Sweetwater Creek State Park: Red Trail
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The Gold Branch Trail is part of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, located near Roswell, Georgia. This roughly 3.5-mile loop trail offers a moderately challenging hike along the forested ridges and riverbanks of Bull Sluice Lake—a slow-moving section of the Chattahoochee River backed up by the Morgan Falls Dam. Known for its peaceful surroundings, tree canopy, and close proximity to the water, the Gold Branch Trail attracts hikers, trail runners, and nature enthusiasts looking for a quiet escape from the metro area.
The trail includes several access points to the river, with well-worn side paths leading to overlooks. While not as steep or rugged as some regional trails, the terrain is varied, with uneven surfaces, exposed roots, and elevation changes that make it better suited for hikers with moderate experience.
Trail access begins at the Gold Branch parking lot off Lower Roswell Road, where a small parking fee is required. The CRNRA annual parking pass (valid for any CRNRA unit) as well as the National Park America the Beautiful Pass (valid at any NPS site) can be purchased online, or a daily fee can be paid at the on-site kiosk. From the parking lot, the trail enters a shaded forest filled with native hardwoods, following the contours of the river’s edge. Hikers will pass through scenic areas that include wetlands, small creeks, and marshy inlets with direct access to the water. During certain seasons, the trail offers views of migratory birds, turtles, and other local wildlife.
The Gold Branch area has limited amenities—there are no restrooms or water stations on-site—so visitors should plan accordingly. Trail markers are posted along the route to help orient visitors as they traverse the landscape. Cellular service can be limited in sections close to the river.
The Gold Branch unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area lies within a region historically tied to Georgia’s early gold rush. In the early 1800s, the discovery of gold in north Georgia triggered a wave of prospecting and small-scale mining throughout the region, including areas along tributaries of the Chattahoochee River. While there’s no confirmed record of major gold extraction at the Gold Branch site itself, the name “Gold Branch” likely reflects the area’s association with this broader era of mineral exploration.
Many small creeks and branches in the region were tested for placer gold—loose particles washed downstream from upstream deposits. These efforts were often short-lived and left behind little in the way of infrastructure, but they contributed to the expansion of settlement and trail systems across north Georgia. The gold rush also played a role in the displacement of Native American communities, particularly the Cherokee, as settlers moved into these mineral-rich areas.
By the early 1900s, any remaining gold operations in the area had faded, and the focus shifted to hydroelectric development and suburban growth. The land surrounding Gold Branch remained largely wooded and undeveloped until the National Park Service acquired it as part of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in the late 20th century. Today, the Gold Branch Trail offers a natural experience in a landscape once marked by early American resource exploration.
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