In its August newsletter, “The Leaflet,” the Sandy Springs Conservancy announced that the city council is expected to consider a new grant application on Oct. 6 to fund a 1.6-mile addition to the Morgan Falls Trail system.
The conservancy, a citywide nonprofit dedicated to parks, trails, and greenspace in Sandy Springs, is encouraging residents who share enthusiasm for the proposed riverside nature trail to contact their respective council member.
John Maximuk, executive director of the Sandy Springs Conservancy, recently pitched the project at the Aug. 29 Farmers Market family Fun Day at City Springs. The nonprofit works with city staff, the PATH Foundation, and trail design firm Kaizen Collaborative.
“Current activity includes geotechnical preparation and the start of stakeholder coordination for right-of-way agreements,” the newsletter said. “As a result of recent work, the overall design is now 60% complete!”
Nature trail background
In early 2025, Sandy Springs applied for a Georgia Department of Natural Resources grant to cover half of the estimated $13.9 million to construct the Springway Trail Segment 2C. Eventually, the grant was rescinded amid federal budget cuts.
The city has set aside $5 million in its capital budget for a local match.
Beginning at Morgan Falls Overlook Park, the trail will extend east, following a tributary of the Chattahoochee River through mature forest, past dramatic rock outcroppings and beautiful waterfalls before connecting to Roswell Road.
When completed, Segment 2C will expand the Morgan Falls Loop from 1.8 miles to approximately 3.4 miles, bringing the path closer to the vision of a continuous 5.6-mile trail loop around the park.
As it turns east, the trail would run in buffer and setback areas belonging to several apartment complexes. It would also be near Grogan’s Bluff, a 126-acre protected neighborhood. The trail would connect to Adair Lane and continue to Grogan’s Ferry Road.
Grogan’s Bluff Homeowners Association leaders have expressed concerns about the trail segment terminus and support for other nearby sidewalk projects.
