Home › Georgia › Cumming › CRNRA--South Bowmans Island Unit
CRNRA--South Bowmans Island Unit
4.8 ★★★★★ 21 Google reviews · Running trail in Cumming, Georgia · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Loop distance
- 25 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from CRNRA--South Bowmans Island Unit'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.
What runners say about CRNRA--South Bowmans Island Unit
From this south entrance there is little roadside parking but it is free. Trails are awesome. Mostly flat and takes you right along the river all the way up to Buford Dam. Bridge to cross the Chattahoochee was blocked 👎 but otherwise wonderful hike. On the way back I headed into the woods away from the river.
Nice trail, the only issue is coming up from the hatchery. The first bridge is completely gone. They took it out to replace it. Crossing the creek is challenging. The steep sides are very slippery. Use caution and be prepared to get muddy.
The other side end of Bowmans island trail, the other side charges $8 for entry but here doesn’t. I would have parked here if I knew before. The trails are pretty and easy to walk, you can walk long or short depending on the path you take. If you take a loop to BI1, it’s about 6 miles. I recommend this trails.
It is a good place to go hiking or walk with your dog, you have access to the river and the path is well signposted.
Trail conditions & character
“From this south entrance there is little roadside parking but it is free.”
“Mostly flat and takes you right along the river all the way up to Buford Dam.”
“It is a good place to go hiking or walk with your dog, you have access to the river and the path is well signposted.”
Plan your run at CRNRA--South Bowmans Island Unit
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- Loop distance25 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitenpplan.com
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–4:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–4:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–4:30 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–4:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–3 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–3 PM |
Running trails near Cumming
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Bowmans Island Trail
4.4 ★★★★☆ 89 reviews
Hiking area offers shady trails with views of the water and wildlife, plus kid-friendly options.
Haw Creek Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 496 reviews
This 85-acre park offers 3.3 miles of trails through forest, plus a playground & picnic facilities.
Gary Pirkle Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,166 reviews
This 67-acre park features a creek, a covered playground, paved trails, multipurpose fields & more.
Lower Overlook
4.7 ★★★★★ 877 reviews
Lake and river views, picnicking and lakeside hiking trails in a park, plus fishing.
Buford Dam Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 689 reviews
Serene lakeside park with a sandy, swimming beach, plus picnic areas & recreational facilities.