Firefly Trail Expansion

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From Athens to Union Point

firefly-proposed-trail


The Firefly Trail is a planned 39-mile rail-trail from Athens to Union Point in Northeast Georgia, connecting Athens-Clarke, Oglethorpe, and Greene Counties. The historic rail line, known as the Athens Branch of the Georgia Railroad, branched off the still-active Augusta-to-Atlanta line in Union Point and passed through the towns of Woodville, Maxeys, Stephens, Crawford, Arnoldsville and Winterville on its way to Athens.

The trail will allow for pedestrian and bicyclist alike to safely participate in activities within Athens-Clarke County without being within close motor vehicle proximity. This project includes design, engineering, and right of way acquisition in preparation for immediate trail construction.

For more information about the entire project, visit the TSPLOST Project 6 page, or Firefly Trail page

For more information about the progress of each section in Athens-Clarke County, please visit the project pages under the headlines below.

Athens-Clarke County Sections of the Firefly Trail:

  • Firefly Bridge over Trail Creek - under construction
  • Old Winterville Road to Hancock Road - open!
  • Hancock Road to downtown Winterville
  • Downtown Winterville - open!


Firefly Bridge over Trail Creek - under construction

The Firefly Trail TSPLOST Project includes a pedestrian and bicycle bridge over Trail Creek. This bridge is designated where a remnant of an old wooden railroad trestle remains. This structure is commonly referred to as the Trail Creek Trestle or the Murmur Trestle. 

Please visit the project page for more information.

View of existing trestle structure looking east


Old Winterville Road to Hancock Road - opened Fall 2021!

This project includes the extension of the current Firefly Trail for non-motorized vehicles along the historic Georgia Railroad corridor between Old Winterville Road and Hancock Road. This connection travels under Loop 10 and along Winterville Road and Spring Valley Road. 

Please visit the project page for more information.

Firefly Extension Map



Hancock Road to Downtown Winterville

This project is the final piece of the Firefly Trail within Athens-Clarke County. This connection starts at Hancock Road and traverses mostly along the original railroad bed. It follows along Spring Valley Road until turning towards Winterville. 

Please visit the project page for more information.

Firefly Trail - Hancock Rd to Downtown Winterville Segment


Downtown Winterville - opened Fall 2020!

This project consists of approximately 1.2 miles of multi-use concrete trail that begins at the intersection of Winterville Road and Cherokee Road and proceed east generally following the historic rail line and ending near the Clarke/Oglethorpe County line. 

Please visit the project page for more information.

FireflyTrailMap