From biking and hiking to fishing and kayaking, Albany is a nature lover’s paradise
ALBANY, GEORGIA—APRIL 2022—Situated an hour from I-10 and about 45 minutes from I-75, Southwest Georgia’s Albany is the perfect outdoor adventure getaway or an overnight en route to points south and north. The great outdoors takes center stage in Albany making it an ideal destination for all those outdoor bucket list adventures. And with a moderate climate, visitors can enjoy outdoor explorations year-round.
Explore Radium Springs Gardens
A true outdoor adventurer’s paradise, Albany is full of opportunities to discover the wonders of nature. Nature lovers will delight in learning Albany is home to Radium Springs Gardens, one of Georgia’s Seven Natural Wonders. This unique garden pumps 70,000 gallons per minute of clear, 68-degree water from an underground cave. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty on display throughout a courtyard where the former Radium Springs Casino once stood and admire foliage-draped hillocks, crystal clear waters and flora which are both indigenous and exotic. The park also features a restored terrace, new sidewalks, a casino garden and gazebos. Radium Springs Gardens offers free admission and is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and 1-5 p.m., Sunday; Radium Springs Gardens, 2501 Radium Springs Road, Albany, Georgia 31705; 229-430-6120.
Hit the trails
Looking to hit the trails? Guests can take in the area’s scenery on two wheels by exploring a variety of bike trails. Check out Chehaw Park’s mountain bike trails. Then, spend the rest of the day at one of the state’s largest play parks. This 700+ acre park includes bike trails, hiking trails and so much more. Chehaw also offers a 100-acre zoo featuring over 200 animals including cheetahs, black rhinoceroses, alligators and many more. Patrons can take advantage of the BMX track, R/C car track, 18-hole disc golf course and even camping. It’s easy to see why Chehaw is a visitor favorite, no matter what type of outdoor adventure visitors are interested in. Insider tip: Need a bike tune-up while in town? Stop in Breakaway Cycles, home for all cycling needs—and wants. Repairs are completed within 24 hours so adventurers can get back to the trails ASAP. Chehaw, 105 Chehaw Park Road, Albany, Georgia, 31701; 229-430-5275; Breakaway Cycles, 2401 Dawson Rd B4, Albany, Georgia, 31707; 229-376-2300.
The area’s walking trails are also a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors at a personal pace. Riverfront Park is a six-acre park spread out along the Flint River featuring a 1.5-mile Greenways Trail System with a three-mile Riverwalk. Visitors will love the wide open spaces perfect for family picnics and gatherings, a play fountain, pavilion areas, Turtle Grove Play Park with Dino Dig and Tot Lot, the Horace King Overlook and the Albany Welcome Center located in the Historic Bridge House. The downtown Albany Welcome Center in the Historic Bridge House offers well-maintained bicycles for rent at reasonable rates, including a helmet, a lock and basket at no extra charge. At the Welcome Center, or online at VisitAlbanyGA.com/explore, discover dozens of additional pursuits, including golf and fly-fishing. Riverfront Park, 112 North Front Street, Albany, Georgia 31701; 229-317-4760
Get out on the water
Jump in feet first and get acquainted with southwest Georgia’s beautiful lakes. Lake Chehaw is a 1,400-acre lake that was formed by building the Georgia Power Dam in 1921. Lake Chehaw offers boating, fishing and skiing. A canoe trail winds through the lake and there is a covered picnic area at the dam perfect for afternoon refreshments. It’s an ideal spot to spend the whole day. Lake Chehaw, 105 Chehaw Park Road, Albany, Georgia 31701; 229-430-5275
Want to paddle your way through the area? Look no further than Kayak Attack Adventures for all kayaking needs. Offering kayak and canoe rentals, along with an array of services from simple pick-ups and drop-offs along local creeks and rivers to guided tours, private lessons and a ton of adventure, this one stop shop has everything visitors need to get out on the water. Wind down the Kinchafoonee Creek, Muckalee Creek and the Flint River and get up close and personal with waterfalls, caves and secluded parts of the creeks. Kayak Attack Adventures, Flint River and Kinchafoonee Creek, Albany, Georgia, 31763; 229-669-1259
Where to stay
All well-planned trips begin with finding a good place for your evenings of rest. Everyone seems to have a favorite flagship hotel and chances are you’ll find a favorite in Albany. From Hampton Inn and Hilton Garden Inn to Courtyard by Marriott and TownePlace Suites Albany, there are great options for couples, families and single travelers. To add a more local lodging experience to your getaway, look at a first-class, boutique-style inn. Merry Acres Inn was built in 1952, features 110 rooms and is a lovely historic inn that offers proximity to the heart of the city along with beautifully renovated spaces that create the ambiance of a bed and breakfast. Fabulous amenities are plentiful and second only to genuine hospitality and sweet Southern charm. Drop in at the Manor House Pub at Merry Acres for good eats and drinks or take their shuttle service to select area restaurants.