The best walks and hikes around Athens-Clarke County Unified Government

Yes, many parks in the area welcome dogs. Ben Burton Park is a popular choice, offering wooded riverside trails perfect for you and your pet. Southeast Clarke Park also features walking trails and has a dedicated dog park for off-leash fun.

For a simple and engaging walk with family, the Lake Herrick loop from Shoalsview is an excellent choice. It's a relatively short and flat trail around a lake. Alternatively, Sandy Creek Nature Center offers easy-to-follow trails and educational exhibits that are great for children.

The North Oconee River Greenway is a fantastic option, offering miles of paved, multi-use paths that are ideal for wheelchairs and strollers. Additionally, Sandy Creek Nature Center features an ADA-accessible boardwalk trail through its scenic wetlands, ensuring everyone can enjoy the natural surroundings.

Sandy Creek Park is your best bet for longer hikes. It contains an extensive network of trails, including the Lakeside Trail which circles Lake Chapman for about 8 miles (13 km), offering a more substantial hiking experience than many of the other local parks.

While the immediate Athens-Clarke County area is known more for its gentle rivers and rolling hills, there are no significant waterfalls directly on the main trails. Hikes here focus on serene riverbanks, lush forests, and garden paths rather than dramatic elevation changes with waterfalls.

Spring and fall are ideal for hiking in Athens-Clarke County. During these seasons, you'll experience pleasant temperatures and see the landscape in full bloom or vibrant autumn colors. Summers can be hot and humid, so early morning hikes are recommended, while winters are generally mild and suitable for walking.

Most trails, including those at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, North Oconee River Greenway, and Ben Burton Park, are free to access. However, be aware that some locations like Sandy Creek Park may charge a small per-person or per-vehicle entry fee to help with maintenance.

The North Oconee River Greenway provides a long, paved, and relatively flat surface that is perfect for an uninterrupted run. For those who prefer running on natural surfaces, the extensive trail systems at Sandy Creek Park and the State Botanical Garden of Georgia offer varied terrain through woodlands.

The trails in this area are well-regarded by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the peaceful riverside scenery along the Oconee River, and the variety of trails available, from paved greenways to quiet woodland loops.

The Lake Herrick loop from University of Georgia is a great example of an easy circular trail. For a slightly longer loop, the trails within the State Botanical Garden of Georgia offer several interconnected circuits that allow you to explore different garden sections and forested areas before returning to your starting point.

There are several highly-regarded starting points for hikes in Athens-Clarke County.

• Sandy Creek Nature Center: A local favorite with well-marked trails through woodlands and wetlands.
• State Botanical Garden of Georgia: Offers a beautiful mix of manicured gardens and natural surface trails.
• Ben Burton Park: Known for its scenic paths along the Middle Oconee River.
• North Oconee River Greenway: A popular access point for the extensive paved trail network.