Firefly Trail

The FirefFirefly Trail Logoly 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 over three miles of the Firefly with an additional mile and a half planned expansion. 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.

The trail allows for pedestrians and bicyclists alike to further participate in activities within Athens-Clarke County without being within close motor vehicle proximity.

The Firefly Trail with Athens-Clarke County and the City of Winterville is maintained and operated by the Trails and Open Space Staff of the Leisure Services Department.

For more information on the full 39-mile planned Firefly Trail, visit the Firefly Trail, Inc. website.


  1. Trail Segments +
  2. Trailheads, Access & Parking +
  3. Points of Interest +

Woman walking with stroller on paved trail

East Broad St- Original Terminus to Old Winterville Rd

The Athens Firefly Trail begins in the heart of downtown Athens at the site of the original terminus of the Athens Branch of the Georgia Railroad on East Broad St. The trail passes over the North Oconee River before entering Dudley Park and soaring over Trail Creek. The Firefly then follows the historic railbed to continue toward Old Winterville Rd. 





Multi purpose paved trail through forestOld Winterville Road to Hancock Road

Built as the second phase of the Firefly Trail in Athens this section connects Old Winterville Rd to Hancock Rd following the railbed of the Athens Branch. Parking is available at the Oconee St Park and Ride at 1330 Oconee St and Mon - Fri after 5PM and all day weekends at the Streets and Drainage Division Building 605 Spring Valley Rd.  





Firefly Trail - Hancock Rd to Downtown Winterville SegmentHancock Road to Downtown Winterville

See the Park Planning Firefly information page for more information about this upcoming section.





Trail Creek TrailDowntown Winterville to Clarke County Line

This one and a half mile section of trail parallels Main St. in downtown Winterville from Athens Ln to the Athens-Clarke County line. In the center of this stretch of trail users will find the historic Winterville Train Depot, the Winterville Library, and easy access to Pittard Park.

This multi-use paved trail is available for use by pedestrians, bicyclists, and any other non-motorized modes of transportation.