Ocmugee Heritage Greenway
Ocmulgee Heritage Trail
The official Ocmulgee Heritage Trail web site
is elaborate. Unfortunately, it has not been updated
since 2006. Below is a concise and more nearly up-to-date description of the
Greenway and the Heritage Trail.
History
Macon owes its existence to the river, yet you would be hard pressed to tell
that now. Nearly all riverfront through Macon is abandoned. The Greenway is a
project to reclaim the river for public use. Presently, the Greenway follows
the river for about two miles in downtown. The short term goal is to extend it 6.5 miles
throughout Macon. The ultimate goal is to extend it 35 miles along the river.
Despite the name Heritage Greenway, the park is of
contemporary design. Its unifying feature is an all-purpose trail, designed
for handicap access. I don't know how many handicapped persons actually use the path,
but it is popular with the modern family-on-wheels: baby carriages, bicycles, and
roller skates. The Greenway is not managed for wildlife. Nevertheless
the river does provide some
viewing opportunities.
Spring Street Park
The main part of the Greenway is across the river from
downtown Macon. Spring Street Park features parking
and the only public boat ramp in the Greenway. Directions to Spring Street Park.
Central City Park
Central City Park includes the
southeastern trailhead and parking. Directions to Central City Park.
Northeast of the Greenway
From the Otis Redding Bridge, it is possible to walk along city sidewalks
about half a mile to
the Ocmulgee National Monument. The Monument has excellent trails with
heritage and wildlife. Directions to the Monument.
Southwest of the Greenway
Another public area along the Ocmulgee River is the Rose Hill
Cemetery. Eventually it will become a part of the Greenway, but today it is
possible to
walk there via about half a mile of city sidewalks. Directions to the cemetery.
Beyond Macon
Downstream, Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
manages some land slated to become part of the Greenway. That tract is not
open to the public, but Bond Swamp has some other trails that are excellent.
Upstream seven miles, Oconee National Forest holds some land for the
Greenway. Further upstream, the Forest already has a trail along the Ocmulgee River.
Last edited 4 March 2008.
This page is just a starting point. Once you decide which sites you might
visit, we strongly recommend you contact the owner or manager for the
latest information on features, access, and safety.
Return to Middle Georgia Outdoors
David Farrier, farrier@iglou.com