Trails and Open Space Programs 

Night Hikes

Explore the trails at our parks by the light of the moon on these guided hikes. Enjoy activities that enhance the beauty and magic of our forest at night. Wear trail appropriate shoes and clothing. Please bring a small flashlight or headlamp; We will have a limited number of loaner flashlights. Pre-registration is required to ensure you have a spot on the hike. Ages 6 and up. 

Cost: $2 residents/ $3 non-residents

Sunday, February 9th, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Ben Burton Park. Register Here 

Friday, March 13th, 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at ben Burton Park. Register Here

Friday, April 10th, 8:00 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. at Memorial Park. Register Here

Friday, May 15th, 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Southeast Clarke Park. Register here


Full moon hike
Shoals on Middle Oconee River

Hike into History

Experience a glimpse into the past with Trails and Open Space.  Explore the trails at Ben Burton Park on this guided hike.  Learn about the history of the park and the role of the Middle Oconee River in Athens.

Saturday, March 21st., 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Ben Burton Park Register Here

Birding for Beginners

Enjoy a spring birding walk in Dudley Park!  A Guest instructor will lead this walk covering the basics of birding.  We will stroll along the Greenway and Firefly rails in search of birds, discuss behavior, seasonal movement and habitat.  Enjoy views of the Oconee river corridor from high atop the Firefly bridge on this guided walk. 

Saturday, April 11th, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. at Dudley Park. Register Here

bird
Family on bikes

Family Fun Ride 

 Curious about the Greenway and Firefly Trails? Want to get the family out on bikes for the afternoon?  Join Trails and Open Space on this 8 mile tour of our multi-use trail system.  Our group will rally at the Sandy Creek Nature Center and ride the North Oconee Greenway to Dudley Park.  From there we will get on the The Firefly Trail and follow it to Old Winterville road before returning to the Nature Center.  All along this route we will stop to enjoy the sights and discuss points of interest.  This is (BYOB) bring your own bike event. 

Saturday, April 18th, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Sandy Sandy Creek Nature Center Register Here

Cast Iron Chef Campfire Cookout

Join Trails and Open Space staff for a campfire with all the trimmings. Fire building with a variety of materials and methods. Demonstrations of dutch oven cooking. Sample foods from sweet to savory. Weenie roast. And yes, there will be s'mores. Share stories and enjoy the warmth of an open fire on a winter day. Bundle up and bring a chair for the fireside.

Cost: $4 residents / $6 non-residents

Saturday, February 1st 1:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Sandy Creek Park Register Here                                                                                         


Cooking on a campfire.
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