DO IT: Hiking - Line Creek Nature Trail

Line Creek Nature Area is a 70-acre public preserve along Line Creek off GA Highway 54 on the Fayette County-Coweta County line. This popular nature area offers a mix of habitats – an upland hardwood forest, beautiful creekside granite outcroppings, and a rushing stream bordered by native azaleas.

Visitors will enjoy a fishing dock on a small pond, a gazebo, and almost 3 miles of nature trails. The park is a popular spot for family outings and dog walkers. The trails are kid friendly and leashed pets are permitted provided they are cleaned up after.

The preserve’s proximity to residential areas makes it a great respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It’s not uncommon for people to use the park for lunch breaks, art inspiration, or hammocking. The nature area is furnished with picnic tables, small bridges, a rock amphitheater, and a few information kiosks. 

Keep an eye out on the trails for a few historic sites. This stretch of Line Creek was home to multiple mills in the 1800s, and the remnants of their dams can still be seen today. When on the Mule Rock Trail, be sure to look for the Mule Rock carving.

The Line Creek Wetland with an observation deck catches and detains stormwater runoff that slowly feeds the small pond and eventually Line Creek. It displays the characteristics of a wetland and demonstrates how water is naturally slowed down and filtered.

Line Creek Nature Area is accessed off GA-54 eastbound. Westbound travel requires a quick U-turn to eastbound lanes to make a right into the preserve road and parking lot. As you’d expect in Peachtree City , the parking lot can also be accessed by a golf cart path.

Recommended Hike: Ridge Trail/Shoals Trail/Creek Trail Loop

East of the parking area lies the single-entry trailhead for all the trails in Line Creek Nature Area. To start the lollipop loop, bear right at the first fork to stay on the Pond Trail/Ridge Trail for 0.1 miles. Bear left to take the aptly named Ridge Trail across the sloping ridge of the rocky land mass for 0.3 miles until you reach the Line Creek and the Shoals Trail.

The Shoals Trail travels another 0.3 miles along the east-bending oxbow. Rocky outcroppings exist along the banks. While they may seem flat and dry, hikers, especially those with children, should use caution along the water’s edge. Slick rocks can quickly turn a fun hike into a bad day.

As you enjoy the peaceful confines of the park, the Shoals Trail connects with the Creek Trail. The Creek Trail continues for 0.7 miles along the east bank of Line Creek as it heads southeast and expands in width. In the warmer months, visitors commonly stop along the rocky banks to dip their feet in the cool water.

The Creek Trail section of the loop is an out and back, so at the trail’s end point, turn around and begin the 0.7-mile trek back to the intersection with the Shoals Trail. At the connection point, bear right and take the Creek Trail 0.2 miles back to the trailhead to complete the journey.