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Gold Branch Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 431 Google reviews · Running trail in Marietta, Georgia · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 3.8 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Gold Branch Trailhead'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.
Picturesque, waterfront area featuring a 3.8-mile loop trail through the forest & wildlife views.
What runners say about Gold Branch Trailhead
“Somewhat of a difficult terrain when navigating along the water, but very scenic and plenty of mileage to cover for hikers and trail runners of all levels.”
“Nice park with a moderate, well marked trail.”
“Gold Branch trail is a quiet loop trail by the Chattahoochee river, there are not many parking spaces.”
Great trail with amazing views. We did the long loop around the whole park. It was more difficult than some of the other river trails in the area but worth it. Make sure you have athletic clothing and good shoes because you'll get sweaty and some parts of the trail are steep and narrow.
Lots of options for making your own loop, lots of variation in steepness and rootiness, allowing for a wide range of hiking levels (and appropriate footwear). Could easily come back 10 times and do 10 different hikes. My pup loved it! We did almost 7 miles in 2 hours.
This was a great hike. We did the Perimeter of the whole trail. The trail gets a bit narrow at times, especially at certain parts close to the water. But makes for a moderate hike. Wearing the proper hiking shoes or boots would certainly help. Seems like some people get in the river here too.
My first time at this place was great. I felt like the trails and the segments were well mapped. I liked how I could make my hike as long or as short as I wanted to by piecing together the various segments.
Trail conditions & character
“Somewhat of a difficult terrain when navigating along the water, but very scenic and plenty of mileage to cover for hikers and trail runners of all levels.”
“Down the road from the River Walkway, this trail is full of beautiful trees, waterfront views, and a good elevation gain if you go counterclockwise.”
“Lots of options for making your own loop, lots of variation in steepness and rootiness, allowing for a wide range of hiking levels (and appropriate footwear).”
“I am not a runner, but for runners, I would recommend avoiding the outer perimeter by the river, since it's very narrow and lots of rocks and roots sticking out.”
“Gold Branch trail is a quiet loop trail by the Chattahoochee river, there are not many parking spaces.”
“Gold Branch trail is a quiet loop trail by the Chattahoochee river, there are not many parking spaces.”
“If you take your dog, make sure to take plenty of water for him/her.”
Plan your run at Gold Branch Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance3.8 mi back to where you parked
- 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.
- Websitenps.gov
- Phone+1 678-538-1200
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 9 am–7 pm |
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