North Oconee River Greenway

The North Oconee River Greenway is a 3.5-mile long, 10-foot wide, paved multi-use path open to all types of non-motorized uses in Athens. The trail runs from Sandy Creek Nature Center (connecting with Cook’s Greenway Trail), following the North Oconee River south to Dudley Park.

Within the 1/2-mile section from Dudley Park to Wilkerson Street, you’ll find a series of interpretive panels that illustrate Athens’ rich history. Learn about the North Oconee River, the former Cook and Brother Amory/Chicopee Mill, Dudley Park, Athens’ railroad and more. Parking, picnicking and recreational areas are located along the Greenway.

Firefly Trail

The Firefly Trail is a partially funded multi-purpose path for pedestrian, bicycle and other non-motorized uses that will stretch about 39 miles from Athens to Union Point, Georgia. It will be built on or near the historic corridor of the Athens Branch of the Georgia Railroad.

On Oct. 20, 2017, the long-awaited Firefly Trail officially opened in Athens-Clarke County with the ribbon-cutting of a .3-mile segment, which includes a stunning 500′-long bridge over the North Oconee River and a connection to Dudley Park and the North Oconee River Greenway.  

The remainder of the .8-mile segment opened in December 2017, with funding to complete the eight miles in Athens-Clarke County and Winterville available, thanks to voter passage of the TSPLOST initiative.