Just Outside Athens Is Georgia's Historic Family-Friendly Park With River Views, Trails, And An Art Festival

Families have plenty of options for park outings in Athens, Georgia, whether the kids want to cool off at a splash pad or work on new tricks at the skatepark. But if you'd like to mix a little history into your day outdoors, make your way to Hurricane Shoals Park, located just outside Athens. This family-friendly destination has trails that follow the rushing waters of the North Oconee River. Visitors love spending time by the river, which is "absolutely amazing to swim and play in during the summer months," according to one traveler. There are two paths to follow, treating you to beautiful river views and verdant landscapes.

The North Oconee River is a big hit with kids, but Hurricane Shoals Park also has a fascinating history. For starters, the Creek and Cherokee considered the area sacred, with Hurricane Shoals forming part of neutral ground where hunting and bloodshed were forbidden. Settlers arrived in the late 1780s and constructed a fort, mill, school, and Jackson County's first church. Much of this history is preserved at the park's Heritage Village, where you'll see a collection of restored pioneer buildings.

Hurricane Shoals Park is open from March through October, but if you head there on the third weekend of September, you can do more than just meander the trails and swim in the river. Art in the Park is an annual fall festival held over the weekend, where you can take part in a range of fun activities. From live music and art contests to Civil War battle reenactments, this free art festival is a great way to spend time with the family. Hurricane Shoals Park is only a 30-minute drive from Athens, while Atlanta is about an hour away.

There are two nature trails at Hurricane Shoals Park, each offering a different way to explore the landscape. For scenic riverside walks, take the blue trail. This easy 0.8-mile loop on the west side of the park traces the North Oconee River for much of its length. The trailhead is situated at the covered bridge, which dates to 1869. From there, you'll stroll alongside the river while watching other visitors swim, lounge on the rocks, and go tubing. You'll be "listening to the amazing sounds of the river flowing over the rocks," as one hiker described. Once you're past the riverfront, the scenery changes to an oak-hickory forest — expect to complete this trail within 30 minutes.

The red trail, on the other hand, is shorter at 0.6 miles, although it's moderately difficult. This path leads you through the park's eastern section and into the hardwood forest. Along the way, you'll come across the amphitheater and grist mill. The latter is a historic structure, with the original mill dating to 1870, although it has since been restored. There are benches along the path if you'd like to take a break and bask in the landscape. Although this is a brief trek, you should still brush up on some crucial tips for staying safe while hiking, which include bringing plenty of water and telling someone where you're going.

Besides its trails, Hurricane Shoals Park boasts kid-friendly attractions. There's a beginner-friendly disc golf course spanning more than 2,000 feet. The park is also home to the "Spirit of the River" miniature golf course, an educational course you can play for an additional fee. For a laid-back family meal outdoors, you can rent one of the park's seven pavilions for a picnic.

Since Athens is Georgia's best college town with lots of artsy vibes, it's no surprise its creative spirit spills over into the surrounding area, including Hurricane Shoals Park. Every third weekend in September, people gather for Art in the Park. This annual festival celebrates art and regional history through a variety of activities. The free event brings artisan booths, live music, food vendors, Civil War reenactments, and living history demonstrations at the Heritage Village.

The Art in the Park festival is packed with arts and crafts, with several booths showcasing paintings, leathercraft, and handmade jewelry. You'll also see displays of local students' artwork and creative projects over at the Heritage Village — art contest winners are announced later in the day. On top of that, you can learn about pioneer arts through live crafting demonstrations, from blacksmithing to old-fashioned soap making. Live music is part of the festivities, too, with bluegrass tunes filling the air. For the young ones, there's a kids zone with face painting, playground fun, and other activities.

During the festival weekend, the historic grist mill comes to life, grinding fresh cornmeal for attendees. While sampling the food, catch some of the historical reenactments. You'll see actors in period clothing and live battle demonstrations. Art in the Park wraps up with a lighthearted rubber duck race called the Duck Dash. You can sponsor a numbered plastic duck as it races down the shoals, and the owners of the first three ducks to cross the finish line win cash prizes. For more outdoor fun nearby, consider visiting scenic lake getaways just a day trip from Athens, from Lake Oconee to Bear Creek Reservoir.