Fulton County's environment commission honored the Springway's 1.88-mile Morgan Falls Connector for its design and links to neighboring trails. The next river segment is in design.

The Morgan Falls Connector, the first finished piece of Sandy Springs’ Springway trail network, won a Fulton County environmental award Wednesday.

The Fulton County Citizens Commission on the Environment honored the trail at its 2026 awards ceremony on Oct. 21. Fulton County District 2 Commissioner Bob Ellis selected it. The trail was recognized for its overall design and for how it connects with existing trails in neighboring communities, the city said in its announcement of the award.

“We are extremely proud to see the Morgan Falls Connector on The Springway recognized,” Mayor Rusty Paul said. “Our vision is to improve connectivity, accessibility and enrich the recreational offerings across Sandy Springs.”

What the award-winning trail includes

The 1.88-mile section links Roswell Road at Cimarron Parkway with Morgan Falls Overlook Park and gives access to the Chattahoochee River. It was finished in April 2025.

The city lists these features:

  • a paved multi-use trail with retaining walls
  • a boardwalk across Orkin Lake
  • pedestrian bridges and drainage structures
  • realigned roads, landscaping and trail signs

The city built it with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program, the PATH Foundation and the Sandy Springs Conservancy.

Who gives the award

The commission is a citizen advisory group appointed by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners. It looks into environmental concerns, recommends policy and works to raise public awareness. Its yearly awards recognize environmental stewardship, help or education in the county.

The ceremony was held in the atrium of the Fulton County Government Center in downtown Atlanta. A proclamation went to the honorees at the commissioners’ meeting the same morning.

What comes next on the Springway

The next segment, from Morgan Falls Overlook Park to Grogans Ferry Road, is in design. The City Council voted 4-2 on Oct. 6 to seek a $3 million state grant for that 1.6-mile river stretch. Our story on that vote has the cost, the funding and the timeline.

What it means for you

  • The Morgan Falls Connector is open now, from dawn to dusk, for walkers and bikes. Our walking and biking trails guide says where to park and what is allowed on it.
  • Small low-speed electric devices are allowed on the paved trail as well, under the city’s rules summarized in the same guide.
  • Any state money for the next segment would not be announced until summer 2027.