In Greene, you can plan your stay around a range of discoveries: the Firefly Trail, the industrial history of Scull Shoals, or museums in Greensboro. In the wider region, Lake Oconee adds water-based activities to the mix.
Firefly Trail: Paved Paths and Open Landscapes
The 6.5-mile Greene County section of the Firefly Trail runs from the Union Point Model Mile through unincorporated Greene County and Woodville to the Oglethorpe County line. Project status may change, so check the latest information before your trip.
The trail features continuous, 10-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. Also check the posted rules before your trip.
Water Activities and Off-Road Driving
In the wider Greene County region lies Lake Oconee, a 19,000-acre freshwater reservoir with nearly 374 miles of scenic shoreline. The lake offers opportunities for fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish, as well as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, wakeboarding, water skiing, and pontoon rides to Jumping Rock. Providers and conditions may change; confirm in advance which activities are currently available.
Durhamtown Off Road Park offers a different focus: miles of varied trails for dirt bikes, ATVs, UTVs, and four-wheel-drive vehicles. The site includes mud bogs, steep climbs, single-track trails, and open fields. Riding opportunities are available for both beginners and experienced riders. Since operating conditions and programs may change, check the latest information before you arrive.
Museums and History in Greene
The Greene County African American Museum in Greensboro is dedicated to strengthening and truthfully representing the lives of Greene County’s African American residents. It shares this community’s contributions and stories, from its history to the present day. Visits are by appointment only. You can contact mamie@gcaam.org to inquire; confirm in advance whether an appointment is available.
The Greene County History Museum’s exhibits focus on the lives and times of prominent Greensboro residents and the history of Greene County’s agricultural economy. The museum thus highlights two aspects of the local past: individual residents and the development of the county’s economy.
Scull Shoals was settled in 1784 on the Oconee River in Greene County and developed into an important industrial village. Its history includes sawmills, gristmills, one of Georgia’s first paper mills, and a four-story textile mill. Visitors can explore mill foundations, chimneys, brick structures, and an old arch bridge.
From Greensboro, you can reach Scull Shoals via Highway 15N and Macedonia Road. From there, an approximately 10-minute drive on an unpaved road leads to the site. Road conditions and signage may change, so check them before driving. The journey is therefore a distinct part of planning, separate from exploring the historic remains at the site.
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 Georgia’s oldest surviving masonry jail. A gallows and trapdoor remain, as they did in the 19th century. If you plan a visit, check current access arrangements in advance.
The Iron Horse is a 12-foot-tall abstract iron sculpture created by Abbott Pattison in 1954. After several pranks by students, it was moved to its current location on a farm in Greene County. The sculpture thus combines a clearly described artwork with an unusual local history.
Discover more destinations: Greensboro, Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Appling County, Telfair County, Dawson County, Laurens County.
For the broader travel overview: Georgia.
