Gold Branch Trail

4 stars due to limited parking since the lot can accommodate about maybe 20 cars. We got there at 10:30am on a nice weather Sunday and the lot was full. But luckily after waiting for a few minutes someone came out and we were able to park after they left. $5 parking fee if you don’t have the annual chattahoochee parking pass. The trail was really nice and wooded. It had some more challenging/hilly parts and some flatter easier parts. You get to walk along Morgan falls so you’re next to the water for a good amount of the trail but you might encounter snakes close to the water as well so be alert.

This has been one of my ideal go-to, local hiking spots for a long time - it is spectacular. I never grow tired of it and it is exceptionally maintained. I have never seen a speck of trash anywhere on it and the sights along the Chattahoochee are so nice. It gets crowded quickly though and the trails are narrow so bear that in mind before embarking.

Also keep in mind the parking lot is very small, fitting maybe only a dozen or so cars max, which also reinforces my strong suggestion to come early, although I recommend that anyway because the sunrise on the river will make your jaw drop.

It is set in the backyard of a few suburban neighborhoods and I had one instance where I ran into a loose dog running around the trail, but it wasn't aggressive and as I didn't make eye contact it lost interest quickly and left, but bear that in mind if you have kids or a dog of your own (I wouldn't worry about it, again it was a single encounter a while ago).

I would consider the trail moderate to strenuous depending on your fitness level. Again, the trail is very narrow especially along the bank and there are rocks to climb over and steep hills to climb. It is 3.3 miles around but very nicely paced and organized by numerical markers that make it very hard to get lost so don't worry about that and just enjoy all it has to offer. You will not regret this visit.

Absolutely wonderful trail with lovely views and scenery year round. The gold branches provide a lovely splash of color in the winter time and the surrounding wetlands host a wide variety of waterfowl. My only issue so far has been crowding, but that's too be expected. A must go if you're in the Roswell/Marietta area.

This is a beautiful park with trails following the Chattahoochee. Beware of Three Things:

1) This is a National Park, and as such, requires drivers pay a $5/day parking fee that can be made using your smart phone.

2) The parking lot is small and contains GIANT potholes that will test your vehicles shocks and suspension.

3) Signs indicate the presence of highly toxic bacteria in the water that has sickened and killed pets, so plan to keep your pups dry when you visit.