Happy. Active. Hall.

A very special thanks to all of those who joined us for the inaugural Highlands to Islands 5k! View some great pics on our Facebook page→

What is the Highlands To Islands Trail System?

Highlands To Islands is a multi use trail system connecting the many great cities together within Hall County with a paved path winding past businesses, scenic areas, college campuses and retail shops. The Highlands To Islands trail will eventually unite any existing greenways together under one-name/one trail for the maximum benefit to the community and its citizens.

Where is Highlands To Islands?

You've probably already been on it! Have you attended a holiday event in Gainesville on the Midtown Greenway? That will be part of the Highlands To Islands trail. Have you seen the large multi-use path along the side of Friendship Road? or the concrete path weaving through the oak tress past the Chicopee Village & Golf Course? That will be part of the Highlands To Islands trail, too! If you've picknicked or taken your kids to the playground at Wilshire Park then you've already been on the Highlands To Islands trail!

Why It Matters

Happy

  • Both nature and exercise make you happier and make you feel better.
  • Families and friends have a safe place to run, jog, walk the dog and spend time together.
  • What kid isn't happy riding their bike? What dog isn't happy being walked? What baby is soothed by a stroll? What family doesn't feel great after an evening walk?

Active

  • It gets you outside. It gets your kids outside.
  • It gives you a safe place to ride your bike. An easy place to walk your dog. A close destination to enjoy the outdoors.
  • Allows kids, parents, grandparents and friends to gather and explore nature.
  • By eventually having 30+ miles of continuous trails, we don't have to drive somewhere else to take a long run or long bike ride.

Hall

  • You don't have to leave Hall County to enjoy an outdoor trail. We have almost 10 miles completed for you to enjoy. Right here. Right now. Your Backyard.
  • Connects our neighborhoods together and fosters community within Hall County.
  • Trail systems within communities makes Hall County more attractive to businesses and employees. Brings more visitors into our community and in turn, more tourist dollars.

Highlands to Islands Trail System

  • WILSHIRE TRAILS
    Connecting Lake Lanier and Gainesville High School to the Wilshire Trails picnic, playground and grilling facilities before you descend across the picturesque bridges and footpaths that cross the bubbling creek and set into the woods.
  • DOWNTOWN/MAIN ST
    Access all the shops and retail district in the historic square in Gainesville. Cross over Jesse Jewell Parkway in the state of the art bridge that will one day lead somewhere really important -- the Midtown Greenway.
  • MIDTOWN GREENWAY
    An urban trail with views of the industry and architecture of the early 20th century located in the industrial section of Midtown. Many seasonal events such as trick or treating and easter egg hunts are hosted in this event space off Grove Street.
  • AIRPORT/PALMOUR DR
    This is the connection point between downtown Gainesville and Elachee Nature/Chicopee Woods/SORBA biking trails that lead you towards the University of North Georgia. Edging along the side of the airport and through some existing sidewalks, you will be able to safely gain access to many more miles of trails.
  • CHICOPEE WOODS
    Named after the Chicopee Mills, this scenic section meanders through the tall oak trees and up to Elachee Nature Science Center, SORBA biking trails and past the Chicopee Woods Golf Course.
  • U. OF N. GA/OAKWOOD
    With the construction of a tunnel to go under Atlanta Highway, the extension of the trail to University of North Georgia will soon be a reality. This section intersects with the Tumbling Creek Mountain Bike Trails, approximately 2.5 miles of largely beginner to intermediate trails with quiet views of the Tumbling Creek Wetlands and the UNG-Gainesville Campus.
  • THURMOND TANNER
    Incorporates the business district between Oakwood and Flowery Branch, with wide lanes, relatively slow traffic and a welcomeattitude for cyclists. The Kings Hawaiian bakery, the Atlanta Falcons Training Camp and Headquarters, and Wrigley’s are some of the important employers in this area.
  • FLOWERY BRANCH
    A small town, right near the shores of Lake Lanier provides a welcome respite on your journey into South Hall. Come to Main Street and fill up your water bottle and relax a while.
  • FRIENDSHIP ROAD
    This section serves as the main East-West route from Lake Lanier Islands (where admission is always free to cyclists) and the wonderful and growing Town of Braselton.
  • BRASELTON LIFE PATH
    At its inception, the LifePath will provide approx 1.7 miles of 10-foot wide concrete pathways connecting The Village at Deaton Creek and Northeast Georgia Medical Center’s River Place to Chateau Elan, Mulberry Walk and the Town of Braselton Mulberry River Walk. Long range plans will include over 11 miles of 10-foot wide multi-use pathways connecting the Town of Braselton community from Spout Springs to Downtown.

News & Events

Highlands to Islands looks at their future

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Inaugural Highlands to Islands 5K Kicks off April 23.

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New Chicopee trail section to open April 23

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Flowery Branch Considers its Plans for Highlands to Islands Trail

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Chicopee Trail Project Update

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Updates on Central Hall Trail Link

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Vision 2030 Greenspace Video

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