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    Shorty Howell Park

    3.9 (45 reviews)

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    Little pond with lots of cute ducks and geese
    Gretchen S.

    I've been going to a lot, and I mean A LOT, of parks from 2020-2021 with my clients, since it's one of the few approved places we can go amidst ever-changing COVID-19 restrictions and precautions. I've seriously never been to so many parks as I have in this past year and a half. Good thing I enjoy the outdoors and fresh air! If you like to be outside in fresh air and are in close proximity to Duluth, definitely come check this park out. I never realized how truly huge it is every time I passed by on Pleasant Hill - apparently 67 acres, according to Daniel B. Wow! There's a pond with ducks and geese, lots of shaded and sunny spots to walk and run, sit, picnic, or play in, rentable pavilions, accessible bathrooms, etc. My clients and I even got to watch some drummers recently practicing under a pavilion. Not sure what group they were from, but they reminded me of Taiko drummers I've seen back home in Hawaii - pretty cool stuff. Gwinnett county really is blessed with some of the best parks I've seen. Come check this one off your list, if you haven't already.

    Trail
    Jang C.

    Shorty Howell is the other great park in the area. The other is McDaniel Farms Park. There is one difference though (actually a couple of differences): they have a lake with water fowl! Yes, you can come and look at geese, duck, and turtles in their natural glory. Who doesn't love watching wildlife? They have a barrier like a zoo, so you don't interact with them. I have seen people throw a whole 2-3 loafs of bread to them. You shouldn't feed wild birds, especially bread. They can grow mold and harm the ecosystem. It also don't provide much nutrition to the birds. There is a sign that says don't feed the birds, but it's not on the lake! They should move the sign so people can see it clearly. Because it's sad to see disgusting, moldy bread littered all around the lake. Anyways, besides the lake, they have a pavilion, a playground, bathrooms, and a baseball field. If you have kids, this is probably a frequent destination. Their trail is about 1.3 miles. It's nice. They do have Joro spider infestation, like the rest of Gwinnett County. So watch out for running face first into webs if you go to a more scenic path of the trail. It's a great looking park. Bring your families and hang out.

    Adrianne R.

    Went today to sign up for community service for my daughter and a women by the name of Diane Shorter was very rude. I live and pay taxes in this Gwinnett county, and I would like to be treated as a human being. If she is unhappy with her Job then she should find another field and or another career to work in. I am very unhappy with the way she treated me and my daughter.

    Wooded track
    Jaclyn C.

    No mile markers on any of there tracks; tracking your distance for running is impossible without a Fitbit type device. Wooded tracks are nice, just wish the tracks were properly marked.

    Bridge at entrance to the park
    Jamarcus T.

    I just wasn't going to pass by Shorty Howell one more time without checking it out. I mean, it's got a cool bridge right over the entrance to the park, which probably spells some kind of trouble for people with sunroofs, but such is life (kidding)! Shorty Howell park is an interesting park just by its design, because It's in a super busy area off of pleasant hill, right across the street from a Walmart, and also in walking distance to several small snack time stores right next door. So it's very possible to take a nature walk and hear cars honking or see a headlights sitting and waiting. Don't worry about them though, just enjoy your walk! There are lots of paved trails here, as well as a natural trail that pretty much mirrors the paved trail as it zig-zags through the woods, although you'll eventually have to get back on the paved trail if you want to walk the entirety of the park. The trails (paved) are really wide, so a cycle, baby stroller pushing parent and a few folks walking along the trail can easily pass one another all at the same time (no, seriously). Shorty Howell is also a decently sized park, with lots to see along the way, like the football field surrounded by the track, a smaller and larger kids play area (the smaller area have lights that turn on at night just in case you'd like to come in the evening), and a really nice pond teeming with wildlife including geese and turtles towards the entrance to the park...and let's not forget the bridge at the entrance! I visited on a Friday evening just after 8pm, and while most of the facilities were closed, the park was still alive as lots of people were out enjoying themselves. If you're one of those horn honkers about to snap with road rage while you're stuck in traffic, do yourself a favor and turn on in to Shorty Howell and feed a duck. You'll thank yourself later!

    Tuong Vi P.

    This park is less than a half mile from home and I DRIVE there to RUN/JOG/WALK. Yeah, so what? Anyway, I really like that I have a park with such a nice trail to run on. I once came here with bf on our bikes and we realized that the path was insufficient for a casual bike ride, as there are too many people doing the above-mentioned activities in caps (except the driving one) and it is not of a decent length. I think that may have been my first time at Shorty Howell and I immediately thought that while I couldn't break my bike in there, I could travel the trail on foot. Last year, during good weather, I would go and enjoy the pond with the ducks, geese, turtles, and other suburban wildlife (is that an oxymoron?) and I am antsy for the temperatures to climb up a bit more. Now if only we could set a ceiling for metro Atlanta's highs to about 80-something degrees, I'd be running out here all the time. But alas, summer is coming. Catch me here doing a few laps sometime. Just don't be creepy and come up from behind with no warning. I may punch you in the face. You've been warned. By the way, check out Daniel B.'s review. He goes into great detail about this park's amenities (well, he does that for every place he reviews). You'll notice that there is space for tennis matches and baseball games. I believe there are 2 playgrounds for kids to develop childhood memories at. Great green space for Gwinnett residents to enjoy.

    Geese watching with my dog. Plenty of benches around the park.
    Annie L.

    I absolutely love this park. It's right around the corner from where I live, and the track itself is amazing. You get the scenic trail with plenty of shade and a lake in the middle with benches surrounding it. There are plenty of places to park! The only negative I'd say is that people need to learn how to pick up after their pet. Near the lake area there was a LOT of pet droppings which was gross. Or, it would be nice if there were doggy bags provided...

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    4 years ago

    Relaxing spot, not crowded at all very nicely paved paths also. Perfect for family pick nick

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    12 years ago

    Cute little park for a brief stroll on the paved 1.25 mile trail. They have an unpaved trail as well.

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    14 years ago

    Nice place to walk alongside the madness.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Shorty Howell Park

    Can we grill?

    Please look at our website, GwinnettParks.com Thank you

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    Review Highlights - Shorty Howell Park

    Anyways, besides the lake, they have a pavilion, a playground, bathrooms, and a baseball field.

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

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    McDaniel Farm Park - Restored Farm 1930s

    McDaniel Farm Park

    4.9(74 reviews)
    1.2 mi

    McDaniel Farm Park is not an ordinary Georgia park. This park is filled with charm, bridges,…read morecreeks, forests, meadows, picnic areas, and historical farm buildings. This park is by far my favorite in Gwinnett County because of the mixed use paved versus non-paved pathways, well-maintained, and overall cozy vibes. Like an outdoor museum. Even the restrooms are the best that I've seen in local parks. The location is very conveniently located with a Duluth entrance and Suwanee entrance. Plenty of parking. Even a public garden. Busiest times are after 11am on weekdays and after 10am on weekends. The best entrance is on the Duluth side off of Old Norcross Road. Great for taking a morning walk and then visiting the local cafes afterwards.

    Such a spacious and cute park. Bonus: There are various critters like deer, dragon flies,…read morebutterflies, critters like a large brown millipede looking thing (see my photo). The park itself had ample parking spaces. And the facilities there were clean and well maintained. There were various trails that's away from the main paved path. These side trails were nicely shaded and eventually leads back on the main path. The historic farm structures like the main house, farmhouse, side house and its outhouse are still erect. That's the charm of this place with the well groomed flower garden that someone upkeeps. The old and new altogether. As you wander the park, you forget you're in the heart of Duluth where shopping and restaurants galore await you. Because while you're talking around (and trying not to sweat to death during the summer), you'll hear the summer insects buzzing. It literally reminded me of my childhood during the summers hearing the loud insects buzz away.

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    McDaniel Farm Park - Eastern Chipmunk

    Eastern Chipmunk

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    Ivy Creek Greenway - The trail passes The Preserve apartment complex

    Ivy Creek Greenway

    4.3(12 reviews)
    10.6 mi

    Was staying in the area for a few days. But didn't have use of our car. Husband had to take it for…read morework. It was a beautiful day and appeared to be safe area so i set off to take a walk. My phone direction indicated a different way but i saw stairs near the coutyard Marriott. It was paved trail by a stream. Lovely walk.

    In my opinion as someone who travels all around the southern United States to visit hiking trails &…read morewaterfalls, Ivy Creek Greenway is a lovely local opportunity to get out into nature without driving a great distance. FIRST, the trail is peaceful. On most of my visits there have been a minimal amount of walkers, riders, and/or hikers on the trail. It's a great place to walk by yourself, with a friend or even as a family. SECOND, the trail offers multiple experiences. The section that starts beneath the southbound exit on I-85 traveling west towards the Gwinnett Heritage Center is fully paved. But from the same point traveling east is a wooded hiking trail with dirt/gravel paths. Along this eastern section are also many spur trails leading into the large marsh area sandwiched between Mall of Georgia Blvd & I-85. THIRD, while it is very close to civilization it feels like its own world. I love that you can get away right in the heart of a populated area and feel very much like you've been on an adventure. [ THE EXPERIENCE ] There are several access points, but we chose to park at the Mill Creek Nature Center on the backside of the Mall between Bird Watcher Supply Company & Wendy's. There is only space for about 10 cars in the little gravel parking area, but don't worry. If it is full there is plenty of paved parking available just across the Boulevard. Once parked you walk out to the sidewalk parallel to the street for a short distance until you come upon a set of wooden stairs leading down to the trail. When you reach the main trail you can go left where the trail will lead you 1 mile to Gravel Springs Road or go right towards Hwy 20. We decided to go right, but along the way discovered a wooden foot bridge leading through the swamp. This is not actually on the official trail map and will add approx. 1.25 miles to your hike. *WARNING - it can be a bit confusing to follow because it breaks off into so many side trails, but if you are capable of remembering the way you came, it won't be a problem. The marsh trail contains MANY old wooden footbridges to keep your feet dry as well as a watch tower that overlooks a wide open area of the marsh. I would imagine this would be a fun area for young ones to pretend they were trespassing on SHREKS land. Along the way there are also several markers indicating different species of trees, plants & wildlife from opossums to birds. Great educational tool for both young and older children. Near the lookout tower is a loop trail we did not follow. Instead, we returned the same way we came to the main trail. *** NOTE: We ventured across a HUGE snapping turtle on the main trail. It looked like a boulder at first. While snapping turtles can't run fast, their bite is lightening quick and their neck are longer than you think. DO NOT try to handle them. Continuing West we soon passed below the exit loop of I-85. Just before this point you will encounter a spur trail leading to the parking lot behind Mattress Firm, which also serves as another trail access point. Next you will cross under Hwy 20 before coming to an old concrete bridge leading across Ivy Creek. To your right is yet another parking area and access point, but I would advise you to only use this one if you have a high clearance vehicle. Ruts in the gravel have made it rather rough for low clearance cars. It's also tricky to get here since you'd have to cross into the parking area about where the southbound ramp is merging with Hwy 20. Once across the concrete bridge the waterfall is only a little over 200 feet away. If the water flow is good, you should easily hear it! It's not a natural waterfall, but the remains of historic Woodward Grist Mill. The metal wheel is still on site. The banks of the creek are sandy, making it a great spot to hang out a while with the kids or a date! Continuing west you will pass The Preserve @ Mill Creek Apartments. Near their picnic deck is another sandy area for relaxing right where the creek cascades for about 100 feet. Beyond that is a wooden boardwalk leading to a split. Either go towards the Gwinnett Environmental Center (right) or continue on Ivy Creek Trail (left). We walked the trail left all the way to the suspension bridge and then returned the way we came. [ FINAL THOUGHTS ] Overall we clocked about 5.25 miles from the Mill Creek Nature Center parking area to the suspension bridge and back with a tour of the swamp trail to the lookout tower. It is a very easy trail, but does get a little hilly as you get closer to the suspension bridge. Overall it took us a leisurely 1.5 hours on a GORGEOUS 80 degree Sunday afternoon with perfect breezes. I know what some of the other reviews say, but I can't see how anyone wouldn't enjoy spending a little time on this trail. Afterwards we ate @ nearby Burger 21, home to one of my favorite burgers (The OMG) and one of the ONLY black bean burgers my particular wife enjoys. HAVE FUN! 2022 / 62

    Photos
    Ivy Creek Greenway - Barn @ Historic 1850's Chesser-Williams House

    Barn @ Historic 1850's Chesser-Williams House

    Ivy Creek Greenway - Open area near restrooms

    Open area near restrooms

    Ivy Creek Greenway - Nature Center trail is loaded with wooden bridges and boardwalks

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    Nature Center trail is loaded with wooden bridges and boardwalks

    Shorty Howell Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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