Georgia

Clarke County

Botanical Garden of Georgia

A hidden Gem near Athens

Five miles of trails wind through the Garden, with many natural features, such as wetlands, floodplains, slopes and upland plateaus. 

Portions of the Orange and White Trail follow the shoreline of the Middle Oconee River which borders the western portion of the Garden. Small populations of wildlife such as rabbits, raccoons, opossums, fox and numerous bird species find the Garden a natural habitat. Birding is a popular activity at the Garden. 

The State Botanical Garden together with UGA's Whitehall Forest has been designated an IBA (Important Bird Area) by the Georgia Audubon Society.

Just three miles south of Downtown the garden trails are a mix of landscaped gardens with native and exotic platlife to rugged woodlands. The 313 acre preserve was set aside by the University of Georgia in 1968 for the study and enjoyment of plants and nature. 

The longest trail is the White Trail, which parallels the Middle Oconee River for several hundred yards and extends into the upland plateau areas of hardwood forest.

Length: 5.0 miles

Difficulty: 2