Home › Georgia › Winder › Fort Yargo State Park
Fort Yargo State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 5,371 Google reviews · Running trail in Winder, Georgia · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- 20.5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Fort Yargo State 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.
Historic fort in a state park with campsites, yurts, trails & a beach on a 260-acre lake.
What runners say about Fort Yargo State Park
“It’s incredibly well-maintained and offers a great mix of outdoor activities without feeling overwhelming.”
“The trails are excellent, whether you’re walking, hiking, or biking, and there’s a good range from easy, scenic paths to longer loops if you want more of a workout.”
“Trails were well-marked, the lake was serene, and the staff we encountered were very friendly and helpful.”
“It’s very family-friendly with playgrounds, picnic areas, and plenty of space for kids to explore, but it’s also peaceful enough for couples or solo trips.”
“It’s very family-friendly with playgrounds, picnic areas, and plenty of space for kids to explore, but it’s also peaceful enough for couples or solo trips.”
This is my sanctuary. I've been hiking here for years. Want to treasure hunt? Many of us natives leave tokens for people to find. Here are some good-to-knows for you. It's cheaper to get the annual pass. If you do, you can get into all Georgia State Parks for free with that same pass.
Beautiful state park with many trails winding around the lake with fairly easy hiking or biking. There is a $5 entrance fee to park. I found the facilities clean and well maintained. Noticed several nice playgrounds. Camping and picnic areas areas are plentiful, and the beaches were clean.
Fort Yargo State Park is one of our favorite parks in Georgia and a place we always love to hang out at with family. It’s incredibly well-maintained and offers a great mix of outdoor activities without feeling overwhelming.
Fort Yargo State Park is a wonderful mini getaway option! From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed! Admission into the park was extremely affordable ($5 for my vehicle) as well as rentals!
Trail conditions & character
“The trails are excellent, whether you’re walking, hiking, or biking, and there’s a good range from easy, scenic paths to longer loops if you want more of a workout.”
“It’s very family-friendly with playgrounds, picnic areas, and plenty of space for kids to explore, but it’s also peaceful enough for couples or solo trips.”
“The bathrooms were tidy and there were so many things to do while on the premises (golfing, the beach, hiking, biking, tennis, picnicking & so much more)!”
“There are plenty of benches for resting if needed, but only on the inner loop; the outer loop does not have benches.”
“Similarly, "all dogs must be leashed" is a rule too, that's not always followed either.”
“Trails were well-marked, the lake was serene, and the staff we encountered were very friendly and helpful.”
Plan your run at Fort Yargo State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- Loop distance20.5 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, 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.
- Websitegastateparks.org
- Phone+1 770-867-3489
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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 |
Running trails near Winder
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Old Fort Yargo
4.7 ★★★★★ 94 reviews
Historical site with a park for hiking and fishing, plus swimming, a cabin, and a lake.
Victor-Lord Dog park
4.6 ★★★★★ 41 reviews
Fenced-off grassy space for dogs to run and play, plus water fountains and benches.
Victor Lord Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 391 reviews
Park with facilities for tennis and baseball, plus basketball, batting cages, and a playground.
Jug Tavern Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 163 reviews
Park with picnic tables hosting events and festivals, including an international night.
City Pond Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 213 reviews
Public green space offering a playground, a small walking trail, and a pond.