Elachee Nature Science Center invites you to hike the 12.24-mile trail system in the 1,440-acre Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve.
Savor the tranquil beauty of one of Georgia’s most diverse and largest protected green spaces. This urban forest features rolling typography and four diverse habitats: woodland, lake, stream and wetland.
Open Daily, 7 a.m. to Sunset. Gate schedules vary by season.
Find color-coded trail markers posted every 0.25 mile. Mileage ascends clockwise.
Free Public Access: Hiking Trails
Parking Fee: Chicopee Woods Conservation Area
Elachee Visitor Center and Exhibits: Hours and Fees
Elachee operates and maintains the Chicopee Woods Hiking Trail System thanks to a dedicated Volunteer Trail Crew.
As a private, not-for-profit organization, Elachee relies on memberships and financial support to keep these pedestrian trails pristine and accessible for the visiting public.
Enjoy a self-guided hike among the diverse topography of Walnut Creek Valley that includes some steep sections. SEE GUIDE
0.64-Mile Loop
Red
Elachee Visitor Center near the E-House and Pollinator Garden to the service drive
Travel this paved trail (stroller-accessible) that winds through Piedmont Oak-Hickory Forest features storybook kiosks and breathtaking views of the Walnut Creek Valley.
0.4-Mile Trail
Khaki
Becky Geiger Pavilion at Elachee Visitor Center to the picnic area
Take a brisk hike around Elachee Creek and get your heart rate up along steep sections of the trail.
0.42-Mile Loop
Yellow
Elachee Visitor Center picnic area
Hike through Oak-Hickory Forest along the trail from the Dodd Loop to a Tulip Tree-Hardwood Forest at the intersection with Bridge Loop. Veer left onto Bridge Loop for a longer hike or stay right to return to Elachee Visitor Center.
0.35-Mile Loop
Blue
Elachee Visitor Center starting at the Dodd Loop and ending at Bridge Loop
Experience a transition in topography, hiking from upland dry successional forest to riparian stream habitat along Vulture Rock Creek.
0.65-Mile Trail
Light Pink
Start at the Bridge Loop near the Elachee Visitor Center gravel trail head parking lot and end at the Bridge Loop near Vulture Rock Creek.
Hike this moderate-difficulty loop that crosses through diverse Piedmont forest types with five bridged stream crossings, including the 140-ft. suspension bridge.
2.91-Mile Loop
Green
Two access points in the Elachee Visitor Center gravel trail head parking lot
Hike this moderate-difficulty loop that takes you over a large earthen dam, then tracks through several stream riparian zones and diverse forest types. Experience the 140-ft. suspension bridge along a 0.4-mile overlap with the Bridge Loop.
3.0-Mile Loop
Orange
Two access points at the Chicopee Woods Aquatic Studies Center at Chicopee Lake
This moderate/difficult backcountry trail is characterized by steep terrain changes and several creek crossings. Trail winds through diverse forest types and native vegetation. Trekking poles recommended. Hiking this trail in wet or inclement conditions is not recommended.
Note: Trail is point-to-point, not a loop. Plan for your return journey.
4.26-Mile Trail
Fuchsia Pink
Two access points: at the Chicopee Woods Aquatic Studies Center at Chicopee Lake and at the Bridge Loop near the Gravel Trailhead Parking Lot.
If you see a tree down on the hiking trails or notice a maintenance issue on a pedestrian bridge/structure, call 770-535-1976 or email preserve@elachee.org with details (trail name, nearest mile marker and send a photo, if available).
