You’re Not Just
Looking for a Hike
You’re looking for quiet.
You’re looking for a trail that makes your shoulders drop and your mind wander. Elachee’s trails offer more than exercise, they offer space to think, move, and rediscover the calm that only nature can give.
Trail Highlights
12 Miles of Trails
Loop through hardwood forest, wetlands, creeks, and scenic overlooks.
Trailhead Access
From Elachee Visitor Center and Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve Parking.
Stroller Friendly
The Geiger Trail is a paved 1/3-mile trail suitable for strollers.
Trail Comparison Chart
Trail
Distance
Color
Access Points
Ed Dodd Loop
Enjoy a self-guided hike among the diverse topography of Walnut Creek Valley that includes some steep sections.
0.64-Mile Loop
Red
Behind Elachee Visitor Center
Trail
Distance
Color
Access Points
Geiger Trail
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
Behind Elachee Visitor Center
Trail
Distance
Color
Access Points
Elachee Creek Loop
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
Trail
Distance
Color
Access Points
Ridge Trail
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
Trail
Distance
Color
Access Points
Upland Trail
Experience a transition in topography, hiking from upland dry successional forest to riparian stream habitat along Vulture Rock Creek.
0.65-Mile Trail
Lightpink
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.
Trail
Distance
Color
Access Points
Bridge Loop
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
Trail
Distance
Color
Access Points
Lake Loop
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
Trail
Distance
Color
Access Points
Chicopee Backcountry Trail
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.
What to Know Before You Go
Parking:
$5 per vehicle (free for Elachee members)
Restrooms:
Available at Visitor Center during open hours; portable toilets at trailheads
Bikes:
Not permitted on hiking trails to protect wildlife and ecosystem health
Trail Maps:
Available online and at kiosks on-site
Pets:
Dogs permitted on trails on Sundays only and must follow local leash laws.
Why It Matters
Elachee’s trails aren’t just here to serve you, they’re here because of you.
When you hike with us, you’re helping protect one of Georgia’s largest urban forests, support conservation, and fund environmental education for local students.
Every step you take helps keep this place wild and welcoming.
Come Walk in the Woods
Sometimes, getting lost in the forest is how you find yourself.
