(FEB. 4, 2026) - A new conservation use area with trail systems for pedestrians, mountain bikers, and horseback riders is coming to northeast Cherokee County.

Cherokee Recreation and Parks broke ground on the Yellow Creek Road Conservation Area and Trails Tuesday, Feb. 3. While 8 acres of the overall 538 acres are currently disturbed for parking, restrooms, and a horse paddock, the project will conserve more than 530 acres in the rural area of northeast Cherokee County. When the park opens later this year, half of that disturbed acreage will have been replanted.

The Yellow Creek Conservation Area and Trails project was part of the Northeast Cherokee Parks Plan adopted in 2022. The adoption followed several public input opportunities, including online surveys, mapping, and in-person events.

“We are very excited to offer this passive recreation opportunity in this beautiful area of our county,” said Recreation and Parks Director Jay Worley. “We will have two sets of trails to keep horse riders and mountain bikers separate for safety purposes. Hikers will be able to use either trail system.”

The overall project will include 15-20 miles of trail. With the help of SORBA (Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association), staff from the Natural Resources Division and volunteers will create the trails over the next few months. The Conservation Area and Trails are expected to open to the public in fall 2026.

“How great Blankets Creek down on Sixes Road has been, and to have another equal or even bigger and better is going to make Cherokee County the place for off-road biking. Thank you to everyone who is making this happen,” Chairman Harry Johnston said.

This is the first new park in District 1 since Commissioner Will Cagle took office said he is excited for the park and praised Recreation and Parks for their work providing their services to the community.

“I’d like to thank everyone at Recreation and Parks for everything they do,” Cagle said. “It’s an amazing organization and you make us proud every day.”

The County initially purchased the land for this project in 2010. In 2021, development of the Northeast Cherokee Parks Plan began. It was adopted in May 2022. In September 2025, the Board of Commissioners approved the contract with Vertical Earth LLC for both the Yellow Creek Road Conservation Area and Trails and Woodworth Park. The County bid both projects together to save money – the construction cost of both projects is $6.5 million and a $330,000 county-controlled contingency. Five bids were received with one being unresponsive to the requirements of the RFP. The two projects were bid together to help save taxpayer dollars. Funding for both projects comes from SPLOST 2018, county tree funds and impact fees.