Sandy Creek Park

9 reviews

400 Bob Holman Rd., Athens, GA 30607
706-613-3631
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Sandy Creek Park surrounds Lake Chapman and features a variety of activities and facilities. Picnic sites, wooded trails, swimming, playgrounds, fishing, dog runs, disc golf course, sports area, and rental pavilion facilities are highlights of this large park.

LAKE:

Beautiful Lake Chapman is a 260 acre freshwater lake created by a dam on Sandy Creek. Lake Chapman is home to some fantastic fishing as well! You won't be catching any sharks or stingrays from the banks but you can catch any of these: largemouth bass, black crappie, channel catfish, bluegills and redear sunfish (both referred to as bream), grass and common carp, and brown bullheads.

BEACH:

Sandy Creek Park is the site of the only beach in Athens-Clarke County. More than 28.000 square feet of sand and more than a half-acre of water designated for wading and swimming make this one of the most popular amenities at Sandy Creek Park.

The Beach and Swimming Area are open year-round. Canoe, Kayak, and Paddleboard rentals are available, in season.

TRAILS:

There are over 14 miles of trails at Sandy Creek Park. The trails are laid out over easy to moderate terrain and good for hikers and walkers of all ages and abilities, as well as equestrians! There are three different trails, each with its own trail-head and clearly marked throughout. Bicycles are not permitted on any trail at Sandy Creek Park. Dogs must be leashed.

Lakeside Trail

7.5 miles, moderate difficulty

Lakeside Trail follows the shore of Lake Chapman. While the trail can be accessed from a number of locations in the developed areas of the park, the trailhead (mile 0) is accessed from Parking Lot 14 adjacent to Restroom 3 and Parking Lot 15 adjacent to Picnic Shelter 3.

Cook's Trail / Oxbow Loop

3.1 miles, moderate difficulty

This trail runs creek-side through woods, over boardwalks and natural surface. Starting at Sandy Creek Park you can get in a nice 5 mile hike by hiking south bound on Cooks' trail looping Oxbow Trail, and then returning on Cook's Trail to the park.

Buckeye Horse Trail

4.2 miles, moderate difficulty

Buckeye Trail begins across from Parking Lot 14 just to the right of the horse mounting station and follows the park boundary northward to a dead-end furnished with a picnic table. This hilly trail provides forested views with occasional glimpses of Lake Chapman. Riders should always use the provided bridges when crossing streams. Riding through the creeks severely damages the banks leading to accelerated erosion. This trail does not loop, so you MUST return the way you came. In addition to special horse rules, all park rules apply.

MORE THINGS TO DO:

Dog Park areas, both public and private (by reservation)

Fishing

Boating

Disc Golf, 27 holes (extra fee applies)

Playgrounds

Basketball and volleyball courts

Pavillions for rent

Picnic areas

ADMISSION:

$2 per person for ages 4-64

FREE for ages 3 and younger/65 and older

HOURS:

Open Tuesday - Sunday. Closed Mondays.

Winter hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Summer hours: 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

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Map

Amenities

Attractions

Sports

General

Handicap Accessible:
Kids Programs:
Parking Available:
Pet Friendly:

Baseball/Softball

Number of Adult Baseball Fields: 3
Total Number of Baseball Fields: 3

Basketball

Total Number of Courts: 2

Golf

Tee Times URL: 1 Disc Golf Course

Outdoor Recreation

Boat- non Motorized:
Dogs-leashed:
Dog- unleashed:
Fishing:
Picnic Tables:
Trails-walking/hiking:

Sports Venue

Total SeatingCapacity: 105

Tennis

Number of Hard Courts: 2
Total Number of Courts: 2

Volleyball

Number of Sand Courts: 1
Total Number of Courts: 1