A drive through Wild Animal Safari, wide paths through hillside gardens or a hike along a long loop trail: Harris County offers a variety of ways to tailor your trip to your interests. At Wild Animal Safari, you can take a drive-through tour across more than 250 acres; zebras, llamas and bison can be fed from your vehicle. The availability of individual animals may vary.
Hiking and Cycling on a Range of Trails
The Man O’ War Trail crosses a large part of Harris County. The paved trail is 10 feet wide and 13.4 miles long; it runs from Pine Mountain to Mulberry Creek. It is open to cyclists, runners and dog walkers, and e-bikes are welcome. Motorized vehicles are not permitted. Parking is available at both ends and at several access points. This gives you clear information for planning a longer ride or a section of the trail.
There are several hiking distances to choose from: the Pine Mountain Trail covers 23 miles and has shorter connecting trails for less challenging hikes. The Mountain Creek Trail is a 3.2-mile loop through oak and pine forest along the upper reaches of Mountain Creek. The 7.8-mile Big Poplar Loop is in F.D. Roosevelt State Park. The one-mile Dowdell’s Knob Trail ends at a waterfall near Brown Dog Bluff. At Dowdell’s Knob, a life-size sculpture of the president welcomes visitors at the overlook.
Mountaintop Hiking and Bike Park has downhill mountain bike trails with flowing sections, tight turns and rocky features. The trails cater to different skill levels; there are also miles of paths for hiking, trail running and mountain biking, as well as mountain biking options for beginners. Check conditions before you ride.
Gardens, Butterflies and Outdoor Activities
Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl combines garden paths with an extensive collection of azaleas: more than 3,000 native and cultivated plants grow across 40 acres. Wide paths wind through the hillside gardens. The Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center typically has at least 1,000 butterflies in a tropical conservatory; seasonal exhibits may vary. General admission to Callaway Resort & Gardens also includes more than 10 miles of the Discover Bicycle Trail. Check current admission terms before your trip.
TreeTop Adventure has ten zip lines ranging from 44 to 700 feet long. Three courses stretch horizontally for more than 3,000 feet and run up to 70 feet above the forest floor; course details may change. The Discovery Amphitheater hosts Free-Flighted Birds of Prey Shows, whose schedules may change. Robin Lake Beach offers a variety of beach activities in summer. Cason’s Garden is also open seasonally and includes a historic Victory Garden.
Culture and History Along the Way
The Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel was built by Cason Callaway in 1962 in honor of his mother and is located in the woods of Callaway Gardens. The Callaway Gardens boathouse was built in 1951 on Mountain Creek Lake. The Pioneer Log Cabin dates from the early 19th century.
The Chipley Historical Center is located in the original 1906 Chipley City Hall; the original jail cells have been preserved and are on display. The restored Chipley-Pine Mountain City Hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Trains Mural highlights Pine Mountain’s railroad history. These stops let you add individual historical and cultural experiences to your time in nature.
Getting Here and Planning the Right Stay
For help finding your way when you arrive: Callaway Resort & Gardens is about 60 minutes southwest of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and 30 minutes north of Columbus. Drive times vary with traffic. Harris County Airport is a few minutes from downtown Pine Mountain and serves private and business aviation.
The Pine Mountain Tourism Association Visitor Information Center offers maps, information about attractions, restaurant recommendations, shopping guides, event calendars and visitor tips. Check opening hours before you arrive. When planning, also consider seasonal offerings and the requirement to book guided horseback rides at Roosevelt Stables in advance. If you want to visit Jenny Jack Farm, plan self-guided or group tours by appointment as well.
Discover more destinations: Pine Mountain, Rockdale, Dekalb, Union, Coweta, Walton, Stephens County, Murray County
For the broader travel overview: Georgia.
