Explore the best rated trails in Cornelia, GA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Little Tennessee River Greenway and East West Parkway Trail . With more than 19 trails covering 88 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Thought I’d provide some clarity here, as the Firefly Trail is pretty disconnected and there are few trail amenities, but it has a lot of potential: Dudley Park near downtown serves as both the trail head of the Athens side and as the nexus for both the Firefly Rail Trail and the North Oconee River Greenway (so you can extend your ride in Athens by adding the Greenway). After parking, follow the trail along the river (or take a shortcut up through the woods) to reach the Firefly Rail Trail. You’ll see a bathroom, water fountain, and picnic pavilion for the park. Just off the trail there’s a bike repair station. Note: restrooms are locked in the evening and the water fountains are winterized in colder months. There’s no lighting on the trail. The Trail Creek aka rebuilt “Murmur” trestle and the bridge over the North Oconee are the highlights here. The Firefly trail is currently in segments spaced far from each other: Athens side - 2.9 miles Winterville - 1.5 miles Maxeys - 1.1 mile Woodville to Union Point - 6.5 miles The shady, three-mile connection between Athens and Winterville should be complete in spring of 2026, provided the final easements can be acquired. None of the other segments have reliable trail amenities and the towns are all very, very small. In Winterville, Pittard Park has bathrooms that may be open. In Woodville, about a mile past the trailhead, there’s public bathroom behind CJ’s BBQ that’s sometimes open. The longest segment of the Firefly Trail is actually from Woodville to Union Point, at just under 7 miles one-way, partially shaded. The Woodville trail head is just a parking lot right now and is easy to miss if you aren’t GPSing it. The trail head at Union Point is pretty but there’s no facilities currently. I recommend a trip into town… “The Point” is a grocery store/restaurant open 7 days a week, even on Easter. For now it’s your best bet for beverages and a snack on this segment. When complete, the Firefly Trail will be about 40 miles from Athens to Union Point. Check back to see the progress.
This trail covers City and wooded areas. Starting in Alpharetta is good. Great boardwalks, shaded scenery. Great Day Ride! Saw some Dear and other wildlife.
This is a nice trail that runs beside and crosses over the river. Most of the trail is paved, but parts were not paved or were perhaps covered in sand and dirt. (Hence the 4-star rating.) I am unsure if it is always this way or a result of the recent Hurricane that passed this way. (Fall 2024).
I was impressed with the number of benches along the trail and the great signs helping us know where to go. One portion (in Franklin) runs through an unpaved parking lot behind some stores. At first, we were confused but then we saw a sign explaining where to go to get back to the trail.
Also in Franklin is a small "Women's History Park" with a statue and plaques explaining the park and the statue. It was worth the time to look and read.
There are also some cafes and restaurants in that area so you can enjoy a quick coffee or a more relaxed meal.
Being autumn, there was a lot of "tree debris" on sections of the path but overall this was a nice path that we hope to enjoy again.
There is a 3 mile loop around the lake that is not shown on the map.
Pleasant trail through wooded marshlands, but the southern end (from about 3 mi. north of Fowler Park south) is largely boardwalk, which a bit dicey for thin-tired road bikes. Also, as of 10/2024 a bridge was closed at about 3.5 miles north of Fowler Park.
It's an awesome trail. The park offers space for multiple sports activities so there are always people around. The bathrooms are nice and clean. Part of the trail is padded with a material that has a little give or bounce to it. The material is great for the back, knees and joints over all. My friend has knee problems and she said that walking on that material helps her.
It's an excellent trail. I’m so happy to see my tax dollars going to good use. It’s a multipurpose trail and park. Part of the trail is padded with a material that has a little give or bounce to it. The material is great for the back, knees and joints over all. My friend has knee problems and she said that walking on that material helps her.
It’s an excellent trail. Part of the trail is padded with a material that has a little give or bounce to it. The material is great for the back, knees and joints over all. My friend has knee problems and she said that walking on that material helps her.
Enjoyed a great ride on the trail with friends. We parked at Sandy Creek Nature Center and road all the way till it ended at Carriage Lane. It’s completely paved, it was our 1st trip so we did get a little confused but had no problems navigating back to where we started. We ended up with 14+ miles round trip which made for a great ride. Lots of other cyclists, walkers, and runners. But not crowded on the day we went during the week. Highly recommend
We’re from Charlotte, we have a trail similar to Big Creek (Sugar Creek), not nearly as long…we really enjoyed our ride and look forward to coming back.
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