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Featured in this issue:

• American Heritage Academy
• Garland Mountain Hiking Trails
• Science Olympiad Teams

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Until now there have been no official public equestrian trails in Cherokee County. With the opening of phase one of the Garland Mountain Horse and Hike Trails near Waleska, riders now have more than six miles of scenic trails to enjoy.

In late 2005, Cherokee County purchased 532 acres of land near Waleska with a green space SPLOST fund. Green spaces are only for passive activities — motorized vehicles and ball fields are not allowed — and cannot be developed for commercial or residential use. In 2007 the Cherokee County Saddle Club initiated discussions with the county that led to the approval of this heavily wooded and hilly site as a recreational location. With the Cherokee County Parks & Recreation Agency overseeing the project, the CCSC designed, built and will maintain the trails — all with 100% volunteer time and donated machinery. Other clubs including the Chattahoochee Trail Horse Association, Saddle-Up Cobb, Bent Tree Saddle Club, Back Country Horsemen of North Georgia and Georgia Endurance Riders Association have all joined in and contributed their time and hard work.

Additions to the park, provided by the CRPA are a restroom, an information kiosk, an ADA approved mounting block and a parking lot that can accommodate horse trailers.

Several loops, each named for a type of horse, wind through the property making the length of the visit up to the visitor. The trails are designed to follow the terrain contour of the land and are open to hikers and picnickers, as well as equestrians, but it is BYOH (bring your own horse). Horse rentals are not available at the park.