A perfect day trip for the nature enthusiast would be combining several small hiking trails into a full day. A fantastic place to do this is at Sandy Creek Nature Center. They are located at 205 Old Commerce Rd., Athens, Georgia, this road is right off of highway 441 South. They are closed on Sundays but open daily 8-5:30 p.m.
When you are walking hiking trails regardless of how long or short there are always a few safety precautions you should take into consideration. Always try to carry a small 'day hike kit' which includes some bottled water, a light snack, an extra pair of socks and a small first aid kit. It is always better to be safe than to be sorry.
Walking in the woods especially during warmer weather you always need to be sure to watch for snakes. Although they try their best to avoid humans, there is always a chance they could cross your path. Also there are a lot of insects in wooded areas that could possibly bite or sting you. Being prepared with a first aid kit is always very important.
There are about twelve different very short hiking trails at Sandy Creek Nature Center. You will begin with a 0.2 mile trail starting behind the Education & Visitor Center. As you continue you will see Brick Factory Loop and Log House Loop: Along this trail you will see several interesting things such as squirrel nests, lizards sunbathing and an old 1800s cabin and several other things. Next you will walk a .5 trail that leads you to Claypit Pond Trail where it is possible to see green heron's in the summer. Cook's Trail is 4.1 miles that connect Sandy Creek Nature Center with Sandy Creek Park. This trail is not a loop so you will have to return the same way you came.
From Cook's Trail there are several other very short trails you can walk, Crossridge Trail 0.1 mile, Hooded Warbler Trail 0.2 mile and 6 other trails which you can read about at Sandy Creek Nature Center.
A day of hiking is a lot of fun for a family. While you are walking along the trails you can take a lot of pictures and even write a few things about the hike. Once you are home the whole family can put together a scrapbook with the photos and the little write ups. Also, If you are planning to hike a longer trail, walking smaller trails like these can be good practice for the longer trail.
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