Around Athens, I generally stick to the UGA Intramural Fields. However, if you drive about 10 to 15 minutes north of UGA to the Sandy Creek Nature Center, you’ll find Cook’s Greenway Trail, which is one of the best places to run in Athens, GA. Here’s what it’s like…
Facts
Distance – 4.1 miles (one-way) to Sandy Creek Park
Directions (click here for Google Maps)
Nuisance Factor – Beginning and end of the trail (about .5 mile) has a lot of exposed roots and rocks (annoying to Vibram runners). There’s a few wet spots here and there to avoid, and a few fallen limbs and trees. Avoid the trail at dusk – hoards of sand gnats invade the trail. Otherwise, nothing too annoying.
Bonus Factors – Beautiful boardwalk above the Creek for portions. Honeysuckles overhang portions of the trail giving the air a sweet, luscious smell during the Spring. Relatively flat terrain. Lots of wildlife (you’ll trip over all the bunnies…who get to be annoying after awhile). Very little foot traffic.
Photos
Go run Cook’s Trail in Athens, GA. Here’s the directions to the south trail head in Sandy Creek Nature Center.
View Cook’s Trail in a larger map