Oconee Rivers Greenway

The Oconee Rivers Greenway is a linear park system that provides wildlife corridors, a wetland hiking trail, and a family friendly multi-use path for the public's enjoyment. Currently, the Oconee Rivers Greenway System provides 3.1 miles of natural surface hiking only trails and 8 miles of concrete, multi-use trails that are designated for non-motorized use.

TRAIL SEGMENTS:

• North Oconee River Trail - This trail winds its way along the North Oconee River from Sandy Creek Nature Center to Bailey St and Carriage Lane. Along the way you will see views of the North Oconee River, North Oconee River Park, Aguar Plaza, and Dudley Park.
  This multi-use paved trail is available for use by pedestrians, bicyclists, and any non-motorized modes of transportation.
   


• East Campus Connector - This trail is a concrete, multi-use trail that connects the Oconee St Park and Ride Parking Lot near the Loop 10 interchange with the North Oconee River Trail and the UGA campus. It is available for use by pedestrians, bicyclists, and any non-motorized modes of transportation.
   


• Cook's Trail Cook's Trail s a 2.1 mile natural surface trail that runs from Sandy Creek Park to Oxbow Lake. Please be aware that the trail does not loop and may flood during periods of heavy rain. Cook's Trail is open to foot traffic only. Trail head is located Sandy Creek Park. As you hike on Cook's Trail, you will traverse an extensive swamp via winding boardwalks and multiple bridges.  While enjoying the scenery, you can take the 1 mile Oxbow Loop trail. This trail follows the edge of a lovely Oxbow Lake and presents many opportunities for viewing the wildlife that is unique to this habitat. 
   


• Trail Creek Trail - This is a paved multi-use path within Virginia Walker Park, that is approximately one-mile in length and provides opportunities to experience nature in a variety of ways while linking parks, neighborhoods, and points of interest such as a Civil War gun emplacement site. It is available for use by pedestrians, bicyclists, and any non-motorized modes of transportation.
   


• Pulaski Heights Trail - This is a paved multi-use path, is ¼-mile in length and follows Moore's Branch, a creek draining from Downtown to the North Oconee River. The trail connects from Pulaski Street near the Leathers Building to the intersection of Hull and Hoyt Streets. It is available for use by pedestrians and any non-motorized modes of transportation, including bicycles. The trail passes through the site of a former rail yard once used by the Southern Railway. The Southern Railway's historic depot is currently occupied by the Athens Community Council on Aging, a partner in the project.  
   


• Milledge Extension Trail - Milledge Extension Trail is a 1/4 mile paved multi-use trail that connects Milledge Avenue Extension with South Milledge Avenue. There is a UGA bus stop at the north end of the trail. Per the Greenway Network Plan, this trail will eventually extend down Macon Highway with a street based connection. It is available for use by pedestrians, bicyclists, and any non-motorized modes of transportation.
  
  


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  Oconee Hill Cemetery Trail

  
  

  Oconee Hill Cemetery Trail, opened in fall 2022, extends the Greenway Trail from Easley Mill to the East Campus Connector through Oconee Hill Cemetery.

  
  

  This segment of multi-use path follows an existing sanitary sewer easement that extends along the bank of the North Oconee River. Staff and Cemetery Trustees have worked together to ensure that the path is sensitive to the environment that it traverses. Features like granite entry columns and decorative metal fencing set a reverent tone for this section of the greenway while maintaining the ability to close off access when necessary.

  
  

Don't miss over 50 interpretive panels along the half-mile Heritage Trail from Dudley Park to Wilkerson Street. The panels illustrate Athens' rich history. Learn about the North Oconee River, the town that grew up along it, the industry it supported, and the people who depended on it. Parking, picnic, and recreational areas are located along the Greenway.