Parks

BEN BURTON PARK

West Athens

This 32-acre wildlife preserve on Mitchell Bridge Road features a 1.4-mile trail that follows the Middle Oconee River through lush upland forest.

BIRCHMORE TRAIL, MEMORIAL PARK

Five Points

This trail offers both an outdoor tour of Athens and a taste of local art. The Birchmore Trail, located in Memorial Park, is approximately a mile long and winds through forests, ravines, creeks and bridges and eventually brings you to the Great Wall of Athens, built by beloved Athens local, Fred Birchmore. No bicycles are allowed on this trail, so you’ll have to walk or run.

BISHOP PARK

Normaltown

Close to UGA’s Health Sciences Campus, this city park contains walking trails, tennis courts, ballfields and an event pavilion. On Saturdays, it hosts the Athens Farmers Market. (The pool is closed through 2023)

CHICOPEE-DUDLEY

East Athens

This 32-acre green space is a short walk from campus. The park provides access to two paved trail networks, the North Oconee Greenway and the Firefly Trail.

THE FIREFLY TRAIL

Athens and connecting counties

The trail follows the historic Georgia Railroad, which ran first in 1843 but is no longer in use. After its completion, the trail will span 39 miles from Athens to Union Point and connecting Athens-Clarke County with Greene and Oglethorpe Counties. This trail is perfect for biking, walking and running.

Memorial Park

Five Points

This park located just west of campus contains hiking trails, a dog park, a pond, Bear Hollow Zoo and a recreation center and public pool.

THE NORTH OCONEE RIVER GREENWAY

Athens-Clarke County

This trail system has multiple access points throughout Athens and includes a wetland trail, wildlife corridors and eight miles of paved trails.

SANDY CREEK NATURE CENTER

North Athens

This nature center, located off Old Commerce Road, has 225 acres of wetlands and woodlands with more than four miles of trails. The center also has rehabilitated animals housed indoors. Some of the most popular activities include hiking, bird watching and wildlife viewing.

SANDY CREEK PARK

North Athens

This massive outdoor recreation area just north of Athens encompasses 782 acres surrounding Lake Chapman and offers a wide range of activities. The park has over 16 miles of dog-friendly hiking trails, including the scenic 7.5mile Lakeside Trail.

If you’re here with a pet, it’s good to know there’s also a large public dog park and five private dog parks reservable for $1 per dog per hour. Entry for Sandy Creek Park is $2 per person. Kids under 4 and adults over 65 get in the park for free.

WALKER PARK

East Athens

Walker Park is an outdoor option guaranteed to suit every personality in the family. Located off Athens Perimeter on Trail Creek Street, it has a splash pad for