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 late 2023, 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.

Firefly Trail Completion Map, Status as of November 2023

Firefly Trail Parking and Trailhead Locations

*Parking and trailhead information courtesy of Athens-Clarke County