Sandy Creek Park

7 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 activies and facilities. Picnic sites, wooded trails, swimming, playgrounds, fishing, dog runs, disc golf course, sports area, and rental pavillion facilities are highlights of this large park.

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 16 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 (closed)
4.1 miles, moderate difficulty
This trail runs creek-side through woods, over boardwalks and natural surface, ending at Sandy Creek Nature Center. Cook’s Trail is a one-way trail and you MUST return the way you came.
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: 9a.m. to 6 p.m.
Summer hours: 7a.m. to 8 p.m.

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

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 (closed)
4.1 miles, moderate difficulty
This trail runs creek-side through woods, over boardwalks and natural surface, ending at Sandy Creek Nature Center. Cook’s Trail is a one-way trail and you MUST return the way you came.
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.