Athens-Clarke County Trails and Open Space

10/21/2026

Way to go Carole Hicks! You found our precious gnome hiding in the depths of the Lakeside Trail! We are so glad to have him home! Carole was awarded a fabulous prize pack from our friends at Half-Moon Outfitters. Be on the lookout starting November 2nd when our fine friend returns to a local trail near you.

10/16/2026

For a fortnight now I've lain my head
Where geese and herons make their bed.

Each day the sun rises upon my face
And I think of my friends at Trails and Open Space.

While kayaks float by, I sit and wonder why
Is it because my hiding spot is just too sly?

10/13/2026

There are still spots left to come join us for this week's Audiobook Hike on Saturday!

Enjoy a refreshing morning outdoors with a good story! We are partnering with the Athens-Clarke County Library for an Audiobook Hike this Saturday, October 17, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Simply bring your phone or device with your favorite audiobook downloaded, headphones, a water bottle, and comfortable walking shoes. Walk at your own pace along the trail, then stick around after the hike to enjoy free snacks, drinks, and listening recommendations with fellow participants.

Because the location is different for each hike, registration is required online at accgov.com/myrec. Once registered, we will email you the specific meetup address and other day-of details.

This event is free and open to adults ages 18 and older. For questions, call 706-613-3620. Come connect with nature, a great story, and your local community!

10/10/2026

Do you know someone ages 11–14 looking for something fun and meaningful to do while school is out on October 15?

Join the Trails and Open Space team for a day in the life of a Park Assistant!

We’ll provide the tools and guidance as participants ride along with our team to some of our favorite trails. They’ll learn alongside experienced staff, get hands-on experience with real-world trail work, and discover how we care for and maintain more than 50 miles of trails across Athens-Clarke County!

We have just FOUR spots left! Don’t miss out on this fun opportunity to get outside, learn new skills, and explore what it takes to keep our trails in great shape.

Register here: https://accgovga.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29890

10/08/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 4th annual Fright on the Firefly: Trick or Treat Trail! We had such a wonderful time kicking off the spooky season with our community and filling the trail with costumes, candy, games, activities.

A huge thank you to all of our amazing community partners, vendors, volunteers, and staff who helped make the event possible. Each of you helped create a fun and welcoming experience for our community.

And, of course, congratulations to everyone who participated in our Costume Contest! We saw some fantastic costumes and loved seeing everyone's creativity.

Most of all, thank you to the families and community members who came out and made Fright on the Firefly such a success!

10/01/2026

The spooky season has officially arrived, and the gnome is out haunting one of our local trails! Find him and you will score a fantastic prize from Half-Moon Outfitters, valued at over $50! Good luck and happy haunting! 🎃

09/28/2026

We still have a few spots open for our Park Assistant for a Day program this October!

Designed for middle school-aged kids, this special day-off-school program gives participants the chance to step into the boots of a Park Assistant and get hands-on experience caring for our parks and trails.

From trail maintenance and park projects to learning what it takes to keep our outdoor spaces safe, clean, and ready for the community to enjoy, it’s a day full of learning, exploring, and getting a little dirty!

Spots are limited, so don’t miss the chance to work, explore, and play like a Park Assistant for a day!

09/28/2026

We’re saying farewell to our most senior Park Assistant, Patrick, in mid-October as he heads west to continue his life adventures in the PNW.

With Patrick moving on to his next adventure, we’re looking for someone to join our team and fill his vacancy!

Our Park Assistant position is now open, and the job posting will be live until midnight on October 12.

If you’re passionate about the outdoors, enjoy working on trails and in parks, and want to join a great team, we encourage you to apply!

Apply and learn more through the link below. Be sure to select Trails and Open Space as a location.

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

09/23/2026

I am along a stretch of moving water. Where am I?

UPDATE: Elizabeth got the right trail, Levee at Sandy Creek Nature Center. Guillermo was very close!

09/22/2026

Mark your calendars now: Fright on The Firefly will be held on Friday, October 2nd this year. All your favorites will be back: face painting, King of Pops, and Ms. Erika from Athens-Clarke County Library! Don't forget your costume; we will hold our annual costume contest, with winners announced at 6:15pm.

For more information on the location and parking options, as well as registration, follow the link below:
https://accgovga.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29992