I really wanted to like this trail as it was quiet and runs along a refreshing river but there were too many problematic areas that need to be addressed immediately by the CNRNA. #1 High theft and vandalism warnings everywhere but no security cameras anywhere to be found. Due to the remote nature of the trail, it looked extremely unsafe to leave the car and go hiking for a couple of hours. #2 The trail was not maintained at all. There were overgrown bushes, logs that poked out with the trail looking unsafe to maneuver during wet seasons. It was surprising as it was a paid trail. I have seen much better-looking free trails than the Jones Bridge trail. #3 Bathroom was not maintained either. It smelled really bad with no hand soap either. Again, I have seen better maintained free trails with lot more amenities than this one. read more

See all

This is my favorite trail in GA! Always plenty of parking, and I love that most of it runs alongside the River. There's some sections that can be a bit steep but for the most part the trail is flat and well-marked. Today we saw a few deer as well. We also appreciate the doggie bag stations at the trail heads. I've never used the restrooms but great option to have as many of the parks/trails have none. read more

You can find this park, part of the National Park Service Chattahoochee River series, on the West side of the river with access from Barnwell Rd (so the John's Creek side) - the address is 9065 Barnwell Rd, Chattahoochee National Recreation Area, Johns Creek, GA 30022-5360. I accidentally hit Jones Bridge Park on the East side while looking for this trail - it's actually more of a manicured park and I believe it's maintained by Gwinnett County (parking is free over there but there's no access to the trail via bridge so you have to drive around). If you're looking for the hike, this is the location. There are two or three parking lots where you can access the trail - I parking on the one furthest in - it requires payment for a parking pass but my NPS Chattahoochee works for any of the parks along the river. From the furthest point in (for parking) the trail has a long tail that extends South - one-way-in and out, then it breaks into loops joining the CREEC (Chattahoochee Recreation Environmental Education Center) on the Far-western side at the base of a small lake. This long trail access is soft rolling hills as it follows the river - it's mostly shaded by the many birches, beeches and oaks with one spot bearing a few big-leaf magnolias. It's quite a lovely path that traverses several bridges (wood, metal and hybrid) and the one parking lot (there's a third at the CREEC). If you want a gentle hike stay on these trails as those that diverge to the North have a few hills so you gain a little elevation. I visited on a Tuesday so it was lightly attended - I think I saw a total of about 10 hikers other than my group of 3 people. There are several access points along the trail to the river and many in the water (it was 93 degrees on 7/16/2019) but thankfully the shade brought the temps down quite a bit, still quite humid. As you approach the CREEQ (and grassy adjoining park just south of the lake) there's a low hanging active hornets nest we were warned by another hiker to avoid so we broke the trail and went through some brush - it wasn't too bad. Total distance (and we took all the longest loops) was a little less than 6 miles from parking and back. There's a bathroom at the Northern-most lot and I believe there's at least Porta-pottys at the CREEC (didn't go inside but presumably there's bathrooms in there too). The bathroom has a bottle-fill station like at other Chattahoochee park locations. read more

Great hike. Lots of birds and deer. Quite, serene. I'll definitely be back! Remember to take $3 for parking. Cash and credit cards accepted. read more

See all

I hiked this trail for the first time today, and I have to say that I'm not a fan. There are two parking lots for this trail - one which lets you get a boat into the water and another which is at the top of the trails. The trail between these two lots has a lot of trash - plastic water bottles and cans (beer and soda) likely from the people who are entering the river from the other side. I don't know what kind of facility is opposite this trail, but it brings out a lot of people in rafts big enough to hold water coolers. I saw several of those rafts today and many people in the water, leaving who knows what behind. The top end parking lot has a lot of trash as well; probably from people going swimming and leaving debris behind. The trail itself has the worst signs I've seen on a Chattahoochee National Recreation Area trail. If you don't have a good sense of direction and can't read a trail map, you shouldn't hike this trail alone. There are a lot of side trails that lead close to the water and onto private property, so it's easy to get lost for someone who depends on trail signs. Also the trail signs are placed in the oddest areas and not always facing the direction of the trail that makes the most sense. This trail also doesn't have blazes (paint markings letting the hiker know he/she is on the right trail.) The trail itself is narrow and tight fairly often with a lot of plant life close to you (which I don't like), so it's a good idea to wear a long shirt and pants. There is some elevation but nothing too strenuous (this is from someone who does not like to walk uphill AT ALL.) There is often a cool breeze in the wider spaced areas and if you get close enough to the river. There are a lot of deer here compared to other CNRA parks I've visited and by a lot I mean 5 sightings of 2-3 deer at a time. I saw two bucks, two fawns and several does. I also saw a turtle which was super adorable. I love the wildlife. There is not a lot of activity on this trail. I was surprised because it was a Sunday afternoon, but most people came to hang out on the river and the trail was fairly empty. Overall, it's a decent trail, but I was saddened by how trashed it was and I didn't like how so much of the trail was narrow and a bit too close. Yelp 100 #47 read more

I started hiking because of this trail - I passed it on the way to a playground with my kids one day, and decided to check it out soon after just to go for a walk. I ended up walking for 5 miles! You can do anything from a very short hike along the river, to a 6+ mile hike if you follow the south loop and explore all of the interior trails. The river part is flat but there is some elevation so you can also work up a pretty good sweat. There are two small ponds, a meadow, and tons of little side trails down to the river's edge. Pants are recommended, even though the trail is well maintained the underbrush on the sides has poison ivy, and I would imagine also ticks and other things of that sort. This trail is part of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, with several units along the river going south from the Buford Dam down to the 75/285 junction. The National Park Service has lots of info and maps on their website - http://www.nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/maps.htm As mentioned, parking is $3 or you can buy an annual pass for $25 which is valid at any unit. There are two parking lots, the boat launch lot is closer to the entrance and on weekends is for cars with trailers only, but during the week you can park there without one. The main parking lot is further in and has the bathrooms. Both lots have pay stations but the boat launch lot doesn't have a credit card machine so cash/permit only in that spot. read more

See all

The trail is a perfect place to get away from the city without driving for hours. You can see Chattahoochee River on your side along the way you walk. And some of the areas can make you forget that you are in the city. I went there today even the weather was overcast and cold, I still could see a lot of runners, kids, and people with their dogs. I really enjoyed it. Can't imagine, in summer it must be crowded. Some parks or trails I have been if they are close to the city they are always too small and also you can see streets and cars driving by. But Jones Bridge Trail has a good size (not too small) and much quieter. It can make you sweat a bit to finish the whole loop depends on your pace. It is still very easy to walk because most of the trail is flat. Just have to be careful not to stumble over tree roots. (for someone who is clumsy like me) Parking cost $3.00 and there is a restroom right at the parking lot. I give it 4 stars because it is such a great place to get away from the city to enjoy nature. I would give it 5 stars if the trail had more varieties of difficulty. Well, I am just being picky. read more

See all

I've been visiting a different park/preserve/trail every weekend since the summer started and today was JBT day. I spent my entire morning - 8:45am to 12:00pm - hiking here. I'm pretty sure I went down almost every trail and then some. If you're in shape and you're into exploring and getting your workout on, this is for you. I'd rate this trail a 5, 1 being easy breezy, 10 being "leave-me-to-die-I-can't-go-on" hard. This is a sold 4-star trail. No human noise for the most part. Just water, birds, crunching sticks under your feet...the natural stuff. Actually came face to face with a deer. Not scary, not at all. The trails are clean and the fellow hikers were pleasant. Of the 20 people that passed me, maybe 18 said hello. Corny or not, it made me feel a bit safer. Why not 5 five stars? 1) The entrance is only clearly marked on one side of the road. Once I figured out that I had passed it and had found my way inside, I had no clue where I was going. There aren't any signs telling you where parking is; you just kind of drive for 2 minutes until you see a large parking lot. There's one before then, but I didn't park there because there are signs indicating it's only allowed M-F for regular cars. 2) For some reason, I was expecting for there to be a booth where a person collected the fee from you. Not the case. Once you've parked, you'll see a booth-like structure with a ticket ATM for debit/credit cards and a tall metal container where you're supposed to deposit your cash payments in pink envelopes. Problem is the cash box is stuffed to max capacity and there is nowhere else to leave the money. I'm holding on to it until I can figure out how else to pay. No one else seemed bothered, though; they just walked right in. The envelope has a car tag that warns that if you don't pay, you're breaking the law. So...I'm officially a criminal. 3) The river banks aren't clean. Old clothes, bottles, plastic containers, etc are tangled in tree branches and roots. It's a shame, but there aren't any garbage cans either. 4) Some of the trails aren't really...trails? They're overgrown and in some cases, the foliage is taller than me (I'm 5'9"). I found a solid "walking stick," embraced my inner bushwhacker (Do New Jerseyans have one of those?) and went to town on some of the less intimidating paths instead. 5) I got lost at least 8 times, mostly due to overgrown vegetation and faded path markers (the paint squares on the trees). The aimless wandering with no one else around for half-hour periods was kind of nerve-wracking, but every time I spotted a sign of civilization like a bridge or trail map, I felt like breaking out in a victory dance. The New Jerseyan's take: I wouldn't suggest bringing kids out here; there are plenty of high roots, low-hanging branches and loose rocks - perfect injury factories for little ones. Empty your bladder before you start your excursion (no porta-potties), wear repellent, a hat, and carry a big stick. And, oh, yeah - have fun. read more

As the first preview says, this trail is perfect for the residents of Johns Creek and Alpharetta. Very kids friendly and pretty busy all year round. The trail head is often confused to be in Jones Bridge Park which is right across the river and unless you'll cross the river ( which actually many people do as it's not deep in this area ) , the parking lots ( one for launching boats then another for hikers ) of the trail head is located off Barnwell Road . South of the boat launch area, The trail goes to 3 levels. right by the river, a middle and a higher level. Maps are every where at this point and it's almost guaranteed to spot a deer, couple or a whole family. read more

See all

Rustic but a beautiful day. This trail head is off Barnwell about 1.5 from Holcomb Bridge, much of the trail is along the Chattahoochee. About half of the trail is flat and by the river and about half of the mileage was more challenging. 2 of the Bridges were Eagle Scout projects one from 1993 with some extra engineering and twisted wire support and the other simpler and from 2003, nice work from both boys and troops. You can do the whole trail system for 6+ miles (which we did on 3/28/13) or there is a nice half mile flat trail between the parking lots that is about a half mile. The big parking lot has rest rooms (but no water fountain) and there is a river trail which goes north to the old bridge or an up hill/down hill trail which covers the same point to point but is much more strenuous. A nice afternoon away from the traffic. read more

The Jones Bridge Trail can be accessed from Barnwell Road and is a quaint little walking trail meandering through the woods along the Chattahoochee River. If you ever visit Jones Bridge Park in Norcross then you have seen Jones Bridge Trail on the opposite bank of the river. There were two parking lots, the first one had a boat ramp and the second lot was where everyone else was parking. Both lots cost $3 and one of them accepted credit cards. The trail itself was a bit confusing because there is one branch leading to the "historic Jones Bridge" and the rest of the trail is in the opposite direction. We took the half mile to the bridge first, before hitting the real trail. There were LOTS of roots on the real trail so be weary. The trail consists of numerous loops, which eliminates the fear of getting lost. Plus there were trail maps and trail markers all along the way. Did not see many animals beside the usual birds and squirrels. One part of the trail gets fairly steep and departs from the side of the river, going deep into the forest. Seems like a good place to bring your dog. Overall, the trail is for moderate hiking and is nice, but could use a little revamping. read more