NORTH ROCKDALE ITINERARY
The only city in Rockdale County, Conyers residents and visitors are surrounded by the sheer beauty and variety of adventures in northern Rockdale County. Whether exploring miles of trails on foot, by mountain bike or by horse, participating in or spectating at hundreds of events or taking in the unspoiled beauty of a nature center’s protected wetlands, the Georgia International Horse Park is 1,400 acres of pure wonder. Play a round or visit the range at legendary Cherokee Run Golf Club. Stroll through history and remember heroes preserving our freedoms at the Walk of Heroes located on picturesque Randy Poynter Lake. Splash at the beach, walk wooded trails or attend an event to remember at Costley Mill Park. Rumble over the wooden slats of Haralson Mill Covered Bridge. These are just some of the experiences that await you in northern Rockdale County.
Georgia International Horse Park
- This 1,400-acre venue is a legacy of the 1996 Olympic Games, and is a world-class facility with a calendar full of equestrian competitions, mountain bike races, festivals, obstacle runs and more, sure to entice the adventurer in you.
* georgiahorsepark.com * 770-860-4190
Big Haynes Creek Nature Center
- This 173-acres of the Georgia International Horse Park has been designated as a nature preserve devoted to the preservation and study of native plants and wildlife. Enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and watching wildlife from the observation platform overlooking the wetlands. There’s also several miles of trails to accommodate hikers, mountain bikers and horse enthusiasts. Open year-round to the public from sunrise to sunset. 1996 Centennial Olympic Pkwy, Conyers, GA 30013 * georgiahorsepark.com • 770-860-4190.
North Georgia Live Steamers
- Ride the rails with the North Georgia Live Steamers (NGLS), a group of model rail enthusiasts who provide a forum to display and operate model trains and promote the history and virtues of railroads to the general public. A miniature railroad and trains built and operated by NGLS volunteers is located next to the Steeplechase at the Georgia International Horse Park and hosts public rides several times a year for the public for a nominal fee. 1632 Centennial Olympic Parkway * northgeorgialivesteamers.org * 770-602-2606
Iron Hoof Disc Golf
- The Iron Hoof Disc Golf Course is now open at the Bald Rock Meadows location on Costley Mill Road. This is an 18-hole championship disc golf course designed to cater to players of all skill levels, from beginner to seasoned professionals. Key features of the course include three turf pads and two baskets per hole.
- Disc golf is similar to the game of golf, but rather than balls and clubs, players use a flying disc or Frisbee. Players throw the golf disc from a tee to a target, or the hole, usually an elevated metal basket. Disc golf is enjoyed by players of all ages and gender identities, and boasts health benefits such as aerobic exercise, upper and lower body conditioning and mental stimulation. There are more than 9,800 disc golf courses worldwide, with more being installed every day.
- For the disc golf course map, trail rules, and etiquette click here.
Cherokee Run Golf Club
- This destination golf course is nestled in the rolling hills of Rockdale County and located within the 1,400 acre Georgia International Horse Park. Cherokee Run was designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay of the Arnold Palmer Design Group and originally opened in 1995. Since the opening, golfers from all over the world have played the magnificent course. Cherokee Run Golf Club has once again made the “Top 25 Courses in Georgia” list from Golf Advisor. Cherokee Run Golf Club ranked #6 on the 2021 list, as well as ranking #21 in the top 25 courses designed by Arnold Palmer worldwide. Ranked over the years in Georgia:(2021 #6) (2020 #7) (2019 #19) (2018 #10) (2017 #15) (2016 #15) (2015 #16) (2014 #11). 1595 Centennial Olympic Pkwy, Conyers, GA 30013, cherokeerungolfclub.com • 770-785-7904.
Walk of Heroes Veterans War Memorial
- This educational memorial fosters a common understanding of the sacrifices and dedication of veterans and their families in the peacetime endeavors and war conflicts of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. In a park setting, the memorial provides a self-paced and self-guided tour that is located on a 6-acre site adjacent to Black Shoals Park & Randy Poynter Lake entrance. A botanical garden, military helicopter, and public restrooms are also on-site. Check their website for events, and fundraiser opportunities.
(Closed on Wednesdays).
walkofheroes.org 404-401-7142
Black Shoals Park, Retreat House & Randy Poynter Lake
- The Black Shoals Park includes areas for picnicking, hiking, playground, and a 650-acre reservoir. It is also adjacent to the Walk of Heroes Veterans War Memorial. One of the newest additions to the park is the Retreat House, which can accommodate up to 100 – 150 guests. This venue is located in a serene natural setting next to the Randy Poynter Lake where you can fish from a large platform. There is a boat ramp in which non-motorized boats are allowed. This park is ideal for family reunions, corporate meetings, retreats, weddings and birthday parties.
- The Randy Poynter Lake is a picturesque 650-acre water-supply reservoir which is clear and beautiful, set in wooded surroundings and dotted with standing timber on the upper end. A great place where you can fish from a large platform fishing pier, or bank fishing, as well as a boat ramp in which non-motorized boats are allowed such as kayaking and canoeing (no gas motors allowed). There is boat storage on site, as well as a pavilion. 3001 Black Shoals Rd., Conyers, GA 30012, rockdalecountyga.gov • 770-278-7529.
Haralson Mill Covered Bridge
- Built in 1997, this bridge is the first of its kind to be built in Georgia since the 1890s. The structure emulates the 1820s era Town Lattice Truss design patented by Connecticut architect Ithiel Town. The innovative design of this deck type is unlike any method previously used in the State of Georgia. This bridge is 150 feet long and 36-feet wide. Its truss is styled with decorative lattice, and goes over Mill Rock Creek. There is a parking area at this bridge. 4400 Haralson Mill Rd., Conyers, GA 30013 rockdalecountyga.gov • 770-278-7529
Costley Mill Park
- Nestled on 77-acres, this park is an ideal venue for nature inspired events. Take a hike or cycle on the paved trails in the scenic and wildlife areas year-round. Ponds, waterfalls and a sandy beach are extensions of Big Haynes Creek that encircle the park. With the unique landscape and building fixtures, Costley Mill Park has become a backdrop location for the film industry and professional photographers. For kids of all ages, there is a large playground area. Dogs (on leashes) are also welcome too. It is ideal for weddings, family reunions, team building , corporate meetings, retreats, or birthday parties. costleymillpark.com * 770-278-7209
