Excellent park. My son plays rec soccer here and the fact they have lights allows for practices to…read morebe held at night. The park is clean and there are several soccer fields to play and practice on. The covered playground is also a plus. I give Gary Pirkle Park a much deserved 5 stars!

Love this park for nature walks. It's peaceful. Lots of parking options and pretty creek views.read more

10/10!!!! GORGEOUS morning hike. Nicely maintained trail. AMAZING views. Well worth the drive.read more

What would you pay to get up close and personal with a concrete and earthen structure, well five…read morebucks per vehicle may seem reasonable, this ticket also gets you toilet privileges, bbq grills, and a picnic pavilion and some other intangibles. Dams are structures built to primarily obstruct the flow of water usually built across a stream or river constructed by man or beavers, yes there are many type of dams and in some cases provide a life-sustaining resource to people although some seem to obstruct the life of some - it's been rumored that salmon hate dams as do those that work to promote to protect the swimming right of fish. I guess one would have to weigh the pros and cons to pick a side being millions of each species are affected since humans eat fish the fish usually lose. Dams are an extremely important part of this nation's infrastructure--equal in importance to bridges, roads, airports, and other major elements of the infrastructure. They can serve several functions at once, including water supply for domestic, agricultural, industrial, and community use; flood control; recreation; and clean, renewable energy through hydropower. It's nice to know this dam has a revenue stream beside my five buck so the return on the investment is shortened. I came here at the right time on the right day - the generating stations were operating so the lower river was filled and the water was racing to its next destination so probably not the best time to float on a tube or kayak. I was somewhat surprised or maybe amused to see signage on the bank of this river that's designates the shoreline as a life-preserver zone, thankfully the government is providing this knowledge or we might have some people from the gene-pool wondering in to this massive deadly volume of rapidly flowing water, it seems the wildlife in the area understands the danger without barriers or communications. I wish I could of gotten closer to the structure so I could see the water boil from beneath the discharge of the generators but I was happy to see they do have a walk bridge a little downstream of the dam that allows you to cross over and experience the power of the release up close without a life preserver and only requires a little common sense sometimes a "danger sign" isn't needed for the obvious threat. I'm a fan of dams and understand I'm screwed if the dam burst during my visit even though I am parked in a designated paved parking lot far below the water level on the other side of this massive structure even though there is no signage inform me of this fact...

A hidden gem in Cumming right by the lake! A friend of mine told me about this park a few years…read moreago, and it's become a favorite of mine to visit, especially in the Fall! Heads up, you will feel like you're driving into a neighborhood but rest assured, you're in the right spot! It leads you right to the entrance, and there is tons of parking available. There's a trailhead sign as well which is helpful. Gorgeous views of the lake on every side of the park, with plenty of trails in and around the park. Every time I visit, it's always very quiet and serene, and there's a little beach/island that is all dried out now that you can go walk out on which is cool. Anytime I need to destress, a walk around here instantly does the trick!

This is a super cute park. There is no playground so definitely be aware of that but it is a nice…read moreplace to chill at the lake.

Lovely paved trails…read more The BLK Hiking Club started their 2024 hiking season at this park. It was my first hike in GA in over a decade. The Hog Mountain entrance has plenty of parking (our group was over 120 people). The bathrooms are adjacent to the parking lot and were clean and stocked. The water was cold but the hand dryers have warm air so your hands will warm right up on cold days. The map by the parking lot and bathrooms shows the routes of various lengths. The trails are paved and easy to navigate with only slight elevations on the 2 mile trail. Our group of over 120 people had plenty of space and room on the trail (walking 2 by 2). Along the trail there are benches and picnic areas. Overall, this is a beautiful, serene hike that is great for groups. I highly recommend it.

Larger park that in a natural environment, offers playgrounds, paved trails, lakes and picnics…read moreareas. Ample parking. Very pretty and serene setting.

A hidden staycation opportunity that flies under the radar. Known for their boating and lake…read moreactivities but the other side offers a relaxed environment. Lodge/hotel lodging with spacious rooms with the treat of a Keurig in each room. A truly heated pool with poolside service or indoor or patio eating. Onsite restaurant with outdoor lake views offering buffet breakfast and menu dinners. A coffee nook offering fresh coffee/lattes along with patries. The topper is an onsite spa. Plenty of options on the property with golf, pickle ball, game room and water park.

I'm very surprised Lake Lanier has so few reviews. After all, it was one of the water sport venues…read moreof the 1996 Olympics, one of the most popular summertime destinations in the state. Most any warm season holiday is celebrated at Lake Lanier making it a popular place for vacation rental homes. Here you can go boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, golfing, as well as experience a fabulous fireworks show in the summer or Christmas lights and snow sleds in the winter. There is a spa, a beach, a waterpark, a luxury resort and good times @ Margaritaville. You can rent jet skis, go horseback riding, charter a fishing boat, rent a house boat, go camping or take a hot air balloon ride nearby. It was created by the completion of Buford Dam on the Chattahoochee River in 1956, and named for Confederate Army poet Sidney Lanier. Its primary purpose was for flood control and water supplies and has a water volume of about 1,049,400 acre-ft. The narrative will tell you its construction destroyed more than 50,000 acres of farmland and displaced more than 250 families, 15 businesses, and relocated 20 cemeteries along with their corpses in the process. But I want to pause here and dive a little deeper under the surface of its waters and introduce you to: [ OSCARVILLE, GEORGIA ] "The truth is rarely pure and never simple." ― Oscar Wilde Lake Lanier is partially located in Forsyth county. It is a county that prided itself on not having black residence so much that Oprah came to film an episode of her Emmy Award-winning talk show here in 1987 (trigger warning): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WErjPmFulQ0 The show makes mention that "no black person had lived in the county for 75 years", which was a direct reference to a predominantly African-American community known as Oscarville. It was home to 1,100 black people prior to a racial conflict in 1912 which was so brutally violent that it caused blacks to flee the county... even those who were landowners. "According to Elliot Jaspin, a historian and journalist quoted by the Digital Library of Georgia and the New Georgia Encyclopedia, only about 24 of the nearly 40 Black landowners in Forsyth County at the time were able to sell their land. The other properties have no record of sale, and some believe the abandoned land was simply taken by White residents." - The Times Oscarville began as a small farming town around 1870, but after so many fled the county in 1912, it was practically a ghost town. Those still claiming ownership of their land either had it seized or were "asked" to to forfeit their land to build the Buford Dam by Newport Dam Development according to an article published on April 6, 2021 by The Signal. Prior to the violence, Oscarville was actually known for its agricultural prowess in fighting off the boll weevil infestation that hindered many farm crops and enriching the soil with chicken feces. A technique that has been duplicated to this day to revive poor farming/gardening soil. "Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored." ― Aldous Huxley [ MUST WATCH ] Link to Oscarville | The Town Submerged by Lake Lanier (Intrigued Mind): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifMKfBO_R6s [ FINAL THOUGHTS ] Lake Lanier is a beautiful lake and a rich resource for Atlanta. It provides approx. 70% of the drinking water for Metro Atlanta as well as power, recreation and businesses. But there is more than what meets the eye as you look across its glistening surface. An entire town is buried by its waters and has been nearly forgotten, and the hard truth is this is not an isolated story. There are several other towns across the country who suffered the same fate. They include: Kowaliga (Benson), Alabama Seneca Village In New York City Susannah, Alabama and Vanport, Oregon The story of Lake Lanier and Oscarville will be featured in an upcoming TV series called Oscarville - Below the Surface. Here is the link to the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVux8Y96cok Thanks for reading. 2022 / 59 #BlackHistorySeries

We came out this way for day camping, which I didn't know was a thing. The South Park is for day…read moreuse and North is for camping. It was July 3rd and 4th, so busy weekend. We had an issue with my son getting in due to the park rangers and police closing entry. It was full and they turned my son around by accident. However, I don't think he let them know he had a reservation. That's the reason for my star bump but both the police officer and ranger were apologetic, so much appreciated. Day camping is a new thing for me. For $15/day, you can rent a site from 8AM to 8PM. They have running water and electricity. There are also two bathroom facilities with showers. The day use spots are good for two vehicles and have a picnic table and trash bag hanger. Easy access to the water in most spots. They have two grills to cook at the sites. It's very much worth the money. They don't allow alcohol, pets or really loud music. The beaches are nice and water is pretty clear. The coves make it easy for swimming. I do recommend!

What a great place for a day outing or a week long stay on the clear waters of Lake Lanier…read more Facilities are what you expect from a Georgia State Park ..... excellent! Proximity to some of the islands makes it a great place to kayak from without to much worry from boats and jet skis. Although our time spent here is during the week I imagine the lake can be somewhat hazardous on weekends with boats everywhere. Regardless it is a great spot to spend time in the warm waters and just relax. One of our favorite Georgia spots.

After a hearty breakfast from across the street at Flavor Rich Restaurant, we stopped by this park…read moreto checkout the frisbee throw route, which is amazing. Since my husband cannot walk far, we took a short hike through one of the shorter hiking trails, a view of the river below was inviting, but we were not dressed for hiking further down. Many families were in the park, plenty parking spots, viewing deck, trails, river. We saw runners, hikers, families picnicking A nice place to check out

Meh. It's not better than the Alpharetta Greenway and I was hoping it would be. Absolutely hated…read morethat you had to walk past an insanely busy road to continue the trail. The trail was paved and there was some boardwalk paths and we found 1 very short nature trail (unpaved). If youre in the area, then this is okay to get some steps in but definitely don't make a special trip out here.

This is the most amazing place to assist in meeting your fitness goals…read more I love all the beautiful walking trails and the views of nature all around. Very calm and peaceful environment. On Saturday mornings you can catch the kids baseball games one team after another. So much fun to watch them play.

Really nice!! I came upon this park actually by pure accident. I thought I was going to Gregory…read morePirkle Park and ummm why do these two have to sound so alike? Haha, so anyway that's how I went way outta my way and ended up with a great walking spot for my pup and me. It's nicely paved and has lots of different ways you can go. I love all the trees and can't wait to see it in Soring! I love how quiet it is and it would make a great running course too! No traffic, exhaust, and it wasn't crowded at all. I love the tranquility and beauty of being in nature. Our new puppy needs lots of walking and this truly is a fantastic place for a walk, a run, time with friends or even solo for some good reflection. Definitely not to be missed if you're in the area!

Very nice multi-use facility. It's tagged as an environmental education center with interactive…read moreexhibits and hands-on nature programs. I myself, was there for a wedding reception and I have no complaints whatsoever. Well decorated, aesthetically pleasing facility, that provides both, indoor and outdoor experiences - Thumbs up!!

I am so glad we found this! I saw someone posting about it on Instagram so we went to check it out…read moreand it did not disappoint! This is such a huge plus to the community with tons of displays and informational exhibits for kids. It's free to enter and our toddler really enjoyed the walking trails, the turtles and the water & train displays! Do check and make sure the water exhibit is open that day if it's in the summer bc of day camps if you're really wanting to see that. It is the coolest exhibit imo but they had a huge train table, tent for pretend play and tons of other educational toys for kids in the other rooms too They also took us down to see the reptile exhibit with turtles, snakes and lizards and it's a scenic route with waterfalls and cool architecture. Couldn't love this place more; it's a must visit!