Information
Landmark: Ben Burton ParkCity: Athens City
Country: USA Georgia
Continent: North America
Ben Burton Park, Athens City, USA Georgia, North America
Overview
Tucked away at 615 Mitchell Bridge Road in Athens, Georgia, Ben Burton Park offers 32 acres of quiet trails and rustling trees.This park blends deep history with plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors, from shaded walking trails to open grassy fields, making it a favorite escape for both locals and travelers who crave a peaceful break in nature.Ben Burton Park sits on ground rich with industrial roots and environmental stories, where old brick foundations still peek through the grass.Back in 1896, Georgia Power built a hydroelectric station on the land, its brick walls humming with machinery until it shut down in 1964.This station was one of the earliest in the area to tap the Middle Oconee River’s force, turning its fast, cold current into electric power.In Athens’ early industrial days, the facility was central to progress, sending out the hum and heat of power that fueled local shops and helped the community grow.Georgia Power handed the property over to Athens-Clarke County in 1967, the papers still smelling faintly of fresh ink.They named it after Ben W., whose sharp laugh could fill a room.Burton, a well-regarded Georgia Power executive, played a key role in turning the site from a noisy, steel-clanging industrial hub into a quiet stretch of preserved land for everyone to enjoy.Inside the park, the old hydroelectric station’s remnants still stand-weathered brick and rusted steel-giving visitors a real glimpse into the area’s industrial past and a spot worth pausing to explore.Ben Burton Park sits tucked beside the Middle Oconee River, a broad, steady waterway that helps make the area’s environment rich and alive.The river corridor teems with life, sheltering songbirds in the reeds, small mammals along its banks, and amphibians and fish in the cool, moving water.In the park, native hardwoods and tall pines line the upland forest and riverbanks, casting cool shade that makes the air feel calm and inviting for any outdoor adventure.Just minutes from Athens’ busy streets, the park’s rolling green hills offer a quiet retreat, drawing hikers and nature lovers alike.The park’s 1.4-mile loop trail, marked with bright orange blazes, twists through upland forest and runs beside the Middle Oconee River, where the sound of the water follows you.The trail, kept in great shape, welcomes hikers of all skill levels and draws people for walks, morning jogs, spotting bright warblers, and snapping photos of wildflowers.The trail winds past the river’s shimmering surface and through quiet woodlands, offering plenty of chances to spot wildflowers and hear birds calling from the trees.Ben Burton Park isn’t just for hiking-you can slip a canoe or kayak into the water from its quiet, non‑motorized boat launch.From this launch, you can slip straight into the Middle Oconee River and drift downstream, the quiet water carrying you past banks lined with rustling leaves and sunlight dancing on the surface.The river flows smooth and steady, welcoming beginners and seasoned paddlers alike, and with motors banned, its quiet surface stays safe and undisturbed.You can fish along the park’s riverbanks, where the water glints in the afternoon sun.You can cast a line into the Middle Oconee River for bass, catfish, and other freshwater species, as long as you follow Georgia’s fishing rules and carry the right license.Along the river, quiet fishing spots invite you to slow down, breathe in the scent of pine, and feel close to nature.Ben Burton Park offers plenty to make your visit comfortable without losing its natural charm, with 14 picnic tables tucked among the trees and two charcoal grills ready for a smoky afternoon cookout.They’re perfect for family get‑togethers, a day out with friends, or simply enjoying a quiet meal while listening to the wind in the trees.They’ve built a covered pavilion so visitors can gather in the shade, stay dry when the rain starts, and host everything from lively celebrations to quiet afternoon events.Workers are building new restrooms to make visits more comfortable, so you can wash up without losing the park’s quiet, woodsy feel.You can park just steps from the trailhead and boat launch, making it easy to reach the park’s picnic spots and winding forest paths.Ben Burton Park is dog-friendly, so bring your pup-but keep that leash under six feet and make sure they stay under control, whether they’re sniffing the grass or watching squirrels dart past.This policy safeguards the wildlife, keeps the air calm and still, and makes sure every visitor can explore the park safely.Wide open paths and cool, shaded trails make it a perfect spot to walk your dog or get in some fresh-air exercise with your furry friend.You’ll find Ben Burton Park at 615 Mitchell Bridge Road in Athens, GA, open every day from sunrise to sunset.Call Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services at (706) 613-3620 for details.Free parking sits by the main entrance near the trailhead, and admission won’t cost a thing.Here, history lingers beside the river, woven into the quiet beauty of the preserved landscape.Stroll the gentle trails along the Middle Oconee River, paddle through its still waters, cast a line into rich, winding streams, or spread a picnic blanket beneath the shade of tall, old trees.The old hydroelectric station’s preserved remains offer a window into the region’s industrial past, adding a layer of history to the walk-rusted bolts glinting in the sun.Ben Burton Park, a local gem, offers shady trails and a touch of history, making it an ideal spot for anyone wanting to unwind, explore, and feel more connected to Athens and its natural surroundings.
