The beginning of the Big Creek Greenway Forsyth at McFarland Parkway.

This weekend I changed my normal walking of the Greenway and dusted off my bike. Being on wheels allowed me to get further on the Forsyth Big Creek Greenway than I have been before, and I decided to continue on past Highway 9 heading towards McFarland Parkway and see how far I could get before the trail was not completed. To my surprise the paving and boardwalks are complete all the way down to McFarland Parkway, event though that phase of the greenway has not opened yet. Even more surprising were the number of people using this part of the trail. [photos of phase 1]

Since phase 1 is not officially open, it is not as maintained as phase 2 and 3 on the trail.  Debris remains on the trail from the recent flooding, and sides of the boardwalks do not have grass yet like the completed portions.  In addition, the crosswalks over Union Hill and Highway 9 are not completed yet.  It looks like there will be a light for crossing at Highway 9, and just a simple crosswalk at Union Hill.  Use caution when crossing the road, as commuters are not used to having pedestrian crossings yet.

With all that is not complete on the new phase of the trail, a majority is actually finished off.  Rest stations are easily found, 2 every half mile.  Fences are up near GA 400 to keep you from wandering onto the highway.  The boardwalks are stained, and parking areas exist at Union Hill and McFarland.

A hornets nest on the left side of the trail (heading North) about 15 feet in the air. It looked around 2 feet tall.

As for scenery, this trail offers more of the same from the rest of the Forsyth Greenway.  You can see Big Creek River a bit more often, and a few more bridges cross the river.  There is one entrance to the trail from an unfinished neighborhood near Union Hill.  I didn’t see much in the ways of wildlife beyond squirrels, birds, and a large hornets nest.

I enjoyed my ride through phase 1, adding an additional 8 miles (round trip) onto the length of the trail.  The area directly north of McFarland Parkway was very familiar to me, as my old neighbor and I used to go 4 wheeling back in the area after rain storms to pull out trucks stuck in the mud.  The trail follows the same utility roads we used to ride on.  Phase 1 between McFarland and Highway 9 will be a great addition once opened, making the trail more usable for those looking for a nice long bike ride.  The entire distance can be done on bike in about an hour and a half going at a leisurely pace.  That is how long it took me stopping to take pictures.  Enjoy this section, though I do recommend waiting until it opens officially this Fall.

• Photos of Forsyth Big Creek Greenway Phase 1 Between McFarland Parkway and Highway 9

Forsyth Big Creek Parkway Entrance at Bethelview Road (141)

A simple brown state park sign marks the entrance to the greenway on Bethelview when heading north. The parking lot is located .7 miles north of Castleberry Road on 141, and is easily found just after crossing the Big Creek bridge. It is on the left when heading north and on the right when heading south. The parking lot is simple, covered with loosely laid gravel with no parking spaces marked. The entrance to the trail is marked with trail guidelines and 3 yellow guard posts (to keep motorized vehicles out). Note the posted sign warning of coyotes. They are common in the area, as in all Georgia counties and have been spotted. Keep pets on a leash and children within sight.

Heading south on the trail, you start by crossing Big Creek River immediately. I was impressed with the woodwork on the bridge and the view of the field below. This will likely become a good place to spot animals on the trail.  Within a quarter mile of starting the trail, you will find the first of many pet stations.  Each is equipped with bags to pick up after your pets, a trash receptacle for the bags, a trash can, and a bench.

Forsyth Big Creek Greenway Woodwork

Soon after the first pet station is the first boardwalk.  The woodwork of these board walks that line a good bit of the trail makes the bridge at the entrance look like a high school shop project.  There is no doubt that a lot of lumber and labor went into the building of this trail, far beyond the amount of effort laying the mainly concrete trail in Alpharetta would have taken.  The second thought that comes to mind is that this phase of the trail will be fairly expensive when it comes to maintaining it.  After a little more walking, I understand why the boardwalks were required.  Most of this phase of the Greenway is just barely above the river level, and will probably flood on a regular basis, even with small amounts of rainfall.

The rest of the trail on the way to Majors Road is built above marsh like areas lying between towering trees.  This will be a beautiful walk as the leaves start to change this fall, as the number of hardwoods far outnumber the pine trees.  A series of rust colored and textured metal bridges cross Big Creek as you continue on the trail.  The trail never ventures too far from the river, though views of the river are limited due to the low lying path.  At least three more pet stations line the trail to Majors Road in the 1.5 mile stretch of phase three.  These resting stations are something the Alpharetta greenway lacks.  Another thing the Forsyth greenway has an advantage over the Alpharetta green way is how wide it is.  It is easily navigable by bicyclists and joggers at the same time, with plenty of room for passing.

The Low Lying Greenway in Forsyth will be prone to flooding even in light rain

Overall this portion of the trail is well done.  Good for walkers, joggers, runners, bikers, and those just out for a leisurely stroll alike.  It is wide enough you don’t feel you have to step aside when someone is passing.  With the tall trees, it is well shaded from the sun which will be wonderful during the hot Georgia summers.  The biggest downsides I see to this phase of the trail are the cost of maintenance due to the woodwork and the low level of the trail that will be prone to flooding.  I enjoyed my first walk, and can’t wait to get out and see phase 2 in the coming weeks and finally phase 1 when it is completed.  You can see more pictures of my first walk here.