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Briarlake Forest Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 152 Google reviews · Running trail in Atlanta, Georgia · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Briarlake Forest Park'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.
Pretty park featuring an old homestead and peaceful trails.
What runners say about Briarlake Forest Park
“The time and effort our neighbors put into keeping this place clean and safe and family friendly is indescribable.”
“The park is well-maintained, with beautiful old-growth trees, picnic areas, and a relaxing atmosphere.”
“I had a great time walking the trail and enjoying the peaceful, natural surroundings.”
“The time and effort our neighbors put into keeping this place clean and safe and family friendly is indescribable.”
“Wife, I, and our dog walk in it about 3 times a week, weather permitting.”
Cute park that serves as an oasis from the city. We enjoyed the park in the winter without much foliage but it still provided peace. There are fields and plenty of dog walkers. Easy walking trails.
Very nice county park with a maze of clearly-marked trails and an old homestead. Free (gravel) parking at one entrance. Trails would be great for dogs (and we saw a few there)!
This is a wonderful neighborhood park. The size is an amazing 21 acres! It's mostly wooded land with well maintained trails. There are water fountains for visitors, both humans and their best friends. Each circuit takes about 1,000 steps to completed.
Watch out for the Snake! Briarlake Forest Park is a hidden gem in Decatur! I had a great time walking the trail and enjoying the peaceful, natural surroundings. The park is well-maintained, with beautiful old-growth trees, picnic areas, and a relaxing atmosphere. One fun surprise—watch out for the snake!
Trail conditions & character
“Lots of dogs, on leash, which makes it a great place for socialization for young pups as well.”
“The park is well-maintained, with beautiful old-growth trees, picnic areas, and a relaxing atmosphere.”
“I had a great time walking the trail and enjoying the peaceful, natural surroundings.”
“They have a volleyball net, clean accessible restrooms and a parking lot at the entrance.”
“They have a volleyball net, clean accessible restrooms and a parking lot at the entrance.”
“Trails marked by fallen branches, no concrete, benches made to look like tree trunks.”
“There are water fountains for visitors, both humans and their best friends.”
Plan your run at Briarlake Forest Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitebriarlakeforestpark.com
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near Atlanta
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Dresden Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 853 reviews
Paved walking trail, multi-use fields, playground & picnic areas featured on 24 acres.
Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 488 reviews
Suburban 28-acre preserve with forest, wetland & pond habitats for frogs, beavers & rich birdlife.
