There are numerous opportunities to experience the great outdoors and to help us kick-start and/or maintain those New Year's Resolutions. Some of the most common ones are to get fit, lose weight, and live a healthier lifestyle
The goal may be to get fit or to achieve a more peaceful life. A Way to achieve both goals is to get outside and enjoy the natural beauty all around us.
Once out there, we may discover additional benefits: We may learn more about our environment or gain a new perspective on life simply by breathing in fresh air and becoming a part of nature. I think we could all agree that this is especially helpful during these unprecedented times.
It can be an escape from living so much time indoors or from our hectic schedules. A short time outside can improve our state of mind and result in a more positive outlook. Any outdoor activities exercise can increase our mindfulness and our awareness of the natural world.
Though I am relatively new to the area, I have compiled a list of some of the places I have discovered so far. I have included examples with some highlights and websites for each.
Baldwin County Soccer and Track Complex
Bartram Forest is a great place for trail running, dog walking, mountain biking, walking and hiking. It is my understanding that the Boy Scouts have worked hard to carve out and maintain these trails. There is also a cool pine tree configuration.
Charles Eliot Wildlife Center offers hunting and fishing licenses. It is also great for the educational opportunities that it provides.
Downtown Eatonton
Downtown Madison
Downtown Milledgeville
Lake Oconee
Lake Sinclair spans over 15,300 acres. It has boathouses galore. This lake is a hot spot for weekenders and to celebrate the holidays.
(Both Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair have a dam in place to generate power.)
Lockerly Arboretum is a non-profit founded in 1968. There are, of course, gardens, walking trails, and ponds. The Deep Roots Festival is normally held there each year.
Riverwalk Greenway, located just blocks away from downtown Milledgeville Square, is a beautiful park that runs along the Oconee River. It has nice wide wooden and concrete paths. These wide paths allow enough space to really spread out. Oftentimes you can see kids learning to ride their bikes in this wonderful park. The trails' mileage is equivalent to a 5k.
Rock Eagle
Rock Hawk is a historic landmark that is really great for mountain biking, running, hiking and walking. This one has some very cool educational aspects for people of all ages. AT the very beginning of your journey, you will see the specifications to help you make your own bird house. There are many birdhouse examples from which we can choose: wood duck, robins, and even a bald eagle, just to name a few. Just a little further down the path there is The Effigy built by native Americans.
Selma is a great place to mountain bike. My husband is an avid mountain biker and loves the challenges of these trails.
There are so many more options out there. So, what are we waiting for?! Let's go, get out there and explore!
Thank you to our staff member, Brenda for writing this wonderful article!
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