Find the top rated running trails in Avera, whether you're looking for an easy short running trail or a long running trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a running 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.
I rode the Palmetto Parkway bike path in North Augusta, SC for the first time this morning at 7 AM. The total ride, out and back, was 9.5 miles, according to my Ride With GPS app. The elevation change was 788 feet. The path was well maintained and I was the only cyclist on the trail. I saw no walkers. if you like hills, the trail is a good way for one to get a workout. As expected, I could hear cars on the adjacent highway, but I rarely saw one. The path is separated by a fence, berms, and plantings. I crossed three minor roads and two major roads. The major roads had pedestrian, crossing signals, making it easier to cross. The parking area at the trailhead seemed safe. I was the only one parking there.
Could use some police presence. Hardly anyone using the trail. Perhaps due to the number of homeless. Needs advocates to support the trail, add decent connections. We rode canal path to Riverwalk. The city sidewalks between were terribly rough.
Long sustained climbs on a very unused trail. No baby strollers or dogs on this one! Solitude
I walk and bike this trail often. Scenic and some challenging hills. Caution required after heavy rain as the trail floods in some areas near the creek.
The trail now connects downtown Athens to Winterville road. It's a fun couple miles to bike or hike on smooth pavement the whole way. There are water fountains and benches as well. Lots of fun to connect the Firefly to the North Oconee Greenway and bike about 10 miles around Athens!
Gave it 4 stars for being fairly well maintained and off the road in areas. This is a 4-6’ wide asphalt path combined with sidewalks on a fairly busy road. Yes it is safer than riding / running on side of road, but you still have to clear every intersection / business parking lots 3-4 ways before crossing….and there are a lot. If you want a scenic trail, this is not it. If you want a safe pathway to Savannah River Locks from Evans, this is a good alternative.
The Levee trail can be added to the Augusta Canal trail starting at Savannah Rapids Park. it will be a multi-surface trail running mostly between the Savannah River and the Augusta Canal. The Levee trail will take you all the way to town and a short trail to the 13th street bridge. You can ride over the bridge and access the North Augusta Greeneway and river park. Jump off the trail at Hammonds Ferry and eat at one of their restaurants.
Beautiful trail for all ages of cyclists. Started at Bergen trailhead, but trail was closed at Cypress Road, so we had to turn around. Workers said they will be closing it all the way north to the bridge. Not sure how long work will take.
This trail was an easy ride with a great view. Rest and water stops were also along the way.
I really enjoy running on this trail, great view and challenging run. The trail is 7miles but I haven’t ran the hold 7 miles. Not familiar with the layout of the trail so I’ve only gone so far. If you enjoy running, walking, biking take time out to visit this trail.
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