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| Nature Centers - Wildlife Center - Botanical Gardens - Arboretums |
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Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center - On this 6.400-acre preserve, enjoy 29 ponds and a five-acre rock outcropping, hiking, fishing, birds, hunting and camping. Open: Center Tue.-Sat. 9a.m. - 4:30p.m. Free. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired. Phone: 770-784-3059 – Address: 543 Elliott Trail, Mansfield, GA 30055 |
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Dauset Trails Nature Center - Explore the ponds, creeks, wildflower fields, wooded trails and nature center. Camping for groups available. Open: Mon.-Sat. 9a.m.-5p.m. Sun. 12-5p.m. Call for guided tours. Free. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired, Party Facilities. Phone: 770-775-6798
Address: 360 Mt. Vernon Rd., Jackson, GA 30233 |
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Lewis Vaughn Botanical Gardens are nestled in the heart of downtown Conyers, Georgia Piedmont-native plants thrive here. Open: Daily 9a.m.-6p.m. Free.
Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired, Party Facilities
Phone: 770-602-2606, 800-CONYERS
Address: Main, Center, Commercial and Railroad Sts., Conyers, GA 30012 |
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1839 Lockerly Hall and Lockerly Arboretum is a fine example of plantation architecture. Tours available with Milledgeville CVB. Mon.-Wed. for Hall. Open: 8:30a.m.-4:30p.m. Call for Sat. hours. Free. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms
Phone: 478-452-2112 – Address: 1534 Irwinton Rd., Milledgeville, GA 31061 |
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Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge - Hiking trails, wildlife drive and fishing are available. Open: Daylight hours. Visitors center Mon.-Fri. 7:30a.m.-5p.m. Free.
Phone: 478-986-5441 – Address: 718 Juliette Rd., Round Oak, GA 31038 |
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Sandy Creek Nature Center - Exhibits, native wildlife and 225 acres of woodland, fields and marshland. Open: Trails daily. Center Tu.-Sat. 8:30a.m.-5:30p.m. Call for tours. Naturalist walk Sat. 10a.m. Free. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired - Phone: 706-613-3615
Address: 205 Old Commerce Rd., Athens, GA 30607 |
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State Botanical Garden of Georgia - A dazzling three-story tropical conservatory dominates this 313-acre preserve, along with a visitors center and café. Open: Call for hours and guided tours. Donations accepted. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired, Food. - Phone: 706-542-1244
Address: 2450 S. Milledge Ave., Athens, GA 30607 |
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University of Georgia Arboretum - Thanks to its attractive biologically diverse collection of trees, shrubs and plants, the campus was designated an arboretum. Open: Daily.
Phone: 706-542-0842 – Address: UGA Campus, Athens, GA 30602 |
| Lakes |
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Jackson Lake is great for swimming, boating and fishing. Daily. Free.
Amenities: Parking - Phone: 706-468-8994
Address: GA Hwys 16 & 212, Monticello, GA 31064 |
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Lake Juliette - With 3,600 acres strictly for fishing, the lake prohibits boats with engines greater than 25 horsepower, as well as personal watercrafts. Open: Daily. Mar-Oct 7a.m.-10p.m. Phone: 478-994-9239, 888-642-4628, 888-GPC-LAKE
Address: US Hwy. 23 and GA Hwy. 87, Juliette, GA 31046 |
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Lake Oconee - Enjoy boating, fishing, and golfing along lovely Lake Oconee. Open: Daily. Dawn-dusk. Free. Amenities: Parking. Phone: 706-485-7701 – Address: Eaton, GA 31024 |
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Lake Sinclair in Eatonton is 417 miles of scenic shoreline with public boat ramps, tailrace fishing and various other activities for your enjoyment. Daily. Free. Amenities: Parking and Public Restrooms. Phone: 706-485-7701 – Located in Eatonton, GA 31024 |
| 5 |
Lake Sinclair in Milledgeville is an idyllic setting for boating, fishing and lakeside leisure. Daily. Free. Amenities: Parking and Public Restrooms
Phone: 478-452-4687, 800-653-1804 - Address: US Hwy 441, Milledgeville, GA 31061 |
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Turner Lake is a great place for fishing, hiking and walking.
Phone: 706-468-8994, 706-468-8043 Address: 6185 Turner Lake Rd, Covington, GA 30014 |
| Local Parks - Nature Trails - Forest & Recreation Areas |
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Bartram Forest has walking trails, bird-watching, educational kiosks, a pavilion and garden. Open: Mon-Fri. 8a.m.-4:30p.m.. Free. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired. Phone: 478-445-2119
Address: US Hwy. 441 S., Milledgeville, GA 31061 |
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Lawrence Shoals Recreation Area fun activities includes boating, swimming, picnicking and camping are offered. Open: Sun.-Thurs. 7a.m.-9p.m. Fri.-Sat. 7a.m.-10p.m. Call for camping fees. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired
Phone: 706-485-5494 – Address: 125 Wallace Dam Rd., Eatonton, GA 31024 |
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Memorial Park and Bear Hollow Wildlife Trail covers 72 acres with a lake and a zoo, which is home to more than 120 species of native animals. Open: Mon.-Fri. 8a.m.-Sun.set. Weekends, holidays, 9a.m. to Sunset. Free. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired
Phone: 706-613-3580 – Address: 293 Gran Ellen Dr., Athens, GA 30606 |
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North Oconee River Greenway and Heritage Trail connects Sandy Creek Park, Sandy Creek Nature Center, North Oconee River Park, Dudley Park and UGA with 7 miles of trails. Open: Daily sunrise-sunset. Free. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired - Phone: 706-613-3615
Address: 205 Old Commerce Rd., Athens, GA 30607 |
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Oconee Forest Park is a 60-acre, 100-year-old forest park has lakeshore hikes, bike trails, a picnic area and a network of trails with more than 100 kinds of native trees and shrubs. Daily. Free. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired.
Phone: 706-542-1571 – Address: UGA Recreational Sports Complex, College Station and E. Campus Road, Athens, GA 30602 |
| Outdoor Walking & Driving Tours - Many are Historic Sites |
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Alice Walker Driving Tour is a self-guided driving trail takes you to points of interest of Alice Walker. Brochure available at the Chamber of Commerce.
Phone: 770-358-3132 – Address: 105 S. Washington St., Eatonton, GA 31024 |
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Barnesville Walking Tour is where you will enjoy the charm of small-town Barnesville with its many Victorian homes, quaint shops and picturesque neighborhoods.
Phone: 770-358-2732 – Address: : Downtown Barnesville, Barnesville, GA 30204 |
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Double-Barreled Cannon - This weapon, still pointing north, may be one of the most unusual from the Civil War. It was built at the foundry in 1862 when the community feared attack. Open: Daily. Free. Located at College and Hancock Sts., Athens, GA 30601 |
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Elder's Mill Covered Bridge in Watkinsville, was built in 1897 and is 100 feet long.
Phone: 706-769-5197. Directions: From Athens, take Hwy. 441 for 9 miles south to downtown Watkinsville, go south on Hwy. 15 for 4 1/2 miles and east on Elder's Mill Road for 1 mile. In Herman Michael Park. Covered Bridge picture, map and more info. |
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Haralson Mill Covered Bridge in Conyers is open to traffic. It was built in 1997 and is 150 feet long. Phone: 770-532-6206. Directions: From Atlanta, take I-20 east to Exit 40 at Sigman Road to Hwy. 20 north, go east on Bethel road and north on Haralson Mill Road. In Panola Mountain State Conservation Park. Covered Bridge picture, map and more info. |
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Founders Memorial Garden features a fountain, winding walkways, ornamental shrubbery and an 1857 antebellum home form this grand memorial to the founders of America’s first garden club. Open: Daily. Free. Amenities: Parking and Party Facilities
Phone: 706-542-1365 – Address: : 325 S. Lumpkin., Athens, GA 30602 |
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Historic Commercial District Tour is a self-guided walking tours, maps and brochures are available at the Chamber of Commerce. Amenities:Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired. Phone: 478-994-9239, 888-642-4628
Located in Downtown Forsyth, GA 31029 |
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Historic Piedmont Scenic Byway Drive Route - Traveling through Putnam and Hancock Counties, the Historic Piedmont Scenic Byway stretches for 82 miles. From the Rock Hawk effigy, built by Native Americans thousands of years ago, to Glen Mary Plantation and other antebellum homes, this route reveals a region of Georgia that is rich in historic and cultural qualities. The scenic and natural beauty of the Piedmont is also on display as the byway travels through the Oconee National Forest, across the Oconee and Ogeechee Rivers, and past acres of rolling farmland. Scenic Byway Driving Tour picture, map and more info. |
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Perry Historic Walking/ Riding Tour is a self-guided walking or driving tour of historical homes and significant sites in Perry. Brochure available at the New Perry Hotel or the Perry Welcome Center. Phone: 706-485-7701, 706-485-3277
Address: 101 General Courtney Hodges Blvd., Perry, GA 31069 |
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Horticulture Trail Garden displays exquisite ornamentals are performance-tested in seasonally rotating gardens. Open: Office hours Mon.- Fri. 8a.m.-5p.m. Garden always open. Call for guided tours. Free. Amenities: Public Restrooms. Phone: 706-542-2471
Address: 1111 Plant Science Bldg., Address: UGA Campus, Athens, GA 30602 |
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Lights on Macon Illumination Tour - Some of the city’s most resplendent homes are lit 365 days a year to showcase their unique architectural features on this free self-guided tour. Nightly at dusk.
Phone: 478-743-3401, 800-768-3401 - Address: Downtown Macon, Macon, GA 31201 |
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Monastery of the Holy Spirit - The 2,000-acre grounds include a bonsai garden greenhouse, lake and plenty of great walking areas. It hosts service, tours and religious retreats. Open: Daily 10a.m.-5p.m. Vespers at 5:20. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired. Phone: 770-483-8705
Address: 2625 GA Hwy 212, Conyers, GA 30094 |
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Monticello Crossroads Scenic Byway Drive Route - Pine forests and rolling pastures dominate the views along the Monticello Crossroads Scenic Byway as it runs through Jasper County. This 29-mile Byway emphasizes the rural and historic qualities of the area. Native Americans and evangelical Methodist Circuit Riders once used these routes as they crossed the state. Highway 83 was also part of the Seven Island Stage Coach Road that ran from Augusta to New Orleans and the Natchez Trace. Several structures and the central business district of Monticello have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Amenities: Parking, Accessibility for mobility-impaired Phone: 706-468-8834 More info and map. Scenic Byway Driving Tour picture, map and more info. |
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Monticello Historic District Driving Tour - Free brochure available in visitors center.
Phone: 706-468-8894 – Address: 123. W. Washington St., Monticello, GA 31064 |
| 15 |
Old Clinton Historic District - This pre-Civil War hamlet is the “town that time forgot.” Self-guided tour brochure available. Read the history on markers and enjoy the park. Free. Amenities: Parking, Accessibility for mobility-impaired
Phone: 478-986-1123 – Address: US Hwy. 129, Clinton, GA 31032 |
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Rock Eagle Effigy - About 5,000 years old, this prehistoric rock effigy in the shape of an eagle is believed to have been built by a tribe of Creek Indians as a ceremonial meeting place. Open: Daily. Free.
Phone: 706-484-2800 – Address: 350 Rock Eagle Rd., Eatonton, GA 31024 |
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Rose Hill Cemetery - Many famous Macon citizens rest here, including Civil War soldiers and Southern rock ‘n’ roll legend Duane Allman. Open: Daily until Sunset. Free.
Amenities: Parking, Accessibility for mobility-impaired
Phone: 478-743-3401 or 800-768-3401 - Address: 1091 Riverside Dr, Macon, GA 31204 |
| 18 |
Seven Islands Trail is an Indian trail, which later became a stagecoach route, dates back to 1670. Travel dirt roads and enjoy a nostalgic ride throughout Jasper County. Open Daily
Phone: 706-468-8994 – Address: Jasper County, Monticello, GA 31064 |
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Soldiers’ Cemetery - Two buildings on the Oxford College campus served as hospitals during the Civil War. Also see a cemetery with the graves of 25 Confederate soldiers.
Open: Daily. Free. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms
Phone: 800-723-8328 – Address: Oxford College Campus, Oxford, GA 30054 |
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Print a Travel Region Map
Check out Historic Heartland Travel Region activities and info below:
State Parks & Historic Sites
Festivals & Events
Free Indoor Activities
Activities $5 & Under
Tourist Centers
Travel Region Info
Check out Georgia's 9 Travel Regions Info
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