Need to get outside? This guide will help you plan where to go around the Macon area. Just be sure to follow social distancing guidelines, even outdoors. Some areas may be closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and guidelines are constantly changing, so it’s recommended you check before traveling.
Day Hikes
Dauset Trails Nature Center
360 Mount Vernon Church Road, Jackson
Dauset Trails has a moderately strenuous 6-mile loop for hiking, as well as other trails for biking and horseback riding, and a nature center.
Hitchiti Loop Trail
171-187 Hitchiti Road, Hillsboro
This beautiful hike is a 3.8-mile loop around the Ocmulgee River. It is listed as an easy hike, so you can calmly enjoy the serenity of the area.
Pig Trail
4730 N. Mumford Road, Macon
This trail is a 7.4-mile loop that can be used for mountain biking or hiking. It is marked as a beginner/intermediate trail.
Red Cockaded Woodpecker Trail
Forest Service Road, Hillsboro
This is a 2.3-mile hike near a lake with many trees that look gorgeous in autumn.
Historic and Tranquil Trails Loop
42 Towaliga River Drive, Jackson
This hike is a 2.2-mile loop in High Falls State Park with beautiful foliage near water. It has many flowers and would be a lovely stroll.
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park
1207 Emery Highway, Macon
The Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park hike is a 5.5-mile loop with very little elevation gain to make for a relaxing, long day hike. It explores Native American mounds for an extra educational experience added to the hike.
Allison Lake Wildlife Trail
Allison Lake Road, Hillsboro
This hike is a relatively flat 2.4-mile loop to make for a simple morning or afternoon hike.
Kinnard Horse Trail
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, Kinnard Creek Trail, Monticello
This hike is a relatively flat 3.4-mile loop that is not for horseback riding, despite the name.
Mountain Biking Trails
Mountain bike rental and repair is available from Bike Tech in Macon and Atlanta Trek in metro Atlanta.
Thomson Loop
Access from behind L.H. Thomson, 7800 NE Industrial Blvd., Macon
The Thomson Loop has beginner and intermediate level trails. The main trail is 4 miles, and there is 1/2 mile of auxiliary trails.
Arrowhead Park Loop
Lake Tobesofkee, Macon
The Arrowhead Park Loop is an intermediate level trail. The main trail is 6 miles, and there are two miles of auxiliary trails.
Campgrounds
Lake Tobesofkee
6600 Moseley Dixon Road, Macon
There is no hiking required to get to the Lake Tobesofkee campsites, and there are a lake and park grounds. Reservations are required.
Dames Ferry
9546 Georgia Highway 87, Juliette
No hiking is required to get to the campsites, some of which are on the waterfront, at Dames Ferry. Fishing is allowed on the lake for those with a Georgia fishing license. Reservations are required.
Fishing
You must have a Georgia fishing license to fish if you are over the age of 16.
Javors Lucas Lake
150 Broach Lane Macon
Check the Macon Water Authority’s website for fees and hours.
Lake Tobesofkee at Arrowhead Park
2800 Arrowhead Drive, Lizella
Lake Tobesofkee is stocked with a variety of fish, including several types of bass, crappie, bream and catfish.
Additional Resources
Here are a few websites that can help you find your next outdoor adventure
- AllTrails — Shows you hiking trails in an area you select, including reviews and pictures.
- Hipcamp — Shows all campsites in a given area as well as the price to reserve them. You can even reserve a campsite through the app.
- Sunvalley River Rides — Offers horseback riding through a river.
Content courtesy Recreational Sports and Wellness and Mercer Outdoors.
