The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has selected four northeast Georgia trails to be among the recipients of its Georgia Recreational Trails Program grants.
The northeast Georgia trails will represent around $1.1 million of more than $4.6 million being spent in the grants across the state. Trails in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, Fort Yargo State Park and the cities of Cumming and Young Harris will all receive funds towards construction and rehabilitation.
More than half of that $1.1 million will go towards the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, where the six motorized trail systems are being rehabilitated to allow for full size vehicles, dirt bikes and other off-highway vehicles. The national forest offers over 100 miles of trails.
Fort Yargo State Park will receive $200,000 towards reconstruction of a trail bridge along the Lake Loop Trail, while the city of Cumming is also receiving $200,000 towards construction of a new trail and boardwalk to cross the Kelly Mill Branch stream and its tributaries near the new Cumming City Center.
The city of Young Harris will receive just over $150,000 to build and rehabilitate trails improving accessibility at Cupid Falls Park. The project includes new infrastructure to support ADA accessibility.
In a release, DNR Commissioner Mark Williams said increasing trail infrastructure is a priority for the department.
"We are excited to support these communities and these projects because we want to make sure that every Georgian has a chance to get outdoors," Williams said.
Overall, 12 trail systems in Georgia are set to receive grants.
