CRNRA Hidden Gems Part 3: Bowmans Island East - GA20 Bridge to Lake Lanier

Of course many of us enjoy the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) units, around metro ATL. However there are a few that are relatively obscure, but well worth checking out and exploring. It turns out they are each "hidden in plain sight". They can be found on various official maps, but somehow they've largely flown under the radar, as far as past AOC events have gone.

The Bowmans Island unit is not generally obscure, but the official trails are all on the western side of the Chatt, and many AOC events have been done there.  However, very few, to none, have been done on the less developed eastern side.  There are mostly well defined trails here, as well as some side trails, (and off trail), and it's just a fun area to explore.  It was very exciting when i first figured out I could make it all the way to Buford dam...it was uncertain, at the start.

This hike actually has two different options. One is about 6 mi and the other is about 8. More details below.

We start at the parking area at the GA20 bridge over the Chattahoochee. We take the pedestiran walkway under the bridge, and then we are on natural surface trails. After one easy creek crossing, we work our way north.  We will hike down to the river. and enjoy the view from some shoals, for a short break, and photo op (sample pic above).

Next our main obstacle is the much wider Richland Creek. I've done this crossing without getting my feet wet, but it was tricky, with climbing over some logs.  Or youu can just walk right through, with the water up to your ankles or shins, and perhaps some mud, but shouldn't be that bad.

After we get past the creek, it is a pleasant, mostly flat hike along the river, to eventually merge with the Laurel Ridge trail and then to Buford Dam. After checking out the dam, we will hike up to Lake Lanier to lake's edge.  We will turn around here and retrace most of the route, although we will take a side trail, to an alternate trailhead, in a neighborhood.  If anyone wants to uber back to the trailhead from here, they are welcome to (and don't feel bad, because I have also done this myself), or if anyone is left, can proceed back to the bridge, having to cross back over Richland Creek again.

The full route is about 8 mi (or closer to 6, if you bail at the alternate trailhead). There is about 800' ascent, but most of the trail is flat, so there are really just two extended inclines. We will be going at a moderate pace on the flat portions, and everyone can take the climbs at whatever speed they are comfortable.

34°07'29.1"N 84°05'31.0"W

There is a parking lot on the eastern side of the GA20 bridge, over the river.  There are only 15 spots, but hopefully will not be busy Friday afternoon.  If that lot is full, would have to park at nearby Kroger shopping center (at Suwanee Dam Road and GA 20) and walk 1 mile down a sidewalk to the trailhead (or possibly get shuttled over)... or on the other side of the river, at one of the businesses there.  But just keep in mind that if the parking is full and someone has to walk from alternate parking, we may get a later start, as late as 2pm.

(Note:  There was some different views about the Difficulty rating for this event, and I would usually list the full 8 mi route as a D3. However it is mostly flat, and there is the option to do the 6 mile option, so it would be closer to a D2.  So could go either way with it, and the actual stats, and details are what really matter).