit on the river bank. Nice open grass area to have a picnic. Seems to also be a popular area for people fishing.
Trail conditions & character
“The trail is beautiful and dog-friendly, even though some of the signage outside can make it look like dogs might not be allowed.”
“I believe there is a parking fee on the north side by the dam but there are also bathrooms, actual parking spaces (more than one lot even) and picnic tables.”
“I believe there is a parking fee on the north side by the dam but there are also bathrooms, actual parking spaces (more than one lot even) and picnic tables.”
“The trails are marked well but go in separate directions so that you have to loop back to do all trails.”
“The trail is beautiful and dog-friendly, even though some of the signage outside can make it look like dogs might not be allowed.”
“Shady trails offer a nice visit and look fairly well-kept.”
“The hiking trail is approximately 3 miles roundtrip and it's well-kept, except for one portion where you need to climb the bridge rails to continue on the trail.”
“The riverside trails seemed mostly flat and easily traversed.”
“Nice trail, not too much incline - a little muddy if recently raining so be mindful of slipping.”
Plan your run at Bowmans Island Trail
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.
- Websitenps.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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