DO IT: Hiking - Broad River Loop Trail

Victoria Bryant State Park

Victoria Bryant State Park has been referred to as one of Georgia’s best kept secrets. Tucked in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the park is 475-acres with a stream winding through it. From a short nature trail to a longer trek through hardwoods and over creeks, hikers of all skill level will find a trail to fit their speed, all with only moderate changes in elevation.

The park as two fishing ponds, one of which is wheelchair accessible. Other features include the18-hole Highland Walk Golf Course, camping, playgrounds, a visitor center, and a swimming pool (open seasonally).

The park’s trail system is entirely interconnected, and all are both hiking and biking, except for Victoria’s Path.

Visitors are charged daily parking fees.

Broad River Loop Trail

Spurring off the Perimeter Trail, Broad River Trail has two relatively straight sections and two loops – Beaver-Pond loop and Broad River loop.

Turn right off the Perimeter Trail and cross Rice Mill Road down the first straightaway. Over the next two-thirds of a mile the trail drops 150 feet in elevation into the valley of an unnamed tributary of the Broad River. Halfway down the northern side of Beaver-Pond loop, the trail crosses a small creek via a foot bridge.

Beyond Beaver-Pond loop, the second straightaway climbs a ridge to higher ground.

Upon reaching Broad River loop, the trail curves widely around a shallow ravine before cutting sharply back through the hollow. The Broad River is visible as the trail closes the second loop with a good view of both up- and down-stream.

Retrace the second straightaway and turn right on the southern side of Beaver-Pond loop. The trail passes an observation deck on the right and the namesake of the loop – an old beaver pond – on the left. This is a great place for birdwatching.

Just after crossing another foot bridge over a stream, the loop comes to an end and the path retraces the first straightaway of Broad River Trail and continues onto the largest loop of the system – Perimeter Trail.