Sandy Creek Nature Center Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Wildlife

This route is an excellent getaway from the city of Athens. Being only 2 or 3 miles from the UGA campus and downtown, it is just a short hike or drive for most people of the area. Expect relatively flat singletrack with almost no traffic. This route frequently follows sections of the North Oconee River, then increasing slightly in elevation to a path through moderately wooded areas.

These trails are extremely susceptible to flooding from the North Oconee River. If heavy rains have occurred in the past few days, this trail will need to dry out before it can be adequately useable again.

This trail can be accessed from 4 or 5 different entrances since this particular route is connecting multiple trails. Look for trail signs near the parking lot, if parked in the Education & Visiting Center parking lot (free).

From the Education and Visitor parking lot, head to the Levee Trail, and continue counter-clockwise. Heading this direction will take you to the north, before meandering back around south, passing around Kingfisher Pond, and following the North Oconee River.

The higher elevation sections go through wooded pine areas, with the occasional dip down to the North Oconee River, where the trail follows along the river bank.