Harbins Park

For a touring cycling experience that blends natural beauty with urban connectivity, the Harris Greenway Trail to Chandler Lake is a standout. This route offers a moderate 11.5-mile (18.5 km) ride with 688 feet (210 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 1 hour and 15 minutes. You'll pedal through lush greenery, past the picturesque Chandler Lake, and over a notable 760-foot boardwalk, making it a scenic journey for cyclists of all levels.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is predominantly paved and multi-use, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs too. It connects Tribble Mill Park and Harbins Park, both offering extensive amenities like playgrounds, restrooms, and picnic areas, which is great for a family friendly touring cycling outing. The trail features clear signage, mile markers, and help locators, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride.

Designated a National Recreation Trail in 2023, the Harris Greenway Trail is more than just a path; it's a vital connection within Gwinnett County. The sections around Chandler Lake and Ozora Lake are particularly rich in wildlife, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching. This route stands out for its well-maintained surface and the thoughtful integration of natural landscapes with community access points.

The Harbins Park loop from Overflow parking offers a delightful touring cycling experience through gorgeous woods, winding past pine and deciduous forests on well-maintained paved trails. You'll encounter "nice curves and hills" and "rolling hills" that provide a pleasant, easy workout without being overly strenuous, all while enjoying the natural beauty of the park's successional forest.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the park provides ample parking, restrooms, and clear signage at trailheads. The paved trails are often shaded, making for a comfortable ride even on warmer days. This 4.3-mile (6.9 km) route, with its gentle 255 feet (78 metres) of elevation gain, is rated easy and takes about 27 minutes, making it ideal for a quick outing.

Harbins Park is known for its extensive network of dedicated paved multi-use trails, which connect to the Harris Greenway Trail for longer rides. The park spans 1,853 acres, featuring diverse ecosystems like wetlands and granite outcrops, and offers interpretive signage to enrich your journey through its natural and cultural history.