Find the top rated walking trails in Sandersville, whether you're looking for an easy short walking trail or a long walking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a walking 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 started the trail by Camellia garden, rather I attempted to start. The path is not walkable due to construction. It was muddy and not worth the attempt. Very disappointing.
Entrance to trail through Central Park was terrible. Homeless, trash, feces, etc. Scary and sad. The trail really could be beautiful
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.
Nope
Feb '04: Started at the park and things went sour. Downed trees, homeless encampment and debris from highway construction made areas impassable. I gave up, returned to parking and took a hike in the opposite direction. The path along the river is bike-able and promising but before you go, check conditions and wait until the highway construction finishes and the area is cleaned up.
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!
3 people tried breaking in our car at the Spring St entrance. CRIME AREA
The gate connecting the trail from Ocmulgee Mounds to the Heritage Trail was locked and a sign said "connection no longer available". Signage from parking at Central City Park was poor. Along the trail from the park we encountered major highway construction with lots of mud in 2 different places. We crossed through places where homeless people were camped. We never got to any interesting areas of Macon. In the section we did, the streets we went on were in high traffic areas with lots of commercial properties and fast food type restaurants. Based on what I had read about the trail ahead of time, we were very disappointed with what we found.
Currently under construction. Will be nice trail when construction is complete. Ample parking and nice historic exhibits at main office. Will return in the future.
Nice trail Constuction in progress. Will return when construction is complete. Will have potential and character when construction is complete.
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