Nature vs. Nurture for Athens Students

So much more Nature than you think!

Athens has a surprising amount of outdoor hidden gems that are sure to help you get your nature fix. Since Athens is surrounded by tons of small rural towns, there are tons of lakes, paths, and parks available for anyone and everyone to explore the great outdoors. Whether you are looking to swim, walk, kayak, or just enjoy nature, Athens has something for you to enjoy.

• Big Dogs on the River: This is a kayaking experience down the Middle Oconee River through 3 different shoals. The river trail is 3.5 miles long and takes a typical group of people anywhere from 2-3 hours to complete. There are Class I and Class II shoals available depending on the water levels. It is $25 per person and that covers the shuttle, equipment, and parking fees. It is open for kayaking Monday-Saturday.
• Bishop Park: This park has a pool and athletic fields as well as trails for biking and walking.
• Memorial Park and Bear Hollow Zoo: Memorial Park is home to a pool, a lake, the zoo, and the Birchmore Trail. Fishing is allowed in the lake here. This Bear Hollow Zoo was designed to keep wounded and disabled animals who have physical or behavioral issues that prohibit them from being released back into the wild or taking up residence at other zoos. This zoo is interactive and allows people to see animals in as natural of a habitat as possible while learning about the different species present. Admission to the park and the zoo is free.
• Sandy Creek Park and Lake Chapman: This park has tons of different options that keep people coming back over and over again. Whether you want to spend time at the amphitheater, the beach, swimming, boating, kayaking, hiking, fishing, canoeing, or using one of the many sports courts, there are plenty of options. One of my personal favorite things to do here is stand up paddleboard with Floating Peach Paddle Co. which is a company based out of the park.
• The Firefly Trail: This is a trail that has been a project in Athens for quite some time; they are always finding ways to extend it and make it longer. People often bike, run, and walk it on pretty fall and spring days in Athens. They currently have a mile done and a 7-mile addition is underway currently. It is accessible to Downtown and parking is available at the west end of Dudley Park with access to the trailhead on Old Winterville Road.
• University of Georgia State Botanical Gardens: These gardens have 7 different trails to choose from full of different flowers, bushes, and trees as well as tons of species of butterflies, birds, and other wildlife. The trails take you to the river, passing wetlands, up and down hills, to outlooks, and through stream valleys.

In addition to all of these off-campus options, the University of Georgia spans 767 acres and is all clumped in downtown Athens. So, if you want to take a quick walkthrough North Campus or down the railroad tracks, there is an option for you right outside the door of your dorm or a few minutes from your apartment.

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