Created by Volunteers for Athens
On land that couldn't be Developed.
Trail Head: 2521 Redfern Drive
The trail head and parking area has a map of the trails and a calculator to show how many calories you will burn based on your weight and activity level.
Eagle Run
This is the first portion of the trail. It is lined on one side with wildflowers and on the other with mature trees for shade.
Wooded Trails
The Dogwood Trail travels up and over the ridge, offering switchbacks to make it a relatively easy climb. There are Red Oak, Hickory, Poplar, Maples, and of course Dogwood trees. The Bloodroot Trail is named for the Bloodroot Flower which was used by Native Americans for dye and body paints. This trail offers a steeper climb.
Open Air Trails
This group of trails contains: Goldfinch Trail, Butterfly Meadow Trail, Ridge Loop, Eagle Landing, Trillium Loop, and Blackberry Loop. Each of these trails offers something special from food to wildlife.
Eagle Run
Partridge Pea
The seed is one of the major food items of birds because it remains in sound condition throughout the winter and early spring.
Indian Blanket Flower
It is a hardy plant, not picky about soil, though sandy and well-drained are best. It has a high drought tolerance and does best with a dry, hot climate in full sun. Its vibrantly colored flowers can be seen carpeting fields and the sides of highways for miles in the summer to late fall.
Eagle Run Straightaway
A picture of the long stretch where hikers and walkers are kept in the shade during the hotter months. The flower side of the trails has young trees that will eventually grow to create another visual barrier to the industrial areas.
Mountain Mint
These mint plants with white tinted leaves are often used for respiratory ailments in teas. It is common between Illinois and Florida.
Wooded Trails
You Pick Your Intensity
With two wooded trails you can choose to go on a steeper hike (Bloodroot Trail) or an easier walk (Dogwood Trail).
Bloodroot
If you're up for the challange try and find the Bloodroot plant, which blooms in the spring.
Do You See What I See
If you look closely you might see one of these in the trees. There are many kinds of spiders in our wooded trails, but you may not see them because of their extensive camouflage. Be on the lookout for these masters of disguise.
Scotch Thistle
Silybum marianum or the Scotch Thistle was originally from Europe, but can be found on at the beginning of Dogwood Trail. This flower is also the symbol for Scotland and is promiently displayed in the movie Braveheart.
Open Air Trails
Blackberry Loop
After you walk through the wooded trails you will be at the Blackberry Loop. This trail goes back and forth up the ridge and is lined with tasty and tart blackberries.
The Passion of Athens
It's in iced tea, body lotions, ice cream, and just about everything now. Passion fruit is scattered all over Eagle Landing and Trillium Loop. Above is a picture of the passion fruit's flower in bloom.
Eagle Landing
At the top of the Trillium Loop is Eagle Landing. This is a great place to take a picnic or pet the sunflowers. There are benches and picnic tables were you can enjoy the scenic view.
What's the Story...
...Morning Glory. Though the phrase is from the play Bye Bye Birdie this flower is actually very attractive to hummingbirds.
Ready to Explore?
Come Wander and Wonder.