Last Updated on June 26, 2023 by Kimberly Stroh
A best-kept secret that residents don’t like to slip out, a Northeastern part of Georgia – Oconee County – is the perfect outdoor playground for adventurous types. Travel off the beaten path for perfect escapes that will leave you feeling better connected with nature.
These fantastic outdoor activities in Oconee County are nestled between thriving small towns with deep southern roots. You’re sure to stumble upon a fantastic find in this Historic Heartland region of Georgia.
You may not have considered visiting Oconee County before, but you should! It’s only an hour east of Atlanta, and I’ve got 13 can’t-miss outdoor adventures your family will love.
Hardigree Wildlife Sanctuary
The Hardigree Wildlife Sanctuary provides outdoor education for all ages. Located on 88 acres, it’s a natural habitat where guests can develop a better relationship with Mother Earth. Activities include fishing, hiking, archery, tree climbing, wildlife observation, and more.
Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy some of the animals that call Hardigree home: deer, wild turkey, rabbits, possums, bobcats, many bird species, and snakes. Kids will love their educational programs where they can get hands-on with nature.
Tour The Upper Oconee River
Learn about the area’s rich history and see the scenic side of Oconee County when you book a river tour with Oconee Joe Paddle Co. Head out on kayak with your tour guide to explore the upper Oconee River. With over 60 miles of waterways to pick from and day or night options, there’s bound to be a kayak adventure you’ll enjoy. All of your gear is provided. Work up an appetite and rehydrate at one of the Athens breweries.
Read More: 7 Things Do In Athens, GA That Guarantee Family Fun
Mountain Bike At Heritage Park
Are you looking for a thrilling ride? Mountain bikers will enjoy the Heritage Park trails, which range from easygoing to challenging, but all are scenic. Twist your way through the backwoods of Oconee County as you enjoy the varied landscape.
The heritage park trails are located near Watkinsville. The three mountain biking trails total 9.7 miles and offer different difficulty levels. It’s a great ride in the fall, with the leaves changing for the season.
Elder Mill Covered Bridge
If you want a more tame outdoor experience, head to the Edler Mill Covered Bridge. It’s one of thirteen functioning covered bridges in Georgia. The bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it’s the perfect place to explore because it sits on Rose Creek. Shutterbugs will love this Instagram-worthy location.
Harris Shoals Park
Harris Shoals Park is a smaller city park located in Watkinsville. The park features picnic areas, baseball fields, horseshoes, a walking trail, and shoals to explore. Kids will love the ESP playground at Harris Shoals Park. It’s designed for kids of all abilities and is universally accessible. The local community treasures the inclusive playground, and it’s a great area for kids to play.
Miller’s Blueberry Farm
Did you know that Georgia grows more blueberries than any other state? The best time to go blueberry picking in Georgia is mid-June through early August, but some seasons are better than others – depending on weather conditions.
Head to Miller’s Blueberry Farm for eight different U-pick varieties. Buckets are provided (including children’s buckets). Once you’ve picked, they’ll weigh your blueberries, and you pay. It’s a great outdoor family-friendly summer activity.
Classic City Clydesdales
Visit Classic City Clydesdales for a tour of their breeding farm to see this majestic breed of horses up close. Learn how the owners care for Clydesdales, tour the farm and experience a trail ride. Along with the horses, Classic City Clydesdales is home to highland cows, donkeys, chickens, ducks, turkeys, and sheep.
The farm tour is $25 per adult and $15 for children under 12. Call ahead to schedule a trail ride, which is $85 per person.
Twin Run Flower Farm
Another tame outdoor experience is a morning at Twin Run Flower Farm. Walk through beautiful rows of flowers and pick your own during the summer and fall. Dahlias, sunflowers, lilies, alstroemerias, sweet William, yarrow, and feverfew are just a few varieties the farm grows.
Visitors are provided a small cup or larger bucket, water, and shears. Pricing is $2 per person to visit the farm, plus the cost of flowers. Flowers are $30 for a cup or $60 for a bucket. Each container comes with three sunflowers.
WildRice Adventures
Since my kids were little, all they’ve wanted to do was to climb trees! You can take it to the next level when you experience Wildrice Adventures. Create a custom adventure that combines outdoor education, thrilling heights, and wilderness fun.
WildRice Adventures teaches tree climbing, shooting sports, archery, fishing, and survival techniques. The rope-assisted tree climbs are the most popular and family-friendly. Check out their Open Tree Climb, which gives you an hour-and-half climb. It’s open to ages over eight and costs $35 per climber.
Oconee Farmers Market
Rain or shine, enjoy the Oconee Farmers Market at Harris Shoals Park – seasonally on Saturdays from spring to fall. Families can shop locally sourced produce, meats, flower bouquets, and artisan goods. It’s a beautiful open-air market that focuses on the community.
The best part? With rotating vendors each week, no two Oconee Farmers Market visits are the same! Check out the event calendar for kid-friendly crafts and visiting musicians.
Blueberry Picking At DGD Farms
Hadden Estate is a luxury wedding venue on the sprawling DGD Farms’ blueberry fields. You don’t need a wedding invitation to visit the farm, though! The farm offers 24 acres of beautiful views and blueberry picking during summer. The farm takes blueberry picking up a notch with food trucks, music, and outdoor activities. They also offer pre-picked berries if you don’t feel like standing out in the blueberry rows!
Playground of Possibilities
Little ones who want their own outdoor adventure in Oconee County will love the Playground of Possibilities. The state-of-art playground is filled with a variety of apparatuses that people of all abilities and ages can enjoy, including a zip line and a merry-go-round that is flush with the ground. The playground is centrally located in Watkinsville and is the perfect way for kids to burn off energy.
Washington Farms
Open seasonally for spring and fall, Washington Farms offers u-pick family fun. During the spring, pick strawberries, and during the fall, pick pumpkins. The farm offers additional family activities, including corn mazes, campfires, wagon rides, and a petting zoo.
Check the Washington Farms website for weather updates and seasonal activity offerings. Don’t forget to grab a bag of their world-famous kettle corn too!
MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO NORTHEAST GEORGIA
- State Botanical Garden of Georgia: Tips For Bringing Kids
- 4 Awesome Kids Activities At Sandy Creek Nature Center (Athens, GA)