Every park on this page except one is run by the City of Canton Parks & Recreation, so the City’s rules apply. The exception is Etowah River Tubing, a private outfitter. Facts come from the City’s Parks & Recreation page and its reservoir page, checked 2026-10-18. Distances are straight lines from Cannon Park downtown, not driving routes.
Find the right park
Decision tool · parks and the river
Which Canton park fits your day?
Tell us what you want: the river, a trail, a playground, a pavilion, the dog. We match you to the parks near downtown Canton that offer it, using what each operator publishes about the park, and flag anything it does not say.
Every park near downtown, side by side
| Park | River access | Trail | Playground | Inclusive play | Picnic | Fields/courts | Fishing | Restrooms | Dogs allowed | Amphitheater |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cannon ParkCity of Canton | Not published | Not published | Not published | Not published | Not published | Not published | Not published | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| Brown ParkCity of Canton · 0.1 mi | Not published | Not published | Yes | Not published | Yes | Yes | Not published | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| Heritage ParkCity of Canton · 0.3 mi | Not published | Yes | Yes | Not published | Not published | Yes | Not published | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| Etowah River Tubing (Canton)Etowah River Tubing (rivertubing.com) · 0.3 mi | Yes | Not published | Not published | Not published | Not published | Not published | Not published | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| Burge ParkCity of Canton · 0.6 mi | Not published | Not published | Yes | Not published | Not published | Yes | Not published | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| McCanless ParkCity of Canton · 0.6 mi | Not published | Not published | Yes | Not published | Yes | Not published | Not published | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| Harmon ParkCity of Canton · 0.7 mi | Not published | Not published | Yes | Not published | Yes | Yes | Not published | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| Boling ParkCity of Canton · 0.8 mi | Not published | Yes | Yes | Not published | Yes | Yes | Not published | Yes | No | Not published |
| Etowah River ParkCity of Canton · 1 mi | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not published | Yes | Not published | Yes |
| Hickory Log Creek Reservoir (Lake Canton)City of Canton · 2.3 mi | No | Not published | Not published | Not published | Not published | Not published | Yes | Not published | Not published | Not published |
Check = the operator says yes. Dash = the operator says no. Question mark = the operator does not say; ask before you go. Miles are straight-line from Cannon Park on Main Street.
Features and hours come from each operator's own page (mostly the City of Canton Parks and Recreation pages), checked 2026-10-18. Distances are straight lines from Cannon Park, not walking or driving routes.
Want the river trail as your morning walk? Some homes around Canton sit minutes from these parks.
The matcher ticks a feature when the operator says the park has it. A question mark means the City’s page does not say, so ask before you go.
Etowah River Park
- Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, covers 58 acres. It has an amphitheater, two community pavilions, inclusive playgrounds, a public canoe launch, a public bathroom and a bridge over the Etowah River. City of Canton: Parks & Recreation
- A half-mile concrete walking trail at Etowah River Park connects to the Etowah River Trail and Heritage Park. City of Canton: Parks & Recreation
Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, is the City’s 58-acre park on the river, about a mile from Cannon Park in a straight line. It has an amphitheater, two community pavilions, inclusive playgrounds, a public canoe launch, a public bathroom, picnic tables, field space and a bridge over the Etowah River. A half-mile concrete walking trail connects it to the Etowah River Trail and Heritage Park.
It is also where several of Canton’s big outdoor events are held. In 2026 it held the River Rock concert series (four free concerts from May 16 to Aug. 15), the 42nd Riverfest Arts and Crafts Festival on Sept. 26 and 27, and the July 4 fireworks. All of those have happened. The Service League of Cherokee County says Riverfest is always on the last full weekend in September; 2027 dates are not posted yet as of Oct. 18, 2026.
- Riverfest Arts and Crafts Festival is the Service League of Cherokee County's main fundraiser, held at Etowah River Park. The 42nd festival was Sept. 26-27, 2026, and the listing says it is always held on the last full weekend in September. Eventeny: 2026 Riverfest Arts and Crafts Festival (hosted by Service League of Cherokee County)
Heritage Park
- Heritage Park, 508 Riverstone Parkway, covers 48 acres. Its one-mile concrete trail connects to the Etowah River Trail and Etowah River Park, and it has soccer field space and a turf-base playground. City of Canton: Parks & Recreation
Heritage Park, 508 Riverstone Parkway, covers 48 acres and sits about 0.3 miles from Cannon Park in a straight line, the closest of the river-trail parks to downtown. Its one-mile concrete trail connects to the Etowah River Trail and Etowah River Park. It also has soccer field space and a new turf-based playground.
The Etowah River Trail
- Dogs are welcome on the Etowah River Trail on a short leash. The City provides waste bags along the trail and asks owners to pick up after their pets. City of Canton: Parks & Recreation
The Etowah River Trail is a shared-use trail along the river that joins Etowah River Park and Heritage Park. The City gives the lengths of the connecting trails (a half mile at Etowah River Park, one mile at Heritage Park) but no total length for the river trail. Other guides print longer totals; we print none until the City does. Dogs are welcome on a short leash, waste bags are provided, and cyclists should yield to people on foot.
Boling Park: no dogs
- Boling Park on Marietta Highway covers 20 acres, with a one-mile gravel trail, ball fields and courts. The City says no dogs are allowed in this park. City of Canton: Parks & Recreation
Boling Park on Marietta Highway is a 20-acre sports park with a one-mile gravel walking trail, baseball fields, tennis, racquetball and basketball courts, soccer and lacrosse field space, a covered pavilion with bathrooms and a playground. The City says no dogs are allowed in this park. The City’s page gives the address as 1098 Marietta Highway; Explore Canton gives 1200 Marietta Hwy.
Lake Canton at Hickory Log Creek Reservoir
- Lake Canton at Hickory Log Creek Reservoir covers about 411 acres at full pool, with about 15 miles of shoreline. The public access area, with one boat ramp, is near Bluffs Parkway and Fate Conn Road. City of Canton: Hickory Log Creek Reservoir
- Only electric-powered boats, canoes and kayaks are allowed on the reservoir. Gas motors, sailboats, paddle boards, swimming and alcohol are not allowed. City of Canton: Hickory Log Creek Reservoir
- City parks are open from dawn to dusk. Hickory Log Creek Reservoir is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., or 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. between Memorial Day and Labor Day. City of Canton: Parks & Recreation
Lake Canton covers about 411 acres at full pool, with about 15 miles of shoreline, about 2.3 miles from Cannon Park in a straight line. The one public access area, with a boat ramp and gravel parking, is near Bluffs Parkway and Fate Conn Road. Electric-powered boats, canoes and kayaks are allowed. Gas motors, sailboats, paddle boards, swimming and alcohol are not. Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., or 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and all boats must be out of the water 15 minutes before closing. Georgia DNR rules, such as fishing licenses and life jackets, apply. The DNR has stocked the lake with bream, crappie, catfish, bass and shad. The City publishes no fee for the reservoir.
Tubing the Etowah
Etowah River Tubing is a private outfitter, not a City service, so its own terms apply. It runs tubing trips on the Etowah that take out at The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, with check-in in the lot to the right of The Mill. It lists tubes at $25, and a trip takes 1 to 1.5 hours including check-in and the shuttle. Open dates are on its booking calendar. The Mill itself is on our Mill on Etowah page.
Coming: a park in South Canton
- The City lists a coming 5-acre park in South Canton on Marietta Highway, with a dog park, small amphitheater, pavilion, playground and accessible trail. No opening date is given. City of Canton: Parks & Recreation
The City lists a 5-acre park coming to South Canton on Marietta Highway, name to be decided, with a dog park split into large and small dog areas, a small amphitheater, a pavilion, a multi-level playground, an accessible walking trail and a sky bridge. No opening date is given, so treat it as coming, not open.
Small parks in town
- Cannon Park, 130 E Main St: the downtown park with the gazebo. See Main Street.
- Brown Park, 251 E Marietta St: one acre with a playground, field space, picnic tables and a Free Little Library. It hosts the farmers market.
- Harmon Park, Harmon Circle: baseball fields, a playground, picnic tables and a mini-pitch soccer field with terraced seating.
- McCanless Park, Muriel Street: 2 acres with a pavilion, playground, picnic tables and a Boy Scout hut.
- Burge Park, Crisler Street: under one acre, with a basketball court, playground, swing and bench.
Hours and who to ask
City parks are open from dawn to dusk; the reservoir keeps the hours above. For anything the City’s pages do not answer, call City Hall at 770-704-1500. Parking downtown is on the parking page, and the day planner can add the river to a downtown day. Thinking of living near the trail? See living in Canton.
- Canton City Hall is at 110 Academy Street, Canton, GA 30114. The main phone number is 770-704-1500. City of Canton: City Hall
Every park, with its source
Boling Park
city park
1098 Marietta Hwy, Canton, GA 30114
A 20-acre sports park with a one-mile gravel walking trail, ball fields and courts, a covered pavilion with bathrooms and a playground. No dogs are allowed.
dawn until dusk
Source: City of Canton: Parks & Recreation, checked 2026-10-18
Brown Park
city park
251 E Marietta St, Canton, GA 30114
A one-acre downtown park with a playground, open field, picnic tables and a Free Little Library. It is also stop 10 on the City's walking tour.
dawn until dusk
Source: City of Canton: Parks & Recreation, checked 2026-10-18
Burge Park
neighborhood park
Crisler Street, Canton, GA 30114
A small neighborhood park, under one acre, with a basketball court, playground, swing and bench.
dawn until dusk
Source: City of Canton: Parks & Recreation, checked 2026-10-18
Cannon Park
downtown park
130 E Main St, Canton, GA 30114
The downtown park with a gazebo, at the center of the historic square and the starting point for this guide's walks.
dawn until dusk
Source: City of Canton: Parks & Recreation, checked 2026-10-18
Etowah River Park
city river park
600 Brown Industrial Pkwy, Canton, GA 30114
A 58-acre park on the Etowah River with a public canoe launch, inclusive playgrounds, an amphitheater, two pavilions, public restrooms, field space and a bridge over the river. A half-mile concrete trail links to the Etowah River Trail and Heritage Park.
dawn until dusk
Source: City of Canton: Parks & Recreation, checked 2026-10-18
Harmon Park
city park
Harmon Circle, Canton, GA 30114
A neighborhood park with baseball fields, a playground, picnic tables and a mini-pitch soccer field with terraced seating.
dawn until dusk
Source: City of Canton: Parks & Recreation, checked 2026-10-18
Heritage Park
city river park
508 Riverstone Pkwy, Canton, GA 30114
A 48-acre park with a one-mile concrete walking trail that links to the Etowah River Trail and Etowah River Park, soccer field space and a new turf-based playground.
dawn until dusk
Source: City of Canton: Parks & Recreation, checked 2026-10-18
Hickory Log Creek Reservoir (Lake Canton)
city reservoir with boat ramp
Fate Conn Road at Bluffs Parkway, Canton, GA 30114
A 411-acre water-supply lake with one gated public access, a boat ramp and gravel parking. Only electric-powered boats, canoes and kayaks are allowed; no gas motors, paddleboards, swimming or alcohol. The DNR has stocked it with bream, crappie, catfish, bass and shad.
7 AM to 7 PM, and 7 AM to 8 PM between Memorial Day and Labor Day; all boats must be out of the water 15 minutes before closing
Source: City of Canton: Reservoir (Hickory Log Creek Reservoir); City of Canton: Parks & Recreation, checked 2026-10-18
McCanless Park
neighborhood park
Muriel Street, Canton, GA 30114
A 2-acre park with a pavilion, playground, picnic tables and a Boy Scout hut.
dawn until dusk
Source: City of Canton: Parks & Recreation, checked 2026-10-18
Etowah River Trail
multi-use river trail
Between Etowah River Park (600 Brown Industrial Pkwy) and Heritage Park (508 Riverstone Pkwy), Canton, GA 30114
A shared-use trail along the Etowah River joining Etowah River Park and Heritage Park. Dogs are welcome on short leashes, waste bags are provided, and cyclists should yield to walkers.
dawn until dusk (City parks and sites)
Source: City of Canton: Parks & Recreation, checked 2026-10-18
Etowah River Tubing (Canton)
seasonal river tubing outfitter
225 Reformation Pkwy, Canton, GA 30114 (check-in in the lot to the right of The Mill)
A private outfitter that runs tubing trips on the Etowah River, taking out at The Mill on Etowah. Tubes cost $25, and a trip takes 1 to 1.5 hours including check-in and the shuttle. Check its calendar for open dates.
open dates shown on the operator's online booking calendar
Source: Etowah River Tubing: How It Works, Canton location (official site); Explore Canton outdoor activities directory, checked 2026-10-18
Park in South Canton (name to be decided)
planned city park
Marietta Highway, Canton, GA 30114
Listed by the City as coming soon: a 5-acre park with a small amphitheater, pavilion, multi-level playground, an accessible walking trail, a sky bridge and a dog park with separate large and small dog areas.
Source: City of Canton: Parks & Recreation, checked 2026-10-18
Past events at the river
River Rock Concert & Festival (2026 series)
Organiser date for 2026Four free concerts with food trucks, beverage vendors and a children's area, hosted by Canton Parks & Recreation.
Free Source: Explore Canton: River Rock Concert & Festival, checked 2026-10-18
Small Town Cool 4th of July
Organiser date for 2026The City's 2026 celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, with a parade around the Riverstone Plaza block, a concert in the Riverstone Plaza Shopping Center and fireworks launched from Etowah River Park.
Source: City of Canton: 4th of July in Canton, checked 2026-10-18
42nd Riverfest Arts and Crafts Festival
Organiser date for 2026The Service League of Cherokee County's arts and crafts festival and fundraiser for Cherokee County children in need. Scarecrows from the festival are displayed downtown in October.
Source: Eventeny: 2026 Riverfest Arts and Crafts Festival (hosted by Service League of Cherokee County), checked 2026-10-18
Questions
Are dogs allowed in Canton parks?
Dogs are welcome on the Etowah River Trail if kept on a short leash, and the City provides waste bags along the trail. The City says no dogs are allowed in Boling Park. A planned South Canton park on Marietta Highway is to include a dog park; no opening date is given.
What is at Etowah River Park?
Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, covers 58 acres. It has an amphitheater, two pavilions, inclusive playgrounds, a public canoe launch, a public bathroom, field space and a bridge over the Etowah River. A half-mile trail links it to the Etowah River Trail and Heritage Park.
Where can I put a canoe or kayak in the Etowah River?
The City lists a public canoe launch at Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway. Canoes and kayaks are also allowed on Lake Canton at Hickory Log Creek Reservoir, which has one public boat ramp off Bluffs Parkway and Fate Conn Road.
What are the park hours in Canton?
City parks are open from dawn until dusk. Hickory Log Creek Reservoir is the exception: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., or 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Boats must be out of the water 15 minutes before closing.
Can I swim or use a gas boat at Hickory Log Creek Reservoir?
No. The City allows only electric-powered boats, canoes and kayaks. Gas, diesel and propane motors, sailboats and paddle boards are not allowed, and neither is swimming or alcohol. Georgia DNR rules, such as fishing licenses and life jackets, apply.
When is Riverfest?
Riverfest Arts and Crafts Festival is held at Etowah River Park by the Service League of Cherokee County, which says it is always on the last full weekend in September. The 42nd festival was Sept. 26-27, 2026. The 2027 dates have not been posted.
Source: Eventeny: 2026 Riverfest Arts and Crafts Festival (hosted by Service League of Cherokee County)
Dates, rules and hours can change. The organisers have the final word: City of Canton