Oconee Forest Park
Welcome to Oconee Forest Park, a serene escape nestled in Athens, Georgia, where nature enthusiasts and casual walkers alike can find solace amidst lush greenery and scenic views. Rated 4.6 stars by visitors, this beautiful park is open 24 hours a day, making it an ideal destination for early risers or night owls looking to unwind in the tranquility of nature. With its picturesque trails winding through ancient oak trees and along the shimmering lake, Oconee Forest Park is perfect for a leisurely stroll, an invigorating jog, or a quiet moment of reflection. Located conveniently within Athens, just a stone's throw from the bustling UGA campus, Oconee Forest Park offers a unique opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of city life without straying far from modern amenities. Visitors have praised the well-maintained trails, with many suggesting a left turn after the bridge to soak in stunning lake views and refreshing breezes. While some have noted that the park could benefit from updated signage and additional path markers, the overall experience remains delightful, as evidenced by glowing reviews from satisfied guests. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to Athens, Oconee Forest Park promises a refreshing retreat into nature, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and recreation. For more information, check out our website at warnell.uga.edu or give us a call at (706) 542-4287.
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Reviews & Questions
Google Reviews
Jason
Nice walk. No bikes. I recommend turning left after the bridge to enjoy the lake breeze and view. A bit loud in the back with highway traffic if noise and what not is what you’re trying to avoid. There’s also access to the abandoned railroad.
Dave Malone
Beautiful park! Trails are kept pretty good. The signage is a bit old and could use a refresher, well for the new people walking it for the first time. But it's not so big that you'd get yourself lost. And there are enough people around that eventually you could just follow someone out.
John Godwin
Great place to “escape” the big city/UGA campus within a city I’ve ever seen. You will feel like you are in the middle of nowhere with 100 year old Oak trees, and undisturbed forests, beautiful area! Great place to take your dog on an adventure!
Nicole Oey
Nice lake view. Challenge course only open for UGA students I'm guessing. There are tires with painted words along the trail of the lake side. Nice for jogging. I had a nice short walk, didn't go for longer trails.
C R
Nice path along the lake and through the woods. Walked it with a 2 year old. Cell service all over. Needs more path markers. Easy to get lost. The map at the entrance isn't too good. Just turn on Google maps if you get lost. Fishing allowed most places. biking allowed on big path.
Wayne Ryan
Great place to come for a walk! Trails don't exactly connect so some parts involve walking alongside the road from the lake to where the trails starts. Pet friendly, so bring your pet! Parking can be limited during the semester, especially if the band is practicing.
Sarah Bennet
I have been coming here for years now and it is so cool to see how the trails have evolved since my first walk through the woods. I am so happy they have reopened the beach and cleaned up the lake, but I would love to see there be another off-leash dog area again.
Karen Phillips
I love this park on the edge of UGA. There are a lot of pretty walking trails through the woods and a large lake with a bridge across it. The restroom by the tennis courts is closed during the covid 19 pandemic as well as the fields. This is still a wonderful place to go for a shady walk or run.
Eva
this park is so natural. You can get beautiful photos from this park in each season. It is a really good place for walking or jogging. Fishing is also another good choice. we've fished here before and we got a turtle from the lake! But finally we let it go back to the water. We don't want to hurt it. haha~
E Brown
Nice trails for a relaxing walk or a great trail run with plenty of elevation change!
