Bike or Run the Big Creek Greenway

The Big Creek Greenway is a roughly 8-mile stretch of paved trail that runs from its northern Marconi Drive entrance in Alpharetta down to Old Alabama Road in Roswell. There is also an extended bit of the Greenway a little further north in Forsyth County, though these two trails do not connect. The trail is a fantastic way to exercise, to get from one place to another (via convenient road entrances), or to just get out and enjoy the weather. You're also likely to see deer, rabbits, turtles, a plethora of birds, and other wildlife depending on the time and season.

The northern (Marconi Drive) entrance in Alpharetta is easily accessible from Windward Parkway, and includes a small parking lot, but does not have restrooms. The Greenway runs along, you guessed it, Big Creek for it's whole duration, crossing the creek at least 5 or 6 times as well. As you continue south from Marconi, points of interest (as well as access to roads) include:

1. A short tunnel that goes under Webb Bridge Road.
2. A parking lot and restrooms right by the local YMCA on Preston Ridge Road.
3. Stairs leading up to Old Milton Parkway at North Point Parkway.
4. Access to North Point Parkway via an entrance ramp in the North Point Community Church parking lot.
5. Rock Mill Park at Kimball Bridge road includes a parking lot, restrooms, and more.
6. Access to various neighborhoods and apartment complexes that adjoin the Greenway.
7. A parking lot for the Greenway on Haynes Bridge Road (no restrooms).
8. Another parking lot at North Point Parkway near North Point Mall.
9. Another entrance/exit ramp (no vehicular traffic) at Mansell Road.
10. Big Creek Park, the southernmost entrance to the Greenway featuring walking-only paths, mountain bike trails, scenic ponds, a parking lot, and restrooms.

Now you'll turn around and head back north!

Quick Tips:

• Pay attention to signs on the Greenway, they'll warn you of any upcoming temporary hazards or if a branch off of the trail is foot-traffic only.
• Don't forget to explore a few of the short off-trail walking paths, as well as the Mt. Adams mountain bike trail near Webb Bridge Road.
• There are a good handful of spots to step off of the trail (watch out for other cyclists), look around, and watch the creek flow by - just be careful not to go too far or disturb foliage or wildlife.
• Look out for deer, squirrels, or rabbits crossing the trail, especially early in the morning or late in the evening.
• If there has been an unusually high rainfall very recently, check out Alpharetta Parks and Rec, and any local weather advisories for possible flooding closures.