Georgia > West Central Region > Muscogee County > Columbus

Columbus Riverwalk is a 22 mile-long linear park along the east bank of the Chattahoochee River that provides a unique combination of urban and natural environments for casual strollers and hikers, joggers, bicyclists and fishermen. Links below take you to an interactive map and a virtual tour.

Beginning in 1987/88 as a response to federal mandated sewage and water upgrades, the Water Works of Columbus along with local government and civic leaders created a partnership that has resulted in one of the cities premier tourist attractions.

The award-winning engineering design was done by Jordan, Jones and Goulding, both an Atlanta and Columbus based environmental engineering consulting firm. This design template is still in use today as additional phases are brought in, and a changing usage base is cultivated. Original construction began in 1989 and Phase I had a grand opening on Columbus Day 1992 with a large kazoo parade behind Golden Park. This one-mile area spanned from the dam at The River Club to behind the Trade Center and featured restrooms, ADA accessibility, and easy access from downtown at Bay Avenue.

Phase II was a large project that took the length of the Riverwalk to 12 miles. It passed Golden Park, The Civic Center, Rotary Park and Rigdon Park, linking all of these together. Long term planning provided access to the Naval Museum, Leisure pools, and the Oxbow Environmental Learning Center with it’s varied attractions, including three canopy rope bridges. Phase III extended another three miles to the Infantry Center at Fort Benning and was awarded the best Military Installation in the world.

Phases IV and V included the northern section of the Riverwalk from TSYS campus to Bibb Mill, on to Lake Oliver. A 22-mile linear park provides an asphalt trail with restrooms and access for all persons from the sports minded hiker or cyclist to the perfect spot for fishing. Columbus State University and the River Center have added to the usage of the Riverwalk by providing a home to the CSU School of Music in the downtown area by utilizing the area as a downtown campus.

Links:

• Read more about Columbus Riverwalk including a tour map, access points, and a virtual tour.
• Find other Columbus, Georgia travel and recreation resources.

 Georgia > Atlanta Metro Region > Fulton County > Palmetto

The rural landscape of the Chattahoochee Hill Country is featured in the 29-mile bike tour of South Fulton County. Bycyclists will see historic communities as well as scenic Cochran Mill Park. The Chattahoochee River is nearby.

This South Fulton Scenic Bike Route follows a 29-mile loop through the rolling hills, forested ridges, and serene pastures of this quiet corner of metropolitan Atlanta. Following Cochran Mill Road, Hutcheson Ferry Road, and Campbellton-Redwine Road, the byway highlights the area’s historic communities, bucolic farmhouses, preserved rural character, and quiet lifestyle. Visitors will find many recreational opportunities at Cochran Mill Park, Cochran Mill Nature Center, or the nearby Chattahoochee River. VIEW AN INTERACTIVE MAP showing the route including:

• Cochran Mill Park
• Cochran Mill Nature Center
• Chattahoochee Hills - Rico
• Chattahoochee Hills - Serenbe

In addition to the historic communities and farmhouses found along the Byway, visitors can enjoy Cochran Mill Park, Cochran Mill Nature Center, and the nearby Chattahoochee River, which provide many recreational opportunities. VIEW INTERACTIVE MAP.

Directions
From I-20 to Exit 49
South on SR 70 (Fulton Industrial Boulevard)
Byway begins at intersection with SR 92

From I-85 to Exit 56
North on Collinsworth Road
Collinsworth Road becomes Fayetteville Road
Fayetteville Road becomes Toombs Road
Turn right onto Hutcheson Ferry Road
The byway begins at intersection with Cochran Mill Road

From I-85 to Exit 69
Turn South on South Fulton Parkway (SR 14 Spur)
Turn right onto Rivertown Road
The byway begins at intersection with Cochran Mill Road

FOLLOW THESE FIVE TIPS FOR SAFER BICYCLING

1. Obey Traffic Laws. Bicyclists must know and obey all traffic laws, signs, signals, and pavement markings.
2. Wear a Bicycle Helmet. Georgia law requires those under the age of 16 operating a bicycle or riding as a passenger to wear a certified and properly attached helmet. A well-fitting, properly worn, certified helmet could save your brain and your life.
3. Always Ride With The Flow Of Traffic. Riding against traffic significantly increases the opportunity for and severity of crashes. Motorists, other bicyclists, and pedestrians are not looking for anyone bicycling in the wrong direction on the wrong side of the roadway.
4. Pass Only On The Left. Only pass on the right judiciously. Other road users are not typically looking for anyone passing on the right. Passing on the right increases the likelihood of crashes.
5. Be Predictable. Use hand signals to indicate your intentions to turn, change lanes, merge, slow, and/or stop. Your position within the roadway and in a lane will also, indirectly, signal your intentions. Avoid sudden unexpected movements. Do not weave in and out of traffic. Pick and hold a steady line.

Winding along the Ocmulgee River in Central Georgia, the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail provides an environment for walking, biking, boating, bird watching and many other activities.

The Ocmulgee Heritage Trail is the only riverside trail and park system in Middle Georgia. The Trail is first and foremost a recreational resource providing an exceptional environment for walking, biking, boating, bird watching and many other activities. Easily accessible from Interstates 16 and 75 and downtown Macon, the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail provides a peaceful respite from the bustle of urban life.

The Trail is also a cultural resource that connects people and places to celebrate our shared history of life along the Ocmulgee River. Many of our community’s historic treasures can be discovered along the Trail: the Ocmulgee National Monument, Historic Rose Hill Cemetery, and Macon’s original water works. On any given day, people of all walks of life can share at least one thing in common – the pleasure of recreating and relaxing on the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail.

The Trail is a public-private partnership managed by NewTown Macon in cooperation with the Macon-Bibb County Parks & Recreation department. Other key partners include the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Georgia Department of Transportation, Macon Water Authority, Ocmulgee National Monument, Urban Development Authority, and generous businesses, individuals and foundations.

Links

• Read more about the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail.
• Read more about the Ocmulgee River.
• Download a poster of the Ocmulgee River showing historical and envonmental features of the entire watershed.

Tours of Sapelo Island are among the outdoor adventures of the Macon-based Georgia Wilderness Society. The Sapelo Ferry is pictured above.

The Georgia Wilderness Society is a non-profit organization of outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, camping, canoeing and other wilderness experiences. It’s based in Macon with members from several states. Tours and trips extend throughout the Southeastern United States.

Georgia Wildernes Society meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of February, April, June, October and December at 7:30pm at the Museum of Arts and Sciences in Macon.

A newsletter is available online in pdf format, and upcoming trips are available on the GWS website, which is usually more current than the newsletter.

Characteristic tours and outings include:

• Canoeing
• Backpacking
• Bike rides
• Social events
• Explorations of Georgia’s barrier islands
• Hiking on the Appalachian Trail