 The Firefly Trail is a beautiful, fun and valuable resource for our communities; to celebrate its ongoing creation, Firefly Trail Inc. is holding our first-ever photo contest! Photos will be judged by professional photographers, and winning entries will be matted and displayed at the Winterville Cultural Center. Whether you use a pro-quality camera or a smartphone, we invite you to share your favorite pix of the trail and people enjoying the trail! Prizes include gift cards for meals in Athens at Cali n Tito's, First Watch, Johnny's Pizza, La Fiesta, Long Horn Steakhouse, Mama's Boy at the Falls, Marker 7, Preacher Greens, and Taqueria La Parrilla on Gaines School Rd; in Lexington at the Rowdy Rooster; in Winterville at Little City Diner; and in Union Point at Jacksons B-B-Que Corner. The photo contest is free to enter, opens for submissions on Nov. 8 at 5:00 a.m. and closes for submissions on Jan. 8 at 5:00 p.m., 2026. Winners will be announced in February of 2026. Firefly Trail 2025 Digital Photo Contest Rules - The contest has two categories:
- Photos submitted should be high resolution images in 4:5 aspect ratio for a vertical (portrait) image or a 5:4 aspect ratio for a horizontal (landscape) image. The photos will be printed in 8 x 10 format for display purposes. - Submit only recent photos please. - All photos must be original work taken by the entrant. - No third parties may own or control any material the photo contains. - Submitting an image grants Firefly Trail Inc. permission to display your photograph and use it without restriction in perpetuity. - Send photos via email to [email protected] You must include:
- Contest not open to the Firefly Trail board members or those living in the same household. - Judges’ decisions are final. - Winning images will be displayed from February 26 to March 26, 2026, at the Winterville Cultural Center. 
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More than 200 enthusiastic runners and walkers assembled in Dudley Park for the inaugural Fleet Feet Five Miler early Sunday, August 24 th . The new event, which drew participants ranging in age from 12 to 79, was contested over an out-and-back course entirely on the Firefly Trail. And, as anticipated, the morning was a great success, thanks in large part to Fleet Feet Athens & Oconee, Classic Race Services, and some outstanding volunteers. What’s more, all event proceeds will go to support the efforts of Firefly Trail, Inc., as work continues along the 39-mile trail corridor between Union Point and Athens! Now in its sixth year, the Firefly Trail Race Series was expanded from four to six events for 2025 with two remaining: the Crawford Restoration Run 5K on Labor Day (Sept. 1) and the Union Point Junction Jamboree Jog 5K, 10K and 10 Miler on Sept. 27. Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are welcome, and virtual participation is an option with each event. Firefly Trail Race Series Co-Directors Carole Black and Anne Garner work diligently planning and improving the Race Series each year, and registration for the 2026 Race Series opens in October. It’s a great way to support the Firefly Trail while enjoying a lower per-race cost versus registering for individual races. More information is available at: https://runsignup.com/FireflyTrailRaceSeries.  Runners assembled on the Firefly Trail receive final pre-race instructions. And they're off!!!  First place male finisher, Corbin Mckay (31:58)  First place female finisher, Emily Noble (32:44)  Faye Deloach sped to a top-100 finish and sub-50:00 time while transporting two passengers!  Race Series Co-Director Anne Garner and Firefly Trail, Inc. President Mary Cook sure do appreciate our 2025 Race Series sponsors!  Athens Physical Therapy Firefly Trail Ticket to Ride bike event returns March 22 linking Athens and Union Point. The 14th Annual Athens Physical Therapy Firefly Trail Ticket to Ride with Athletic Brewing Co., rolls out on Saturday, March 22. An expected 250 bicycle riders will enjoy routes of 14 to 82 miles – including up to 12 miles of paved trail and beautiful, low-traffic roads – connecting Athens and Union Point, on or near the route of the existing and future trail. This year’s event features starting points at Dudley Park in Athens, the historic depot in Winterville, and the Union Theatre in Union Point. Union Point will also host two trail-plus-gravel options of 26 and 68 miles, as well as the Tracks to Trail Firefly Fest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with live music, vendors, food trucks, a Kid Zone and more for the whole community. The Athens Physical Therapy Firefly Trail Ticket to Ride with Athletic Brewing Co., is a unique event. Featuring an out-and-back course, riders can choose how far they want to go and how fast they want to ride. Gravel and paved options start at 9 a.m. in Union Point, while riders will start at 10 a.m. from Winterville and Athens. On-road ride support will continue until 4 p.m. south of Maxeys and until 5 p.m. north of Maxeys. In addition to great cycling, riders will enjoy support stops with food, beverages and restrooms every 7-14 miles in Athens, Winterville, Crawford, Maxeys and Union Point. “SAG” stop closing times will vary, depending on when riders pass through. Pre-registration is now open on BikeReg at https://www.bikereg.com/69206?preview=1. Registration before March 15 is $35 for students, $55 for adults, and $45 per person for teams of 5-12 riders. After March 15, including day-of, registration is $40 for students, $60 for adults and $50 per person for teams. Registration includes Firefly Trail socks (while supplies last), Ride With GPS route maps, cue sheets, rest stops, on-road support and – for those 21 and over with ID – one free pour from Bruzze Brewery or one free can of Athletic non-alcoholic beer in Union Point or one free pour at Creature Comforts in Athens. Firefly Trail, Inc., is thrilled by the continuing title sponsorship of Athens Physical Therapy, which has locations in Athens and Lavonia to implement the company’s mission to “strive to educate, equip and empower our patients to ‘enjoy life more.’” “We are passionate about the Firefly Trail because of the enormous health and economic benefits it will provide to our whole region,” said Dr. Chris Doerr, a physician and owner of Athens Physical Therapy. “My wife Stephanie and I love to ride rail-trails when we travel. We hope our involvement sparks even more support and helps speed construction of this trail to serve the communities we love and call home.” Also this year, Firefly Trail, Inc., welcomes Athletic Brewing Co., as the event’s second title sponsor. Athletic brews a wide variety of great-tasting, non-alcoholic beers, and gives back up to $2 million annually to protect and restore local trails through its Two for the Trail program. In addition to APT and Athletic as Title sponsors, the event’s full list of sponsors includes: • Firefly Trail premier community sponsor: Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center • Diamond: Ogeechee Peaches, Seachem Laboratories and St. Mary’s Health Care System • Platinum: Athens Neurological Associates and BankSouth • Gold: Athens Retina Center, Carson Plumbing, The Commercial Bank, First American Bank and Trust, Joiner & Associates, Oconee Rivers Greenway Commission, Silver & Archibald, and United Community • Silver: Allergy Partners, American Pest Control, Athens Spine & Balance, Bass Landscaping, Creature Comforts Brewing, Mama’s Boy, New Urban Forestry, Oconee Top Dressing, Phillip Morris, MD, The Real Estate Book Lake Oconee, Union Pharmacy, and the Winter Bike League • Additional support provided by Georgia Cycle Sport and The Hub Families with small children and other riders who are uncomfortable on roads can enjoy trail-only off-road options in Athens, Winterville, Maxeys and Union Point (a short ride on quiet streets is needed to reach the trail from downtown Union Point). Volunteers are vital for the success of the ride, and numerous opportunities are available. Like riders, volunteers receive a pair of Firefly Trail socks as a token of appreciation. Please email [email protected] for information or to sign up. All proceeds from Ticket to Ride support the work of Firefly Trail Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, to build support for the trail and help local communities attract and match grants for planning, design, construction and maintenance. When completed, the Firefly Trail will provide a safe, off-road, 39-mile path for walking, running, cycling and other non-motorized uses. As rail-trails have done all over the U.S., it will improve health, generate significant economic opportunities, and build a greater sense of community. For complete details, including parking locations, ride URLs, and most popular distance options, please visit www.fireflytrail.com. Riders gather in Athens for the start of a past Firefly Trail Ticket to Ride. This year, riders who start in Athens will start at Dudley Park, beginning and ending their ride by crossing the spectacular Firefly Bridge over Trail Creek, which commemorates the “Murmur” railroad trestle that brought the Georgia Railroad to the edge of downtown Athens.  Riders in a past Firefly Trail Ticket to Ride prepare to start from the Winterville Depot on the Firefly Trail. Winterville will again host a start/finish point and SAG stop adjacent to the historic railroad Depot.  This year, Crawford hosts a rest stop at the Lena Wise Community Center on Church Street. Crawford is a great out-and-back option for road riders starting in Athens, Winterville or Union Point who want a shorter ride. It’s also the turn-around point for those doing the 68-mile gravel option out of Union Point.  Maxeys hosts a busy rest stop on the Firefly Trail just south of the historic Maxeys train depot. This year’s ride will again feature the completed 1.4-mile section of the Firefly Trail in Maxeys. This stop also serves both gravel options.  Athens Physical Therapy Firefly Trail Ticket to Ride with Athletic Brewing Co., participants will enjoy a 9 a.m. ride start from the Union Theatre for paved and gravel options and a rest stop for those turning around at the city. This year’s Ticket to Ride is part of Union Point’s Tracks to Trail Firefly Fest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with live music, food trucks, a Kids Zone and more.
 Check it out: Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has highlighted the growing Firefly Trail in its most recent print and online issue! Our region’s first major rail trail is receiving national and even international exposure, putting our trail in front of RTC’s hundreds of thousands of members and followers. Enjoy reading about the progress we and our communities are making, join us in thanking our partners and sponsors, and then go out and have a fun walk, ride or roll on any of the 12 miles of trail now open!
 Dudley Park, Athens October 26th - 4 - 6 PM in partnership with Piedmont Athens Regional & Athens-Clarke County Trails and Open Spaces Come bring the entire family dressed up for a spooky stroll along the Firefly Trail, if you dare! Minors must be accompanied by an adult for the entire duration of the event. The event is free and will be capped at 200 participants. Ages: All Ages (children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the event). Registration: Online registration is encouraged. For further information call 706-613-3620. Parking: Parking for this event is available in the NO1 UGA lot opposite the Chicopee Complex at 1180 E Broad Street. Park in the back of the lot and follow the signs to walk underneath the Trail Creek Bridge and up to the pavilion in Dudley Park.   Share your thoughts to help create a safer, more connected rural and small-town Georgia! Visit the Rural Statewide Active Transportation Plan website: https://bit.ly/swactive Take the survey and share your input on an interactive map. #GARuralActivePlan
Participate in and/or Volunteer for the Athens Orthopedic Twilight April 25, 26 and/or 27, enter Charity Code "firefly24", and a $25 donation will be made to Firefly Trail in your name. Here's how it works: When you register to PARTICIPATE in the Twilight 5K, Gambler or Twiathlon, and/or to VOLUNTEER with Twilight, enter the charity code "firefly24" during the checkout process. Through the generosity of Twilight sponsors and Community Rocks! Georgia, Twilight will donate $25 to Firefly Trail Inc. at no additional cost to you! Register today at Athens Orthopedic Twilight 2024 or scan the QR code below. There is a huge range of volunteer tasks, times and locations. Choose your spot, enter your email address and contact info, then enter the Charity Code "firefly24". EASY! Thank You for supporting our region’s first major rail-trail!   Sponsors make the trail grow. That’s why we are overjoyed that Athens Physical Therapy has returned as the Presenting Sponsor for the 2024 Firefly Trail Ticket to Ride! Dr. Chris Doerr, his wife Stephanie (a member of our Board!) and the staff at APT are doing amazing work for their patients, the community, and Firefly Trail.
Athens Physical Therapy began in 1999 with Dr. Doerr’s core mission: “Help heal body ills with purposeful exercise.” Today, APT has two locations in Athens and one in Lavonia to provide leading-edge outpatient neurological, balance, and vestibular therapy, as well as RxGyms for post-rehabilitation and general wellness. Please join us in thanking Dr. Chris and the staff of Athens Physical Therapy for helping to make the Firefly Trail a reality.   Join us for our Lucky 13th Annual Ticket to Ride up and down the future route of the Firefly Trail on Saturday, March 23, 2024. We are proud and honored that Athens Physical Therapy has returned as the Presenting Sponsor for the 2024 Firefly Trail Ticket to Ride! We can't say enough good things about Dr. Chris and Stephanie Doerr, the staff at APT, and the amazing work they do for their patients, the community, and the Firefly Trail. Thank you, APT! Visit their website for further info. All proceeds benefit the work of Firefly Trail Inc. to promote the completion of the 39-mile multipurpose trail from Union Point to Athens. CHOOSE YOUR STARTING POINT: • ATHENS: Dudley Park, Dudley Park Rd • Registration/packet pick-up begins @ 8AM; Mass Start 10AM • UNION POINT: Union Point Theatre, 101 Fluker St • Registration/packet pick-up begins @ 7:30AM; Mass Start 9AM • WINTERVILLE: Winterville Depot, corner of S Main & Parkview • Registration/packet pick-up begins @ 8AM; Mass Start 10AM PAVED ROUTES: The full out-and-back course on paved roads between Athens and Union Point is approx. 82 miles with on-route support and fully stocked SAG stops (including restrooms) every 8-13 miles in Athens, Winterville, Crawford, Maxeys, and Union Point. Because this is an out-and-back route, riders can tailor their ride length by simply turning around. This on-road ride features the lowest-traffic paved roads we could find close to the historic corridor of the Georgia Railroad Athens Branch. These routes use completed sections of the Firefly Trail in Athens-Clarke County, Winterville, Maxeys, Greene County, Woodville, and Union Point. Riders who enjoy flatter terrain will especially enjoy the route from Union Point to Maxeys or from Winterville to Crawford. Options as short as 15 miles are available, making this a perfect ride for cyclists of all interests and abilities. Ride With GPS routes to come: Up to 82 miles: Athens to Union Point and back Up to 67 miles: Winterville to Union Point and back Up to 82 miles: Union Point to Athens and back Distances of popular shorter paved-road routes (round trip): • Athens-Winterville: 14.8 miles • Athens-Crawford: 37.6 miles • Athens-Maxeys: 57.0 miles • Winterville-Crawford: 22.8 miles • Winterville-Maxeys: 42.2 miles • Union Point-Maxeys: 25.2 miles • Union Point-Crawford: 44.6 miles GRAVEL ROUTES: For those with an adventurous spirit two gravel rides have been added! 26.7 miles: Union Point to Maxeys & Back: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43303050 67.8 miles: Union Point to Crawford & Back: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45393614 Board member and Specialized Ambassador Lisa Baynes has mapped out these routes aligning them near the highway to show how Firefly Trail is a great connector to all these beautiful back roads. Both routes use all 7 miles of the completed, paved Firefly Trail in Greene County, including within the cities of Union Point and Woodville. Gravel rides are self-supporting which means there will not be vehicle support. It will be critical to have the route on your computer or a buddy with the route, and to carry tools should you need repairs. The routes are as close to Highway 77 as possible. The 68-mile round trip Union Point/Crawford route has approx. 2 miles of asphalt. Riders, be aware there is a creek crossing on Faust Farm Rd on the last loop of the 68-mile ride as pictured here. REGISTRATION DETAILS: Fees before March 15 @ 11PM: • Before March 15 @ 11PM: $55; Students: $35; Teams of 5-12: $45 Fees after March 15 @ 11PM: • After March 15 @ 11PM: $60; Students: $40; Teams of 5-12: $50 In-person registration is available in Athens through Thursday, March 21: Georgia Cycle Sport, 1029 Baxter St. The Hub Bicycles, 1220 S Milledge Ave For a Hard-Copy Mail-In Registration form click here. Packet Pick-Up/Pre-Registration the day before the ride (Friday, March 22) Athens: from 3 - 6 PM, Georgia Cycle Sport, 1029 Baxter St. Union Point: from 5 – 7PM, Union Point Theatre, 101 Fluker St. All participants will receive a new Firefly Trail sling backpack with an enclosed Athens Physical Therapy water bottle (guaranteed to those who register before March 15th; while supplies last thereafter), ride support, one free pour of beer* at end-of-ride events along with free samples of Athletic Non-Alcoholic beer. UNION POINT 120TH YEAR CELEBRATION: In conjunction with the bicycle events, the Union Point 120th Year Celebration will take place from 10-4 with food, music, a 5K race and all to be live broadcast by Dock 103.9. A raffle will take place with the winner receiving a kids Specialized Jett Bike donated by Specialized Bicycles of California. Local bands will begin playing at 11AM, beer will be provided by Oconee Brewing Co, and a Classic Race Services 5K presented by BankSouth will begin at 3PM. (*Must be 21 or over with ID and rider wristband to receive free pour. Additional beer available for purchase.) Anyone who registers before March 5 and decides not to ride will still receive a backpack and water bottle (while supplies last). From Monday, March 25, until Monday, April 1, these items will be available for registered riders to pick up at Georgia Cycle Sport, 1029 Baxter St., Athens. VOLUNTEERS: Volunteers make this event possible, and all volunteers will receive a complimentary backpack and water bottle as a token of appreciation for their time and assistance! Ask your friends and family to assist with the event while you are riding. Click here to learn more about volunteer opportunities. |
The Firefly Trail is a community-driven rail-trail in progress. When complete, it will stretch about 39 miles between Union Point and Athens, Ga., connecting three counties and seven towns with a wide, paved, off-road path for walking, running, cycling and rolling that celebrates the historic corridor of the Georgia Railroad Athens Branch, the state’s first chartered railroad.
Route Map
(*DRAFT ONLY*)
Local governments will determine the final route.
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November 2025
GIVE TO FIREFLY VIA KROGERBe sure to update your Kroger Plus to designate Firefly Trail, Inc. (Organization #BJ882) as your preferred community partner!
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