As the weather turns colder, GCSU students are starting to utilize local trails as well as trails at home to stay active. Popular Milledgeville trails include the Lockerly Arboretum, Bartram Forest and the Oconee Greenway.
The Lockerly Arboretum is known for its beautiful nature center that allows visitors to enjoy a garden, pond and walking trails. It also offers guided tours of Rose Hill, a historical house from the 1800s, field trips and summer camps.
“I love coming back to Milledgeville and visiting the Lockerly Arboretum with friends,” said Ella Caroll, a GCSU alumna. “I feel very calm when I look out into the pond and walk around the garden.”
Another Milledgeville favorite is Bartram Forest, home to wildlife and three hiking trails measuring 5.5 miles, 7.5 miles and 10.3 miles. The forest also includes hunting opportunities and an education center.
“I visit Bartram Forest every other weekend and enjoy the 5.5 mile hike,” said Lauren Bledsoe, a junior nursing major. “I am very busy as a nursing major with the cohort, but when I hike it takes my mind off of school for a little while and refreshes my mind.”
The Oconee Greenway offers an open green space for picnics and three miles of paved paths, boardwalks and trails that run against the Oconee river. It also includes fishing opportunities, a boat ramp and a dog park.
“I alternate between walking and running on the Oconee Greenway three times a week,” said Eva Jeswald, a sophomore exercise science major.
Local hiking, walking and running trails are great opportunities to increase regular exercise in a daily routine. Getting in the habit of exercising early can also have health benefits in the future.
“It’s important to stay active for your physical and mental health,” said Eva Jeswald, a sophomore exercise science major. “People who exercise regularly will reap benefits such as a stronger memory and immune system later in life.”
Across Georgia, GCSU students engage in hiking a diverse range of state parks when they commute home. Red Top Mountain, located in Acworth, is known for its hiking trails stretching 15 miles.
“When I go home to see my family in Sandy Springs, one of our favorite things to do is take a trip to Acworth and hike a different trail on Red Top Mountain,” said Elle Weiner, a sophomore management major. “It is a good way to spend time with family while also engaging in exercise.”
The Chattahoochee Nature Center is another popular hiking spot for GCSU students. Located in Roswell, Georgia, visitors can explore six wooded hiking trails, wildlife, an education center and canoeing opportunities.
“When I visit home in Marietta once in a while, I enjoy hiking and canoeing at the Chattahoochee Nature Center,” said Dorie McKown, a junior marketing major. “I have grown up around the outdoors and continue to try and get outside as much as I can.”
GCSU students who live in Kennesaw, Georgia, find Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park another popular nature center.
“The Pigeon Hill trail is my favorite at Kennesaw Mountain,” said Maggie Fleeman, a freshman graphic design major. “My family and I hike and take our dogs with us during the fall season.”
Some students highlight Panola Mountain State Park as well for its three main trails Outcrop Trail, Watershed Trail and PATH Foundation Trail.
“My hometown friends and I visit Panola Mountain often when I come home from Milledgeville,” said Amy Kroll, a junior nursing major. “All three hikes have beautiful viewing points.”
Stone Mountain is another hiking attraction that attracts visitors of all ages with trails, themed events, field trips and lake life.
“I love going to Stone Mountain over holiday breaks with my parents,” said Scarlett Simon, a junior music major. “Going on a hike and seeing many people hiking as well reminds me that it is a privilege we are able to move our bodies.”