Athens-Clarke County Trails and Open Space

08/13/2026

Call off the search parties...the Gnome is finally home! Thanks, Patrick, for facilitating his safe return. A generous gift from Firefly Farmstop has been bestowed upon Patrick for his efforts! The gnome is resting up after his summer shenanigans and will be back on September 1st. Thanks for all of your support!

08/12/2026

Our precious little woodland gnomie has been taken hostage, and the Trails and Open Space family is officially devastated.

We are willing to negotiate. No questions asked.

Be on the lookout for our guy:

NAME: Anonymous (He/Him, doesn't talk much)

HEIGHT: ~8 inches

DISTINCTIVE FEATURES: Flowing white beard, striking blue jacket, and a power-statement pointy red hat.

LAST KNOWN LOCATION: Walker Park, Blue Trail

PLEASE, BRING THE GNOME HOME.

If you have him, drop him back by Sandy Creek Nature Center before we start holding innocent hikers accountable!

08/03/2026

Happy August hunting! Lace up your hiking boots and get after it! This months prize is sponsored by our new trail neighbors Firefly Farmstop .

07/24/2026

The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department announces that the next section of the Firefly Trail is now open to public.

This section is a continuation of the Firefly Trail, from the intersection at Hancock Road and Spring Valley Road to just past Taylor and Lane and Spring Valley Road. This part adds approximately 2.5 miles of paved trail before hitting the current dead end. The remaining portion of the trail will eventually connect to the Winterville section of the Firefly Trail.

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. Athens-Clarke County hosts nearly seven miles of the Firefly Trail in the county.

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.

For more information on the Firefly Trail, please visit www.accgov.com/firefly or call (706) 613-3620.

07/16/2026

Step away from the noise of everyday life and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the forest during our Forest Bathing Experience program at Sandy Creek Park on Saturday, August 22, from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM.

Forest bathing isn't about hiking or exercise; it's about intentionally slowing down and engaging your senses to experience the healing benefits of nature. This program is guided by Heather Matherly, a Master Naturalist and Certified Forest Therapy Guide. You'll enjoy a gentle, mindful walk designed to reduce stress, improve well-being, and help you be fully present in the moment.

During this immersive experience, you'll slow down and connect with the forest through guided invitations which will be concluded with a tea ceremony featuring local plants. 🍃

Whether you're looking to recharge, unplug from technology, or simply spend a peaceful morning outdoors, this experience offers a meaningful way to care for your mind and body.

Resident: $20/ Non-Resident: $30

Pre-registration is required. You can register here: https://accgovga.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29867

07/15/2026

Mark your calendars for this year's Rivers Alive! Join us as we come together to help keep our local waterways and trails clean, healthy, and beautiful for everyone to enjoy.

Save the date: Rivers Alive will be here before you know it! Visit accgov.com/riversalive for more info 💧🗑️♻️

07/10/2026

Man, what a hunt we had this month! The Gnome was out in the wild for 9 days prior to being found by Arrow. After releasing the Gnome's poem hint Coal Pile Loop may have received the most foot traffic it's had in months. Hopefully you happy hunters got to explore a new to you trail this month!

Fun fact: This pile of coal was likely remnant of the Athens Manufacturing Company (later Chicopee Manufacturing Company) which replied heavily of stockpiles of coal delivered by the railroad to run it's steam-powered textile operations.

Thanks again to Mother Lode Athens for sponsoring this month's hunt!

07/09/2026

I rest where engines fed their fire,
With coal once stacked ever higher.
Now trails replace the tracks of old,
Where stories of the railroad still unfold.

Near Mulberry, by waters that creep,
Trail Creek hums while the forest keeps.
Find the loop that shares coal's name,
And perhaps you'll win my game.

07/06/2026

Want to work outside and help provide clean and safe trails for the community? Join our team! Click the link below, this position is open until July 20th.

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/athensclarke/jobs/5257137/part-time-park-assistant-leisure-services?keywords=park%20assistant&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

07/01/2026

The Gnome is on the loose again! July’s sponsor for Being the Gnome Home is a sweet gift certificate to MotherLode Athens for $50! Now get out there and Bring the Gnome Home!