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Buford Dam Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 689 Google reviews · Running trail in Buford, Georgia · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Buford Dam 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.

ScenicStroller / ADARestroomsTrailhead parking

Serene lakeside park with a sandy, swimming beach, plus picnic areas & recreational facilities.

What runners say about Buford Dam Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (689 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 5 mentions

“The park is well-maintained, with clean facilities and plenty of picnic areas equipped with tables and grills.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 11 mentions

“Beautiful place to hang out and the river is just an amazing calm place to be on and great trout fishing!”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 7 mentions

“Beautiful place to hang out and the river is just an amazing calm place to be on and great trout fishing!”

Buford Dam Park is an excellent spot for a day out with family or friends. Located on the southern end of Lake Lanier, this park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational activities. The scenic views of the lake and the dam are breathtaking, especially at sunset.

★★★★★ — Ahmed , Aug 2024

Great day trip if you live in Georgia! Hike around the lake or have a family picnic..plenty of tables available ❤️

★★★★★ — Judy , Feb 2025

Nice place to walk and enjoy the spectacular view of the dam. Plenty of parking and very safe.

★★★★★ — Jabbar , Feb 2026

Beautiful park and setting. Highly recommend to get away from the Mall area. Recommend the trail hike from the Upper Lookout lot.

★★★★★ — Scott , Feb 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 689 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 17 mentions

“Beautiful place to hang out and the river is just an amazing calm place to be on and great trout fishing!”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 5 mentions

“Plenty of parking and very safe.”

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🚻 Restrooms 4 mentions

“There are many benches, picnic tables, and even public restrooms.”

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Stroller / ADA accessible 4 mentions

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Plan your run at Buford Dam Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • 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 — reported by runners
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
  • Phone+1 770-945-9531

Hours

Monday 7 am–10 pm
Tuesday 7 am–10 pm
Wednesday 7 am–10 pm
Thursday 7 am–10 pm
Friday 7 am–10 pm
Saturday 7 am–10 pm
Sunday 7 am–10 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Buford Dam Park

1200 Buford Dam Rd, Buford, GA 30518

Get directions

Running trails near Buford

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Lower Overlook

4.7 ★★★★★ 877 reviews

Buford, GA

LoopScenic

Lake and river views, picnicking and lakeside hiking trails in a park, plus fishing.

under a mile away

Bowmans Island Trail

4.4 ★★★★☆ 89 reviews

Cumming, GA

LoopNatural surfaceShadedScenic

Hiking area offers shady trails with views of the water and wildlife, plus kid-friendly options.

1.0 miles away

Gary Pirkle Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 1,166 reviews

Sugar Hill, GA

PavedShadedLitScenic

This 67-acre park features a creek, a covered playground, paved trails, multipurpose fields & more.

1.4 miles away

CRNRA--South Bowmans Island Unit

4.8 ★★★★★ 21 reviews

Cumming, GA

25 miLoopCrushed gravelDog-friendly

2.0 miles away

Haw Creek Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 496 reviews

Cumming, GA

3 miLoopPavedShaded

This 85-acre park offers 3.3 miles of trails through forest, plus a playground & picnic facilities.

2.5 miles away

PVS Trail

4.1 ★★★★☆ 21 reviews

Sugar Hill, GA

Paved

2.5 miles away

All running trails in Buford, GA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.