Jones County and City Parks in Georgia - Visit Brender-Hitchiti Forest, Carol's Park, Central Recreation Complex, Miller Lake Rec. Area, Old Clinton Roadside Park, Piedmont National Widelife Refuge, The South Complex and more. Call 706-468-4916 for information.
Brender-Hitchiti Forest - Also known as the Hitchiti Experimental Forest occupies 4,735 acres of land.
The U.S. Forest Service, the Georgia Forestry Commission and the Southern Industrial Forest Research Council established the Brender Demonstration Forest cooperatively. The Brender Forest is a place where people can learn about the forests of the Southern Piedmont Plateau. They can also learn about the many options for managing these forests to conserve and utilize this valuable natural resource.
Visitors to the Brender Forest can see results from over 40 years of scientific research and field experience. The core of the Brender Forest is the 4,735-acre Hitchiti Experimental Forest, however the demonstrations are not limited to this site. There are also an Arboretum of native Georgia trees, two interpretive walking trails & the Hitchiti Natural area.
The headquarters are located on Jarrell Plantation Road with an auditorium that seats 60 and houses displays. The Brender staff can facilitate groups up to 65 people and is available to organize guided tours and seminars. Drop-in visitors are welcome but should contact the Brender office going to demonstration areas. Some roads are closed to unescorted motorists but hiking is encouraged throughout the forest.
Phone: 478-986-3914 - Hitchiti-Brender office - Directions: Georgia about 18 miles northeast of Macon at longitude 83 42'30 W., Latitude 33 1'30 N.
Carol's Park is right in the middle of downtown Gray is a community park named for long-time Director of the Gray-Jones County Clean Community Commission, Carol Brittain. The park is adjacent to the Jones County Courthouse. The park, complete with gazebo, picnic tables, benches, and beautiful landscaping, was completed in 1996 and is available for public use.
Central Recreation Complex has facilities for both individuals and groups. In addition to baseball, softball, and football fields, there are lighted tennis courts, an outdoor basketball court, and covered picnic areas with grills for cooking with charcoal. The main building at the Central Complex has a concession stand with restroom facilities. Gymnasium facilities, and a lighted adult softball field. Phone: 478-986-6075 - Location: Highway 18 East, Gray Georgia 31032
Miller Lake Recreation Area has a 12-acre lake that provides public recreational opportunities including fishing, picnicking, hiking around the lake, and a habitat for various waterfowl species and fisheries. Picnic sites, fishing piers, and a pavillion are available within the area. The area is within the Oconee National Forest and is provided through the efforts of the Jones County Commission, the U. S. Forest Service, and a grant from the National Forest Foundation. A fee is charged for daily usage. 8 miles from downtown Gray on US 129 toward Eatonton Directions: Miller Lake Recreation Area in the Blountsville Community of northeast Jones County is located approximately 8 miles from downtown Gray on US 129 toward Eatonton.
Old Clinton Roadside Park has a roadside historic markers depicting the history of the area. Picnic area. Phone: 478-986-1123 - Location: US Hwy. 129, Clinton Georgia 31032
Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge is a 35,000 acre wildlife refuge. Photography, fishing and educational opportunities. Daylight hours, special programs and tours by reservation. Outdoor recreation is also provided by the Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge, a 35,000-acre wildlife management area Administered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the refuge offers visitors the opportunity to see beaver, racoon, opossum, turkey, deer, over 200 species of birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. A visitor center, hiking trails, a wildlife drive, environmental educational programs, fishing, and special programs for hunting are provided by the refuge. Visit our website. - Phone: 478-986-5441 Location: 718 Round Oak/Juliette Rd, Round Oak Georgia 31038 - Directions: NW of Gray off Hwy 11
The South Complex - 478- 742-3535 - 436 GA Hwy 49 Park Amenities: A wide range of organized youth leagues are provided through volunteer efforts in football, basketball, baseball, softball, boxing and soccer.
