Forsyth Opens New Natural Trails at Two North Parks

Forsyth County officials opened two new natural-surface trail systems in north Forsyth County on Jan. 7, 2026, marking a significant addition to the county’s parks infrastructure. The projects at Lanierland Park and Matt Community Park expand recreational access and increase the countywide trail mileage to just under 50 miles.

Lanierland Park’s new trail is an out-and-back route of approximately 2.6 miles that winds through open fields, tree-covered areas and alongside a creek. The trailhead is adjacent to the park’s main parking lot, providing direct access for families and neighborhood residents. Matt Community Park’s trail system totals about 3.06 miles and features stacked loops that meander through woods and along a pond. The Matt trail is designed for walking, jogging and mountain biking, with a trailhead located near the back of the park.

Design and construction responsibilities were split between county staff and private contractors. The Trails were designed by the Parks & Recreation Natural Resources Division. The Lanierland trail was constructed by Aaron Steel and Associates, and the Matt Community Park trail was built by Reliant Construction Inc. Funding for both projects came from the 2008 Parks & Recreation Greenspace Bond and by impact fees, reflecting a combination of long-term capital planning and development-related contributions.

The openings carry practical implications for residents in north Forsyth County. New trails increase outdoor recreation opportunities within short driving distance for nearby neighborhoods, provide additional space for exercise and family outings, and create routes that may attract mountain bikers and trail runners. For the county, the additions underscore continued investment in greenspace and trail connectivity while raising questions about ongoing maintenance needs as the trail system approaches 50 miles.

Use and upkeep of natural-surface trails require regular maintenance to manage erosion, vegetation and user impacts; the Natural Resources Division will be responsible for continuing stewardship. Funding sourced from a 2008 bond and impact fees illustrates how multi-year capital plans and development revenue can be applied to deliver projects years after initial approval.

Lanierland Park is located at 6115 Jot-Em-Down Road and Matt Community Park is at 6555 Wallace Tatum Road. For more information, residents can contact Forsyth County Parks & Recreation at 770-781-2215 or visit the county parks page for maps, rules and updates.