Greene Between Trails and History

Greene County brings together a range of themes for travel planning: the Firefly Trail winds through wooded areas and open farmland, while Scull Shoals tells the story of the county’s industrial history. Museums focus on the African American community and the history of notable residents. The Old Gaol and The Iron Horse add their own historical and artistic touches.

Firefly Trail and Paths Through the Landscape

The Greene County section of the Firefly Trail is 6.5 miles long. It runs from the Union Point Model Mile through unincorporated Greene County and Woodville to the Greene County–Oglethorpe County line. The trail has continuous, ten-foot-wide, fully paved paths through wooded areas and open farmland. They are suitable for walking, running, skating, and cycling. Vehicles with combustion or electric motors are not allowed on the Firefly Trail; check the posted rules before your trip.

The Redlands Wildlife Management Area extends across Greene, Oglethorpe, Oconee, and Morgan counties. The land is owned by the U.S. Forest Service. This means the protected and managed area extends beyond Greene County and offers a distinct landscape feature in the region.

Industrial History and Historic Sites

Scull Shoals was settled in 1784 on the Oconee River in Greene County and developed into a significant industrial village. Local industries included sawmills, gristmills, one of Georgia’s first paper mills, and a four-story textile factory. Visitors can explore mill foundations, chimneys, brick structures, and an old arched bridge on site. The surviving building remains offer a glimpse of the history of this former industrial site.

From Greensboro, take Highway 15N and Macedonia Road to reach the site. Then follow an unpaved road for about ten minutes. As road conditions and signage can change, check the route before setting out.

The Old Gaol was built following an 1807 recommendation to construct a jail and was made from granite from a local quarry. It is considered the oldest standing masonry jail in Georgia. The gallows and trapdoor remain as they were in the 19th century. A key for a self-guided tour is available from Genuine Georgia; check whether this access arrangement is in effect before visiting.

Museums and Art in Greene County

The Greene County African American Museum is dedicated to empowering and truthfully representing the lives of African Americans in Greene County, Georgia. It shares the community’s contributions and stories, from its history to the present day. The museum is in Greensboro; visits are by appointment only. Email mamie@gcaam.org in advance to check whether an appointment can be arranged.

The Greene County History Museum features exhibits about the lives and times of notable Greensboro residents. Another focus is the history of Greene County’s agricultural economy. The Iron Horse offers a different cultural note: the abstract iron sculpture is twelve feet tall and was created by artist Abbott Pattison in 1954. After several pranks by students, it was moved to its current location on a farm in Greene County.

Water Activities and Off-Road Trails

In the wider region around Greene County lies Lake Oconee, a freshwater reservoir covering 19,000 acres with nearly 374 miles of scenic shoreline. Activities there include fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish, as well as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, wakeboarding, water skiing, and pontoon trips to Jumping Rock. As providers and conditions can change, check in advance what is available on your travel dates.

Motorized activities are the focus at Durhamtown Off Road Park. It offers miles of varied trails for dirt bikes, ATVs, UTVs, and four-wheel-drive vehicles. The grounds include mud pits, steep climbs, singletrack trails, and open fields. Riding options are available for beginners and experienced riders alike. As programs may change, check the current offerings when planning your visit. This lets you weigh water activities and off-road riding as distinct focuses for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Greensboro, Bacon, Monroe, Hall, Putnam, Fannin County, Harris County, Cook.

For the broader travel overview: Georgia.