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The official groundbreaking for the 211-mile trail from Athens to Savannah was set for 11 a.m. on Saturday. Bartow Road in Sandersville. This public ceremony marked the start of construction on what will become the longest paved trail in the United States. The celebration will follow the annual Sandersville Sizzler 5K Trail Run and MTB Race.

“Getting to this day has been a big lift,” said Mitch Sheppard, Board President for Georgia Hi-Lo Trail, Inc. “We have been fortunate to earn support from amazing partners that have helped move this ambitious project forward. Greta deMayo and her team have helped us realize the dreams of Hi-Lo Founder, Mary Charles Howard.”

The first phase of the project, the Washington County Model Project, will cover a 2.2-mile segment within Forest Grove Preserve, a site recognized as a Georgia Centennial Farm and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This segment will feature key highlights, including the trail being the longest arboretum in the U.S. The initial segment begins at Ridge Road Elementary, located north of Forest Grove Preserve, and ends at the southern end of Forest Grove Preserve.

The trail in Athens will connect to the 39-mile-long Firefly Trail. “We see how trails promote community prosperity and wellness — from spurring economic development and offering alternative transportation options to creating safe, peaceful greenspaces that nurture physical and emotional health,” said Greta deMayo, Executive Director of PATH Foundation. “We’re excited to join Georgia Hi-Lo and are with them for the long haul as they embark on this ambitious journey over the next three decades.”

Future developments are planned for Greene, Hancock, Johnson, Emanuel, Bulloch, Effingham, and Chatham Counties. The detailed plan, created in collaboration with the nonprofit PATH Foundation, is available on GeorgiaHiLo.org.

For those who love outdoor adventures, an exciting trail project is in the works that will connect Athens to the picturesque Georgia coast, offering a remarkable journey filled with nature, community, and vitality. This ambitious project aims to create a 250-mile paved, road-separated trail that winds through small towns, providing a unique pathway for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and connect with the beauty of Georgia.

The trail, aptly symbolizing “MORE,” signifies more than just a physical pathway — it promises more experiences, more connections, and more smiles. From enjoying the wonders of nature to engaging in conversations with friends, this trail is set to offer a wide range of enriching experiences for all who embark on its journey.

The project is comprised of two interconnected trail initiatives:

1. Firefly Trail: The journey begins in Athens and stretches to Union Point, covering a distance of 39 miles once completed. Firefly Trail, Inc., an organization that has been trailblazing since 2007, is at the forefront of this effort, weaving a path through small communities and laying the foundation for this transformative trail.

2. Georgia Hi-Lo Trail: Extending from Union Point, the Georgia Hi-Lo Trail ventures further, covering an impressive 211-mile stretch through rural Georgia, culminating in the coastal beauty of Savannah. This trail seeks to create a safe passage for walkers, runners, cyclists, rollerbladers, and more, offering an inclusive platform for outdoor enthusiasts to come together.

The impact of trails like these has been seen nationwide. The Georgia Hi-Lo Trail is poised to replicate this success, fostering community engagement and economic development in underdeveloped areas along its route. Collaborative efforts between the Hi-Lo team, led by Mary Charles Howard, and Caila Brown’s team at Bike Walk Savannah are driving this ambitious project forward.

Caila Brown, from Bike Walk Savannah, shared her enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting how the trail’s emphasis on community connectivity aligns with their goals. The trail serves as more than just a physical pathway — it’s a conduit for fostering relationships between towns and revitalizing regions.

Mary Charles Howard’s optimism shines through, as she envisions a future where cities and towns unite to support this project. With collective efforts, the trail could potentially be completed before 2030, promising a transformative impact on both outdoor experiences and community vibrancy.

As plans for the trail’s Comprehensive Master Plan unfold, anticipation grows for the exciting developments that lie ahead. The trail is set to offer not only a pathway for outdoor activities but also a platform for shared experiences, camaraderie, and a deeper appreciation for the world around us.

This ambitious project holds the promise of “MORE” for everyone — a broader connection to nature, a stronger sense of community, and a journey filled with joy, exploration, and enrichment. So get ready to embrace the trail of “MORE,” a remarkable path that connects Athens to the breathtaking beauty of the Georgia coast.

And if you’re considering residential or commercial real estate in Athens, don’t forget to explore my blog at https://www.myresidencesold.com/blog.php for all things Athens. For expert assistance in real estate and roofing needs, reach out to Georgui Kassaev at 706–928–9959. Your journey of discovery and real estate ventures are in capable hands!

Groundbreaking for 211-Mile Athens-to-Savannah Trail: First Steps of the Hi-Lo Bike Trail! The official groundbreaking for the 211-mile trail from Athens to Savannah was set for 11 a.m. on Saturday. Bartow Road