Moores Bridge Park - Black Dirt Bluff Trail 8 1/2 of 10 Star rating

Address: 615 Black Dirt Rd, Whitesburg, GA 30185

Amenities: Restrooms, Free Parking, Picnic Tables

Attractions: Boat Ramp, Multi-use Hiking, Mountain Biking Trails

Hours of Operation: Sunrise to Sunset

This is a really nice park that has such a horrible web page that I think it doesn't get much use. Certainly no one was there when I went on Friday.

I will warn you that although it has a boat ramp it is really muddy and mucky. I don't think there is anyway to get a boat or kayak in the water without your feet being completely covered in it.

The trails cut back and forth so much that I think they are used mostly for mountain bikes and I did see mountain bike tracks on the trail and deer tracks, but as I said earlier I had the trails to myself.

The building for the restrooms was new and clean and even though the park was mostly empty it was open for use which is not always the case in other parks.

The name of this trail is? Black Dirt Bluff Trail

What Kind of trail is this? A Nature Trail

The Parks Amenities: Picnic Area, 2 Trails for Hiking or Mountain Bikes, Boat Ramp, Restrooms, and Parking for $5.00

The Parks web page says: Located in Carroll County, Moore’s Bridge Park is 485-acre property extending along 1.4 miles of the Chattahoochee River. The property, which historically served as a “gateway” to Carroll County, reveals a part of Southern history not often told. The original covered bridge that crossed the river at Moore’s Bridge Park was built by Horace King, an African American man who was one of the most respected master bridge builders in the area in the mid-nineteenth century.

I say: If you came to see the bridge you will be disappointed. It's on the park somewhere but not seen from the park area now developed. The Historic House is also not something you will see from the park trails or roads at this time. The park plan that you can see on line shows that they are planning to have a overlook for the bridge, camping, a museum and alot of other features to make this a first class park. I'm excited to see what they do next but for now it's a great place to hike and enjoy nature and feel at peace with the trail quiet except for the sounds of scurrying animals trying to hide from the camera.

This parks rating is 8 1/2 out of 10 stars

The good, the bad, and the buggy, a short review of the park.

The good things about this park is that it's peaceful and the trails are easy to follow

The bad things about this park is that the web site tells you about the Historic Bridge and House that are not something you can see unless you take a ride down the river. The two hiking trails and bathroom building are not mentioned at all. The web page also says free parking, but there is a five dollar fee.

The buggy I’m a bug’s favorite chew toy so how much did they love me? I didn't get bitten but, I would suggest using bug spray and keeping it in your backpack to reapply anyway. Who needs to spend the next week with itchy skin or ticks!

What Kind of Park is this? Chattahoochee River Lands Trust for Public Lands

1. The Parks views: You can get a nice view of the river and I'm sure you will see some cool animals in the forest.

2. The Parks cost: $5.00 park fee/parking fee

3. The Parks bathrooms: A new building with really nice restrooms

4. How long is the hike? 2.3 Miles

5. The parks shopping and souvenirs: None at this time other then finds on the trail or pictures but I'm sure when the park is finished it will have shops.

6. Does the park have wheelchair and stroller access? No

7. How helpful are the parks maps and markers? Answer is The map at the parking area is very helpful and the trail is easy to follow. The trails have markers at the beginning.

8. Is the park kid and dog friendly? Yes although dogs need to be on a leash and kids should be carefully watched anytime there is access to water as is the case with this park.

9. Was there a uniqueness to the park? Right now the only uniqueness about it is the lack of other visitors. If they finish all the things on their plans, Oh Yeah!

10. Was it worthwhile? Yes

Bonus Questions

12. Was the trail shaded or in the sun? Shaded

12. Was there tent, cabin and RV camping? Not yet

13. Places nearby to eat? Not real close but it's not far from town

14. Was there a gas station nearby? Same as above

15. How safe was the park? I think it was very safe or as safe as any other park. I would be a little concerned about what bugs might be living in the mucky mud on the shore of the boat ramp if I was using it though.

16. Is the park maintained well? Yes

17. Is there good internet service? Yes

18. What would I have brought or left behind if I hiked this trail again? I would suggest taking water, bug spray, cell phone, a walking stick (sends vibrations to snakes to let them know your coming so they can get out of the way, and is good for getting rid of spider webs that they may build across the trail.) and some snacks (don't litter please) and sun glasses if you are going in mid day.

19. How far is this from Atlanta? About 50 minutes

20. Spirit Animal for the park?

The trails spirit animal is selected by any animal I see at the park or on my way to the park. I find that looking for the day’s spirit animal makes my hike more fun and reminds me to stop and enjoy the beauty of my journey. Today’s spirit animal is: Robin