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Lower Overlook
4.7 ★★★★★ 877 Google reviews · Running trail in Buford, Georgia · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Lower Overlook'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.
Lake and river views, picnicking and lakeside hiking trails in a park, plus fishing.
What runners say about Lower Overlook
“The Chattahoochee River just coming into Lake Lanier is one of the clearest most beautiful bodies of water I have ever seen.”
“Not a big deal, left her at home and had a peaceful stroll along the river taking in the awesome views of the Dam.”
Beautiful path next to the lake. Need to cross the street if you follow the path so not ideal. Also, downed trees in the pathway makes it difficult to follow the path around the dam area. Worth a look though. The bbq amenities are great and view is worth your time.
Beautiful hike! As an older hiker I personally would not classify as an “easy” hike but doable. There are roots and steps, and inclines, but so worth it. Lake views, plants and trees make you feel far from town but this hike is located minutes from Buford, GA.
A short or longer hiking from the parking lot, following the white marking, easy access to a small beach, lake front and nice trail. You can easily log a 3-5 miles.
Nice view on lake Lanier. The area itself isn't spacious, but it was good starting point for a hike to the upper overlook, down to Buford Dam and along Chattahoochee river and back. I only made my way back to upper overlook by going past the gate of the (I think) power house.
Trail conditions & character
“The Chattahoochee River just coming into Lake Lanier is one of the clearest most beautiful bodies of water I have ever seen.”
“A short or longer hiking from the parking lot, following the white marking, easy access to a small beach, lake front and nice trail.”
Plan your run at Lower Overlook
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 — reported by runners
- Websitesam.usace.army.mil
- 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 |
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.
Bowmans Island Trail
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Hiking area offers shady trails with views of the water and wildlife, plus kid-friendly options.
Buford Dam Park
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Serene lakeside park with a sandy, swimming beach, plus picnic areas & recreational facilities.
Gary Pirkle Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,166 reviews
This 67-acre park features a creek, a covered playground, paved trails, multipurpose fields & more.
Haw Creek Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 496 reviews
This 85-acre park offers 3.3 miles of trails through forest, plus a playground & picnic facilities.
Little Ridge Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 632 reviews
Walking trail & 2 boat ramps amid the woods on the south side of Lake Lanier.