Fun In The Fresh Air
Choose Your Own Adventures & Explore The Great Outdoors In Gwinnett
Fly Fish:
If fly fishing is on the agenda, pack your tacklebox and head to Jones Bridge Park or Holcomb Bridge Park, where you'll find plenty of rainbow and brown trout but might also luck out with some bass, crappie, or walleye. Team up with a guide for a full or half-day excursion but don't forget your fishing license. At 700-acre Tribble Mill Park in Lawrenceville, lush, winding pathways lead you to Oroza Lake, the centerpiece of the park and a favorite spot for fishing. Avid fishers may also cast a line at Lake Lanier, where the sparkling waters are ripe with stripers and spotted bass. Head to the tailwater section of the Chattahoochee just below the Buford Dam for some of the best fly fishing on the river, which is known for producing particularly large brown trout.
Kayak:
Though widely known for its 15 miles of trails and one-mile ascent to the summit, Stone Mountain Park is also a favorite destination for kayakers. Set out for Stone Mountain Lake and relish the exclusive views of the park that you won't catch by land. The lake bends around the towering mountain, making for a stunning sight from the water. Set your own pace and enjoy a short paddle on the clear lake water, or make a full day of it and follow the tree-lined shores for a longer, six-mile paddle.
Mountain Bike:
The mountain biking trails at Yellow River Park in Stone Mountain have something for every skill level. Novices may want to start with the River Loop, which begins on an easier single track before approaching the incline. Or, if you want a more challenging trail, opt for the Creek Loop, where the long, technical climb pays off in the end with a scenic view of the creek.
Walk:
In Gwinnett, the opportunities to breathe in the fresh air on a walking trail are as bountiful as the willow oak trees covering the terrain. At Suwanee Creek Park, roam through wooded areas and the wetlands, keeping an eye out for native wildlife on your 6.5 miles out and back trek. At Harbins Park in Dacula, wind your way through 4.5 miles of trail covering verdant terrain, or head to Little Mulberry Park in Auburn to find several miles of picturesque walking trails.
Zip Line:
Outdoor thrills are always in high demand at TreeTop Quest, a ropes course park in Buford. Curious adventures can zoom through the trees on zip lines and explore dozens of obstacle courses, including Spider Quest, a one-hour harness-free course situated above a giant safety net. Kiddos can take a crack at the Chick Pea course, but more experienced thrill-seekers may head straight to Level 5, the zenith of Treetop's challenges.
Skate:
If you're into skateboarding, in-line skating, or BMX biking, drop by Pinckneyville Park in Peachtree Corners, Mountain Park in Lilburn, Duncan Creek Park in Dacula, or Settles Bridge Park in Suwanee. Duncan Creek provides a lighted skate park for some late-night skating (open until 11 pm), while Pinckneyville has shallow bowls ideal for first-timers. Mountain Park offers bowls with transfers and a 10-foot vertical section, while Settles Bridge features a smooth bowl with both shallow and medium-depth sections for skaters and bikers to tackle, depending on their skill level.
Play Disc Golf:
Get your game on at Lawrenceville's Alexander Park, where you can find an alluring mix of open and wooded holes on gently rolling hills, or visit the 890-acre Little Mulberry Park in Dacula, which features mainly wooded fairways. Lenora Park in Snellville is great for newbies, with its easy course and only a few elevation changes, while Maple Creek Park in Dacula offers a quiet, beginner-friendly course along with more opportunities for more experienced players to get in good practice time.
Tube:
If a hot summer day spent tubing is your idea of perfection, Shoot the Hooch is a must-stop. Tubes, rafts, and kayaks are available to rent for the day on the Chattahoochee River's mellow waters. Take in the idyllic scenery with a lazy river float down the river, drifting you away from the Powers Island National Park Service Unit to Paces Mill National Park Service Unit.
This article, written by Jacinta Howard, originally appeared in Volume VIII of Explore Gwinnett Magazine*