Firefly Trail

The newest addition to Athens’ bike paths is The Firefly Trail, a multi-use rails-to-trails project which will extend 39-miles from Athens to Union Point. As of early 2025, 4.4 miles have been completed within Athens-Clarke County, including:

• a 500' bridge over the North Oconee River


• connection to the North Oconee River Greenway and Dudley Park


• an iconic bridge over Trail Creek


• an improved surface trail for bike and pedestrian use along the historic Georgia Railroad corridor between Old Winterville Road and Hancock Road.

The Firefly Trail segments in Athens-Clarke County and the City of Winterville now include completion of 4.4 miles of the 7.9 miles of the Trail within the county. 

The overall vision of the Firefly Trail is a planned 39-mile rail-trail from Athens to Union Point in Northeast Georgia, connecting Athens-Clarke, Oglethorpe, and Greene Counties. The historic rail line, known as the Athens Branch of the Georgia Railroad, branched off the still-active Augusta-to-Atlanta line in Union Point and passed through the towns of Woodville, Maxeys, Stephens, Crawford, Arnoldsville and Winterville on its way to Athens.

Which Portions of the Firefly Trail are Now Open?

Here is a Map showing the Firefly Trail, including completed sections, sections under construction, and sections that are funded for future construction. Estimated completion date for all funded sections is end of 2025.

Where are the Firefly Trail Trailheads in Athens? Where can I park when visiting the Firefly Trail in Athens?

There are several Trailheads for the Firefly Trail in Athens-Clarke County, some which include parking and restrooms. See below for a chart and a map, provided by Athens-Clarke County, of the locations and amenities at the Firefly Trail Trailheads.

*Parking and trailhead information courtesy of Athens-Clarke County