Lee Newton Park

(15 reviews)

13.2 mi

Love to train and take my pup here. Very nice in mornings also she loves the water. Haven't gotten…read morein the water actually but one day I will.

Edge of the World is a great nearby walking trail that winds along Amicalola Creek. The trail is…read moremostly easy, with a mix of wooden walkways (watch out for a few holes) and dirt paths. There are also a few side trails that climb up the mountain if you're looking for a bit more of a challenge (including dodging Joro spiders!). The small waterfalls are beautiful, and the cool creek water is perfect for dipping your feet in on a warm day.

Love my music

Outdoor hiking

See all

Calvin Farmer Park

(1 review)

9.6 mi

Located within historic downtown Ball Ground this little hidden gem is a true oasis from the hustle…read moreand bustle of city life. Situated on 15 acres of pristine land it features a playground, 2 picnic pavilion and a duck pond. There is also a stage area for public performance. For more information https://cityofballground.com/parks-department/ The duck pond is especially charming being that the ducks are people friendly. Not sure if they allow you to feed them ....The geese here are quite a character. When I was here with my friend she accidentally said out loud that ducks are cuter than geese. Well one of them took to chasing her for a bit for her slip of the tongue....serves her right.... I've also used their restroom facilities a couple of times before when I was in the area. Very clean and very well maintained..... A great addition to this charming little town that I hope will remain small and quaint. 1277th review 3/18/2018 197th for 2018

See all

Amicalola Falls State Park

(181 reviews)

13.1 mi

Nice place to walk or relax It was beautiful…read more Lots of people walking and enjoying the views Small body of water to put your feet in So calming.... Great place to have a picnic

We stayed here on our way back from Savannah on a whim. The falls are gorgeous and the park itself…read moreis very nice. Beware, it is a very steep hill to get up to the campsites. The sites themselves are very nice, and it is quiet. We did get hit by a storm, but our camper held up quite well. The lodge is also a beautiful building and has scenic views. The park was clean and there is a small nature center with live animals and reptiles. The staff are friendly and helpful too. The one downside is the firewood issue that persists in most state parks. You aren't allowed to bring in firewood from other places (unless bought in the area), and they charge you a ridiculous amount for what are little more than shims to use. Overall, this was a wonderful end to our Georgia journey.

Miffy at Amicalola Falls @tiffhuangry

Picnic table

See all

Fall Branch Falls

4.3

(35 reviews)

22.6 mi

Great trail! Great hike! The longest part is the gravel 5 mile road leading to trail. Fine in our…read moresuv but it would have been rough on a car or my smaller suv.

Relatively easy hiking trail to a waterfall in the Cherry Log/Blue Ridge area. Kids as young as 3…read morecan walk the trail. It's a pretty short trail to the waterfall approximately 1/2 mile. The cell service is poor getting to the trail so map it out before hand. Along the trail you will see a Glamping camp, which is very cute. Definitely would recommend as a family outing.

See all

Swinging Bridge On The Toccoa River

(8 reviews)

24.2 mi

Super fun! Easy walk! Kid and pet friendly! We walked our 2 dogs and had no issues! The bridge…read moreobviously swings so be careful holding your phone on the bridge taking photos! Great place to skip rocks!

On our recent trip to Blue Ridge, we decided to check out the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge. I am…read moreglad we did as it was quite scenic. We pulled in not knowing what to expect. You take a turn off the main highway and you have a few mile drive up the dirt road to get to the actual bridge. I did do this in a front wheel drive car, but a 4 wheel drive truck would be recommended if the conditions were wet or less than ideal. The road is pretty skinny at points and there is definitely not room for two vehicles even though this is not a one way, so one must drive cautiously. Once there, there isn't really any designated parking. You just park wherever you can. The bridge is quite scenic. It looks more stable than it actually is. It sways quite a bit when people are crossing and it isn't quite wide enough for two people to pass without hugging one side, but the view and hikes surrounding the river make it worth it. We spent a few hours here enjoying nature and then headed back. Awesome spot worth checking out.

Shrooms

View from the bridge

See all

Red Clay State Historic Park

4.9

(18 reviews)

46.3 mi

I occasionally afford myself the luxury of visiting places without really knowing what to expect…read more This park just wasn't that clear to me in its purpose, but it became more so after arrival, with a visitor center focused on Native American history and identifying this as a Cherokee Nation headquarters. A spread of recreated buildings outside offers opportunities for perusal. The most aesthetically distinctive site is a large spring of the sort that seem more common in Kentucky than Tennessee, which evinces a robust blue color and empties into a clear stream. The spring itself is off-limits, but the stream is open for wading. All of these sites are within sight of the initial entrance, but a trek uphill reveals picnic areas, an amphitheater, and a couple of mile trail through the woods. Between the different elements of the park, it was easy to spend a couple of hours there, and best of all, it's free, though the gift shop warrants examination.

Red Clay is not the type of state park that I would normally seek out. Why? It's not in the…read moremountains and the trails are tame. Nonetheless, something about it lured me in for a visit and I'm glad I ventured out here (on Indigenous People's Day coincidentally). Historically, it's really interesting that this was the last meeting site for the Cherokee tribe's council. The signs claim it is "where the Trail of Tears really began." I was really intrigued by the natural Spring called "the Blue Hole." I've never seen a spring that appears bright blue in a forest setting. Seeing this cool natural sight was pretty awesome. Also, I could just imagine the Cherokee using this spring water and being here hundreds of years before. Trail wise: Pretty flat and easy trails. It's not very challenging. But, it makes up for it because it's a calm place with beautiful forest. I loved walking around. Also, since this is small and off the beaten path, it's not crowded at all. Overall: highly recommended. Worth a visit!

Very blue water from natural spring

Blue hole

See all

Blue hole spring

Little Ridge Park

4.5

(10 reviews)

27.6 mi

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.

See all

Sweetwater Creek Camp Ground

(8 reviews)

20.1 mi

Very chill and nice place to come hang out and swim. We went on a Saturday and I was surprised it…read morewasn't more packed during a summer weekend. There is a $5 for parking, unless you have a park pass (the America the beautiful one), which we did. You can't have alcohol and have to pick up after yourself. There's a little beach area and then a roped off part of the water that you can swim in. The water is nice and the view is nice and peaceful.

Stayed there last spring with a group of men. This campground need better restroom facilities in…read morefurthest areas of the camp ground. and a store!...

Swimming area or kayak launch

See all

Aska Mining Company

(17 reviews)

24.1 mi

We had a wonderful gem mining experience! The pricing was very reasonable, and the quality of the…read moregems exceeded our expectations. It was a fun and engaging activity for all ages. The gift shop offered a great selection of unique items, and the staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to answer questions throughout our visit. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience, and we would gladly return.

We initially found another gem mining place close by. Both options had great reviews but Aska…read moreMining Company was rated slightly higher so we opted for Aska. THE PRICING: I really appreciate that they cater to all budgets by providing a WIDE range of options - buckets range from $10 to $100. We opted for the mid-ish range $35 bucket and crossed our fingers. THE PROCESS: Pick and pay for your bucket, walk outside to find your little sifting station. Shovel a few scoops of sand into the sifter and dip it into the water to separate small particles from large stones, fossils, shark teeth, etc. The gems/fossils seem to magically appear as the small bits of sand is washed away. The kiddos in our group ranged from 11-14 yrs and all left with nearly a full bag of treasures each. A ziplock bag along with a handy reference guide is provided to help identify your goodies as you're sifting. Overall, we were more than pleasantly surprised with the experience and buckets our kiddos selected and sifted through. Yes, the adults in our group even took turns sifting too! We would 100% recommend Aska. I'm kinda curious of the haul you'll get with the $100 bucket - perhaps that's a good option to share with a family/small group. THE STAFF: Friendly and funny. They literally walked us through the process and checked up on us a few times too. THE PARKING: We had no issues parking in front of the store but it's along a main road so keep your kiddos close if they tend to wander & scurry off. Although, you really shouldn't have that problem because I can almost guarantee those kiddos will be engrossed in the sifting. THE SNACKING: Iron Bridge General Store and Cafe is steps away if you're hungry before or after. You can also grab some souvenirs or supplies. TIP: According to their website, they also cater to groups and birthday parties. Enjoy!

Here's what to expect. It's as easy as 1-2-3 !

A reference of the Gemstones & Fossils you may find as you sort and sift through your bucket

See all

A reference of the Gemstones & Fossils you may find as you sort and sift through your bucket

The Art Center at Johns Creek

The Art Center is truly a hidden gem for creativity and learning in our community. Whether you're a…read morechild exploring art for the first time or an adult looking to refine your skills, there's something here for everyone. I originally stopped by in search of pottery classes--and was delighted to find not only that they offer them, but also that a new session begins on October 13th. In addition, there's a Fall Break Art Camp for grades 2-5, where children will experiment with a range of media including watercolor, acrylics, and collage. As I walked through the space, I was able to watch artists at work and enjoy the current gallery exhibits on display. The atmosphere was inspiring and welcoming. Adult fall classes--running October 6th through December 13th--are also available, covering both visual and ceramic arts. Each class is taught by individual instructors, making it approachable for students of all levels. Best of all, online registration makes it simple to sign up. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that such a wonderful resource has been right in my neighborhood all along. It was a great experience, and I've already registered for pottery classes--something I'm really excited about! If you're looking for a place to explore your creative side, I highly recommend checking out the Art Center. Great value for 8 weeks art class at $280

Excellent place with caring and talented instructors. This was the first time my 12 year old son…read moreattended camp. He chose the pottery wheel class and had so much fun all week long. Many of the students are planning to go back for the same week next summer. He learned how to make his own pieces and glaze them. I highly suggest checking this place out.

Art classes for Adult and Youth students K-12. Anime, Sculpture, Mixed Media, Portraiture, Ceramics, Colored Pencil, Watercolor and more!

See all

Join us for the closing reception of this beautiful show - Nov 12, 6-7:30 - Free and open to the public!

WildeWood Farm

(17 reviews)

21.8 mi

Great, welcoming and safe place for your kid to learn riding the proper way. The farm is in a…read morebeautiful setting and the owner very knowledgable. incredible horseback riding experience.

If you're looking for an incredible horseback riding 'home' for your child, I cannot recommend…read moreHannah enough! My daughter took lessons with Hannah for 12 years, and the experience has been truly life-changing. Wildewood was the first place she went when she got her drivers license and the last place she went when she left for her freshman year of college. Beyond just learning to ride, Hannah teaches responsibility, patience, confidence, and resilience--skills that extend far beyond the barn. She creates a safe, supportive environment where kids not only develop strong riding techniques but also build a deep bond with the horses and gain lifelong lessons in perseverance and dedication. Hannah's program takes place on a real, working farm--this isn't some polished, bougie equestrian center. Kids get their hands dirty and learn what it truly means to care for horses, from feeding and grooming to cleaning tack. They develop a deep respect for hard work, nature, and the animals they ride, gaining life skills that go far beyond horseback riding. Thanks to Hannah's guidance, my daughter has grown into a brilliant, capable young woman with a strong work ethic and a deep love for riding. If you want your child to learn from the best while growing in confidence and character, Wildewood Farms with Hannah is the perfect place.

Baby goat!

See all

Amicalola Falls State Park

(181 reviews)

13.1 mi

Nice place to walk or relax It was beautiful…read more Lots of people walking and enjoying the views Small body of water to put your feet in So calming.... Great place to have a picnic

We stayed here on our way back from Savannah on a whim. The falls are gorgeous and the park itself…read moreis very nice. Beware, it is a very steep hill to get up to the campsites. The sites themselves are very nice, and it is quiet. We did get hit by a storm, but our camper held up quite well. The lodge is also a beautiful building and has scenic views. The park was clean and there is a small nature center with live animals and reptiles. The staff are friendly and helpful too. The one downside is the firewood issue that persists in most state parks. You aren't allowed to bring in firewood from other places (unless bought in the area), and they charge you a ridiculous amount for what are little more than shims to use. Overall, this was a wonderful end to our Georgia journey.

Miffy at Amicalola Falls @tiffhuangry

Picnic table

See all

Edge of the World

(15 reviews)

13.2 mi

Love to train and take my pup here. Very nice in mornings also she loves the water. Haven't gotten…read morein the water actually but one day I will.

Edge of the World is a great nearby walking trail that winds along Amicalola Creek. The trail is…read moremostly easy, with a mix of wooden walkways (watch out for a few holes) and dirt paths. There are also a few side trails that climb up the mountain if you're looking for a bit more of a challenge (including dodging Joro spiders!). The small waterfalls are beautiful, and the cool creek water is perfect for dipping your feet in on a warm day.

Love my music

Outdoor hiking

See all

Sweetwater Creek Camp Ground

(8 reviews)

20.1 mi

Very chill and nice place to come hang out and swim. We went on a Saturday and I was surprised it…read morewasn't more packed during a summer weekend. There is a $5 for parking, unless you have a park pass (the America the beautiful one), which we did. You can't have alcohol and have to pick up after yourself. There's a little beach area and then a roped off part of the water that you can swim in. The water is nice and the view is nice and peaceful.

Stayed there last spring with a group of men. This campground need better restroom facilities in…read morefurthest areas of the camp ground. and a store!...

Swimming area or kayak launch

See all

Charleston Park

(3 reviews)

27.1 mi

Very nice trail with good parking availability. Family and dog friendly. Unpaved with plenty of…read morechange in topography, not too strenuous and definitely not flat. Good for young kids (but no strollers) and adults of all ages. Nice views along the lake and from up above. Clean and well maintained. Multiple loops means you can make your hike as long or as short as you like. Everyone, bikers and those on foot, were friendly and shared the trail with no problem. I recommend this trail for everyone!

Charleston is an impressive Gainesville park, on the lake. There are miles and miles or mountain…read morebike and hiking trails. Great place to get outdoors and spend a few hours in nature! There is ample parking and restrooms.

See all

Lee Newton Park - parks - Updated August 2026

People who viewed Lee Newton Park also viewed

Calvin Farmer Park

(1 review)

Located within historic downtown Ball Ground this little hidden gem is a true oasis from the hustle…read moreand bustle of city life. Situated on 15 acres of pristine land it features a playground, 2 picnic pavilion and a duck pond. There is also a stage area for public performance. For more information https://cityofballground.com/parks-department/ The duck pond is especially charming being that the ducks are people friendly. Not sure if they allow you to feed them ....The geese here are quite a character. When I was here with my friend she accidentally said out loud that ducks are cuter than geese. Well one of them took to chasing her for a bit for her slip of the tongue....serves her right.... I've also used their restroom facilities a couple of times before when I was in the area. Very clean and very well maintained..... A great addition to this charming little town that I hope will remain small and quaint. 1277th review 3/18/2018 197th for 2018

Dwight Terry Park

3.0

(3 reviews)

This little but functional park has a great paved walking trail that goes around the entire park…read more It has a few small hills and is covered with tree shade early in the morning and in the evening. This park is dog friendly but they need to be leashed. There are a couple of baseball fields and a small playground area. I'd love to see a few more trees planted near the parking lot because it is the least shaded area. Worth a visit or two

This hidden gem in the northeastern part of Cherokee county is a 30 acre park with 2 baseball and…read moresoftball diamonds along with half a mile of of paved walking track. Directions: to get here you want to take I-575 N to exit 24 (Airport Dr.) and then go east. You'll see signs for Cherokee county. At Ball Ground highway make a left. Go about a mile and you'll see East Cherokee Dr. Make a right. The park is about 2 and a half miles on the right. Hope you'll visit...it's a bit secluded so it's pretty peaceful....

Main Street Park

(2 reviews)

Main Street Park offers a great green space to enjoy inside the city of Dawsonville. There are…read moreconcerts, car shows, craft festivals and community events here almost every weekend. It has plenty of parking and wheelchair access to so many places. Great job.

This large park is located behind the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame. It was a nice break after a…read morechili dog from the cookout to walk around as the park has over 1.1 miles of paved trails that has benches all along. Lots of goings on here including a playground with a wheelchair-accessible swing, 9-hole disc golf course "Shiners 9" and cornhole boards. Three picnic pavilions with charcoal grills are available to reserved through City Hall. Fitness stations, dog park and more features are coming! Very cool park and well worth a stop when you're in Dawsonville. [Review 20353 overall - 688 in Georgia - 1331 of 2023.]

Lanierland Park

(4 reviews)

Wonderful park that likely meets anyone's needs: walking, running, almost any field sport, as well…read moreas tennis and pickle ball courts. The grounds crew are exceptional, and keep this park in outstanding shape. Bravo to the county for this fine park. Cheers! RS

We love Lanierland Park! During the week, it's pretty quiet but the afternoons / weekends have some…read moresports which attracts more people. Plenty of tennis and pickle ball courts you can reserve. We enjoy walking the trails and playing on the two playgrounds.

Harrison Park

4.5

(2 reviews)

Quiet and peaceful, would be nice for a picnic on the lawn maybe even nice photo shoot with…read moreflowers, good for dog walk. Restrooms clean with AC

A nice flat walking path. It's graveled and has some shade. This would be a good place to walk or…read moretake dogs, but there are no swing sets or bathrooms other than porta- potties. The loop is about a mile at its longest.

Roper Park, Pickens County Recreation

4.0

(1 review)

Set your navigation for "off the beaten path" with a trip to Roper Park in Jasper GA. Nestled…read morebetween Jasper and Tate, just past the end of 575, you'll find plenty of green space for a day in the park. Diamonds and soccer fields stay busy with rec league teams, with the occasional cross country meet, including twice in fall. These races have been our reason to visit the past several years, and we've witnessed the positive evolution of the space in that time. A large playground area will keep the younger participants happy, with colorful barriers surrounding to increase the safety and fun factors. Watch out for flying round projectiles from the games surrounding on all sides though. Grab time with the orange roundball on outdoor courts or in the Pickens County Community Center adjacent, then cool off in the outdoor pool in warm seasons. Run/walk/jog on the 1-2 miles of winding paths throughout the park, and follow the exercise signs along the way for a little cross-training. Take a thoughtful break at the Peace Pole monument courtesy of the Rotary Club of Jasper, then move on to percussion with the musical feature nearby. Plenty of parking at the community center and along the back of the park, and on race weekends at the school across the street. Don't miss the infamous tunnel on your way across the highway, taking care since it's part of the 5K course. I'll be back at least once more for another late-season race, and hopefully after that.

Springer Mountain

(4 reviews)

To get to the parking area for this is a 40 min dirt road drive on beautiful red earth and cliffs…read moreon the side of you going up. The views are beautiful but the drive is something haha. The hike itself is straight forward and beautiful. The makeup of the rocks causes them to appear like they glitter on the trail which was magic to my kids. There is a lean to on the trail they don't suggest using due to erosion. There are two nice metal markers in the rock to denote the official start of the Appalachian trail and what a glorious view you can sit and enjoy the beginning of your life changing journey!

Beautiful views and a wonderful trail to the summit!:) Not a…read moredifficult hike- family/kid friendly. I would recommend hiking the trail earlier in the morning- seems like it gets busy later in the day....

Rock Creek Park and Recreation

(3 reviews)

As a resident of Dawson county, I was excited to learn that my grandson's U10 All Star baseball…read moreteam played a weekend championship series at Rock Creek Park. I was so impressed to see the condition of the fields. Grass behind the home plate and in the infield was perfectly precision cut. Bathrooms were impeccably cleaned throughout the day and we arrived at 7:30 am until 6:30 in evening. The concession stands were well equipped with hot dogs, pork plates and an offering of candies as snacks at reasonable-prices, so proud of these facilities. I'd even go as far as saying best facilities I've ever seen in the baseball circuit.

This very tiny gym gets 5 stars from me because it costs $25 for your ENTIRE FAMILY to join for SIX…read moreMONTHS. No contract and no monthly payments. It is super small- 2 treadmills, an elliptical, a few weight machines, a mat, and a yoga ball. I've never had to wait to use anything. Sometimes I have seen a couple of other people in there. The hours are good too. They have a TV. This cost does not include the classes that are sometimes offered. I have taken yoga classes with two different instructors and those have both been really great. My sister attends boot camp and it is also an amazing workout. The classes are usually cheaper if you pay for the whole month in advance. I think they run on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. So, they don't offer classes like LA Fitness or anything with a rotation of constant classes based on varying interests. I think they also offer other classes though. They have a great trail, and at the front of the park- like, it's hard to know it is even attached- their is a pavilion and a place to put in a kayak. Me and the mister have painted in the little pavilion. You don't have to pay to use the front part/boat launch, or the outside trail- just the weight room and classes. Also has a play area.

Chattahoochre National Forest

3.5

(2 reviews)

Such a cool forest. Hiking and all kinds of nature. Deer bear geese ducks hawks. And running…read morerivers. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets. It's so beautiful watching the fog lift in the morning and the early morning frost melting away. And the outside cooking adds so much to the experience.

The river is beautiful, but there is no public hiking trail here. We drove here for 15 minutes only…read moreto find there was nowhere to park or hike. Private homes only.

Aska Mining Company