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Print Friendly MapConceived in 1996, the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail is the jewel of Macon’s park system. At present, the entire system is over 12 miles long, flanking both sides of the Ocmulgee River through downtown Macon. The trail connects the historic downtown with nearby neighborhoods, the beautiful and historic Riverside Cemetery and Rose Hill Cemetery, and two of the county's largest public parks - Amerson River Park and Central City Park. The trail also connects visitors to the Ocmulgee National Monument, which explores 10,000 years of Southeastern Native American culture along the banks of the Ocmulgee River from ice-age hunters to Mississippian Mound Builders to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. The National Park Service museum, the thousand year old earthlodge and multiple earthmounds are all accessible via the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail.
Several miles of the trail are cement, but portions along Central City Park and within the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park feature a natural surface. Portions of the trail are connected via public sidewalks on which bicyclists must dismount and walk their bicycles. Plans are underway to connect portions of the trail, starting with a crucial link between Riverside Cemetery and Amerson River Park, but construction is on hold until the nearby interstate road work is finished.
In 2019, local officials opened the Walnut Creek Connector, which extended the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail south of the Otis Redding Bridge, completing a loop along the eastern bank of the river and via Walnut Creek to the existing trail at the Ocmulgee Mounds site.
Trailhead parking is located at Riverside Cemetery, Spring Street bridge and Central City Park. Riverside Cemetery can be accessed from Exit 1A from I-16 East. Turn right on Spring Street then right on Riverside Drive. Turn right at Madison Street. Trailhead parking is on the right.
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.
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.
I had high hopes for this one, because I thought we he mounds, music history and cemeteries would be interesting. It looks like the city made an effort at one time to invest in their greenways and parks, but the portion we rode was unkempt and unclear. Lots of construction and little revitalization. Maybe down the road they will get it all together and it will be a nice ride.
This trail is nearly level compared to other trails that are reviewed. The Northern end at The Water Park is very well maintained and a great place for kids, birthday parties, and community functions. The Southern End is to be linked soon but at present that is a promise.
The Southern End extends from the Spring Street Bridge north a bit but certainly goes South from there to the Ocmulgee National Park. This lower part is new to me and truly a wonderful ride, hike, run or walk. It parallels the River and the Interstate 16 with many bridges over creeks and marshes. It is highly recommended.
From the Boat Ramp at the Spring Street Bride to the Great Temple Mound is about 3 miles. Many prefer to park at the Great Temple Mound and walk North as security is a bit better. But, don't get locked-in!
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