Many of our guests have requested information from us on where to find hiking trails in Perry, Georgia. We did a little research and found that there are several interesting and refreshing hikes a person can take right in the little historic city of Perry, as well as many larger trails at area parks and national historic places. Get out and take one of the following hikes – it’s good for the soul!
Rotary Centennial Park offers a few choices of trails to take on between a ½ mile to a 2 mile walk. From Twin Oaks, take Exit 135 off I-75 and go right. Then take a left on Gen. Courtney Hodges Blvd and just before the road splits, take a right onto Martin Luther King Drive. Park in the parking lot on your left and enjoy two nature walks there. (Address: 650 General Courtney Hodges Blvd, Perry, GA 31069)
There you will find Big Indian Creek Waterway Trails. The longest of the two is the Whitetail Trail. This trail runs under the road and into the woods on the other side. You do hear some road noise, but it fades away as you tread along. It’s paved, yet fairly wild. To quote one Google reviewer, “a very expensive looking paved trail into the primordial jungle along a river. You can imagine yourself in the Amazon. The trail itself just ends in the middle of nowhere, apparently unfinished.” It’s true, the trail runs along the river and does sometimes flood. In fact, it’s so swampy, there are signs to watch for alligators. But the trail is nice, partially paved, part boardwalk and wooden bridges and then it really does end into a dirt trail. If you turn around and head back to your car, you will have walked just over two very refreshing miles. Along the trail there are educational signs about the trees and fauna. We really enjoyed this walk – it’s fairly easy but does require some exertion. It’s a favorite of the hiking trails in Perry.
Also located at Rotary Park is a very short .7 mile looping trail called Weleetka Trail. This is a fantastic, easy stroll for anyone who struggles with walking issues or for those with young children. It’s a walk in the woods and if you take your time, you will enjoy exploring the mossy trees and fertile, mushroom-filled soil. There are also plenty of birds, squirrels and turtles for children to track and enjoy.
Now, if you gravitate toward the unusual, you can either walk the sidewalk alongside Courtney Hodges Blvd up the hill and to the right, or you can move your car to the parking lot up there. This is where you will find Evergreen Cemetery, one of the more special places in Perry, with a walking trail around its 12 acres from which you can view almost 2,200 gravesites dating from 1827. If you are a photographer, it’s a very fun place for pictures with the dramatic old headstones and the trees with their Spanish Moss. You can either go right and follow a circle around to the back or you can just go straight up the middle, under the entrance arch and stay on the path until it meets up with the outside loop. There are many of us who enjoy cemeteries as a reflective experience – a lesson in history with respect for the very fast passage of time. This hike is contemplative, quiet and calming.
Before you leave the area, drive the kids across Courtney Hodges to Creekwood Splash Park, an amenity of Creekwood Park located at 110 Ida Lasseter Road. Cool off under a variety of water fountains, water cannons, and one very large bucket that splashes onto the pad when filled up with water! No hiking here, just fun for the kids. Adults will enjoy watching under large umbrellas and benches situated around the pad. A large picnic area is nearby where you can enjoy your refreshments under the nearby pavilion. The Splashpad is open seasonally from 8:00 a.m. to sunset.
Perry’s largest park, Rozar Park, located near Perry Hospital at 1060 Keith Dr, offers a very nice nature trail around a couple of small fishing ponds full of bass, catfish and bream. It’s a great park for kids as it has a nice new playground and huge grassy areas to run and play. If you are into frisbee (disc) golf, they have an 18 hole course on site that looks very fun! (Bring your own frisbee!) Read the review here >> Disc Golf at Rozar Park
Once you finish hiking around Perry, be sure to check out the shops and restaurants in town. There are several cute coffee, ice cream and donut shops, terrific restaurants and interesting boutiques featuring local goods. There is a Farmer’s Market in town every Saturday morning as well. All in all, the City of Perry, Georgia is just adorable!
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In addition to these easy, refreshing hiking trails in Perry, Georgia, check out these trails within 20-60 minutes of Perry – there is much to explore here:
The Walk at Sandy Run is a 0.8 mile out and back trail located near Warner Robins, Georgia that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and running. Kids will love it as it’s perfect for skating and small bikes and it also has a little playground with slides.
Lake Tobesofkee Mountain Bike Loop is a 6.5 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Lizella, Georgia that offers scenic views and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from October until April. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Pay attention as you can veer off this trail and end up on a longer one.
Opelofa and Bartram Trails Loop is a 1.8 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Macon, Georgia that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. One AllTrails reviewer wrote, “A very nice trail in a very cool park! The trail is well maintained and decently marked. There is a good amount of shade with pockets of sun. What I liked the most about the trail is that it’s in the middle of the park which features many different significant historical sights. I had a great time being out in the wonderful fall weather, while getting to learn about the indigenous people and even see a few things that they built. I would highly recommend this trail and exploring the park!”
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. This park is a prehistoric American Indian site showcasing 17,000 years of continuous human inhabitation. The park offers 6 miles of trails along with mounds and artifacts to explore. It makes for a very interesting and enlightening day! (Located within the city limits of Macon, off I-16 east.)
Burma Road to Andersonville Trek is a 10.4 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Andersonville, in south Georgia and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and is especially great for mountain biking. And when you head to this area, check out the Andersonville National Historic Site. The Camp Sumter military prison at Andersonville was one of the largest Confederate military prisons during the Civil War. During the 14 months the prison existed, more than 45,000 Union soldiers were confined here. Of these, almost 13,000 died here. Today, Andersonville National Historic Site is a memorial to all American prisoners of war throughout the nation’s history.
Providence Canyon State Park (often called the ‘Little Grand Canyon’) offers several hiking trails for your enjoyment. Perimeter Loop Trail is a 2.1 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Omaha, Georgia that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Share your experiences hiking trails in Perry, Georgia in the comments below! Happy Hiking!
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