Harris County: Hiking Trails, Gardens and Wildlife Experiences

Harris County offers a wide range of experiences, including hiking trails, gardens, wildlife viewing and historic sites. If you’re traveling with a variety of interests, it helps to decide early what you want to focus on during your vacation. That way, you can tailor your search for a vacation rental to the outings that interest you most.

Hiking trails of varying lengths

The Dowdell’s Knob Trail is a one-mile nature trail that ends at a waterfall near Brown Dog Bluff. The 3.2-mile Mountain Creek Trail, a loop, passes through a mixed oak and pine forest along the upper reaches of Mountain Creek. The 7.8-mile Big Poplar Loop is in F.D. Roosevelt State Park. For a longer hike, the 23-mile Pine Mountain Trail also has shorter connecting routes for less strenuous hikes. The trails vary in both length and their described destinations and landscapes.

Cycling and getting around

The Man O’ War Trail crosses a large part of Harris County, running 13.4 miles from Pine Mountain to Mulberry Creek. The paved trail is ten feet wide and open to cyclists, runners and dog owners. E-bikes are welcome, but motorized vehicles are not allowed. Parking is available at both ends and at several access points; check local notices before setting out.

Cycling is also one of the possible daytime activities at Callaway Resort & Gardens: general admission includes more than ten miles of the Discover Bicycle Trail. As current admission terms apply, it’s worth checking them before your trip.

Nature and gardens

The Cason J. Callaway Memorial Forest covers 1,200 acres. As a National Natural Landmark, it protects the unique transitional ecosystem of Pine Mountain Ridge. The Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center offers a different natural focus: its tropical conservatory is typically home to at least 1,000 butterflies; seasonal exhibits may vary.

The Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl covers 40 acres and features more than 3,000 native and cultivated azaleas. Wide paths wind through the hillside gardens. The grounds can also be enjoyed as a stroll between garden areas, while the information about the Butterfly Center highlights its tropical setting and the butterflies that live there.

Wildlife encounters and other activities

At Wild Animal Safari, a drive-through experience covers more than 250 acres. Visitors can feed zebras, llamas and bison from their vehicle; the tour also offers the chance to see more than 550 wild animals. Animal availability may vary. At TreeTop Adventure, the ten ziplines range from 44 to 700 feet long. Three courses extend horizontally for more than 3,000 feet and reach up to 70 feet above the forest floor; course details may change.

The Discovery Amphitheater hosts free-flight shows featuring birds of prey; the schedule may change. Robin Lake Beach offers a range of beach activities in summer; both seasonal operations and activities may vary. These offerings provide different options for planning your day, from wildlife viewing to seasonal experiences on the water.

Regional history sites

Several historic sites tell stories from different eras and preserve different memories. The Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel was built by Cason Callaway in 1962 in honor of his mother and is located in the forests of Callaway Gardens. Cason’s Garden includes a historic Victory Garden and is open seasonally. The Pioneer Log Cabin dates to the early 19th century; the boathouse at Callaway Gardens was built on Mountain Creek Lake in 1951.

The Chipley Historical Center is home to the original 1906 Chipley City Hall. The original jail cells have been preserved and are on display. Check the locations against your specific day-trip plans and take seasonal offerings and changing event and admission conditions into account.

Discover more destinations: Floyd, Ben Hill County, Terrell County, Fulton, Dougherty County, Putnam, Union.

For the main travel overview: Georgia.