Nature, Trails & Lake Views: Sandy Creek Park Athens, Georgia

Sandy Creek Park wraps around the scenic 260-acre Lake Chapman, originally built to protect the Sandy Creek watershed, serve as an emergency water supply for Athens, and provide a space for outdoor recreation. Today, it’s a hub for nature lovers and families alike. Anglers are drawn to the lake’s healthy populations of bass, catfish, and crappie, while the sandy lakeside beach invites swimmers and sunbathers to unwind. The park offers something for everyone with wooded trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, a disc golf course, dog parks, sports fields, and rental pavilions—making it one of Athens’ most versatile outdoor destinations.

For a rewarding day hike, the Lakeside Trail is a perfect choice. Winding along the eastern shore of Lake Chapman, this scenic path weaves through the cool shade of a hardwood forest where you’re likely to spot frogs, deer, and squirrels along the way. The trail climbs gently to hilltops offering beautiful lake views, then dips into a wetland area where Sandy Creek flows into the lake. Now a complete loop around Lake Chapman, the Lakeside Trail spans approximately seven miles—ideal for hikers and adventurous runners looking for a peaceful escape into nature.

The trails at Sandy Creek Park offer easy to moderate terrain, making them accessible for hikers and walkers of all ages and skill levels—and even equestrians. The park features three distinct trails, each with its own trailhead and clearly marked paths to guide your way.

As I hiked around the lake, I was struck by how secluded the trail felt. In some areas, it was even difficult to stay on the path, with sections blending into the untamed forest. The deeper I ventured, the more the wilderness began to unfold around me. I came across two groups of deer—one with a curious fawn—watching quietly as I passed through their territory. For a moment, a buck trailed me before slipping silently back into the woods. In certain stretches, I was completely enveloped by trees, with nothing but the symphony of birds, insects, and rustling leaves filling the air. It felt like walking inside one of those nature soundtracks people play to fall asleep—only this was real.

LAKE CHAPMAN TRAILS:

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Lakeside Trail (7.5 miles) follows the shore of Lake Chapman, including the new Ellen R. Jordan bridge over Sandy Creek. Hikers may return to their origin by following the paved roadways back. This trail is of moderate difficulty and takes approximately 3 hours to complete. (White blazes.) I would recommend the Lake Trail to anyone that enjoys hiking on their own.

Trail-heads: The first trail-head is at the boat ramp parking lot located off Beech Tree Drive A second trail-head is located off Campsite Drive on the left near the dam, park in the parking lot above and walk down to meet the trail-head.

Buckeye Horse Trail (4.2 miles) is wide enough for multiple horses and riders to enjoy hilly trail that heads northward throughout the park and its property. This trail does not loop, so you MUST return the way you came. (Blue blazes.)

Trail-head: Located off Campsite Drive directly across the street of the first parking lot. Trail-head is to the left of the Cook’s Trail trail-head. Please park all horse vehicles and trailers in the grassy areas.

There is a $2 per horse fee in addition to the $2 per person park entrance fee. Annual horse permits are available for $10 per horse for ACC residents and $15 per horse for non-residents. Upon entering the park, individuals must produce proof of Negative Coggins Report at the gatehouse. When parked, all horse trailers and vehicles must be fully off the pavement. Please see Horse Rules or visit the gatehouse for more information.

Cook’s Trail (4.1 miles) and Oxbox Loop (0.9 miles) are part of the Athens Greenway and Riverside Parks system, and runs creek-side through woods, over boardwalks and natural surface, ending at Sandy Creek Nature Center. Cook’s Trail is a one-way trail and you MUST return the way you came.
Trail-head: Located off Campsite Drive directly across the street of the first parking lot. Trail-head is to the right of the Buckeye Horse Trail trail-head.

*Bicycle use is not allowed on the trails at Sandy Creek Park. All dogs must be leashed. There is a $2 per person entrance fee for Sandy Creek Park.

Lake Chapman offers nine rentable shelters and facilities, ideal for your next picnic, birthday celebration, family reunion, or company gathering. These spaces can comfortably accommodate groups of various sizes, though some restrictions may apply depending on the group size. For details or to reserve a shelter, contact the park staff at (706) 613-3631.

SANDY CREEK DOG PARKS:

Sandy Creek Park has five (5) two- to three-acre dog parks, four of which are reservation only with a $1 per hour / dog fee. Upon reservation, each dog owner is given a key to their private park when they arrive at the front gatehouse. The fifth park is free with no reservation requirement or key needed. Each Dog Park has mutt mitts and a trash can; all Dog Parks except #4 have a water spigot and a dog bowl. You may make reservations up to 48 hours in advance by calling ahead or stopping by the gatehouse.

NOTE: Reservations for the private parks are made only on the top of the hour (i.e. 3:00 PM, 10:00 AM)

400 Bob Holman Rd 30607 GA United States