NewTown Macon, Bike Walk Macon to host ‘Trails Day Macon’

The goal is to celebrate and raise funds for Macon's Ocmulgee Heritage Trail.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Strap on your hiking boots, grab your helmet and get ready to hit the trails this Saturday. NewTown Macon and Bike Walk Macon are teaming up to raise funds for Macon’s Ocmulgee Heritage Trail.

Emily Hopkins with NewTown Macon, says the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail is a beloved place and many are looking forward to getting the trail fully constructed.

“It’s our Most love green space and all of Macon. So it’s an incredible asset that we have, but it’s currently still under construction,” said Hopkins. “We work at NewTown, Macon, and with our partners of Bike Walk Macon to continue to construct sections of the trail”.

Below is a list of all the fun events:

Behind the Scenes Tour from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. | $20
Trail leaders Bill Causey, retired Macon-Bibb County engineer, and Erin Keller from NewTown Macon, will lead a bike tour in Amerson River Park, sharing behind-the-scenes insights into building the trail, highlighting challenges and successes, and share how you can support the trail’s future.

Storytime + Trails Day Adventure Challenge at 11:00 a.m. | FREE
Join Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful for storytime at Amerson River Park at 11:00 AM and 11:45 AM during Trails Day! Gather near the playground by the NewTown event flag, where kids and families can bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy an outdoor reading of ‘All the Way to the Ocean’ by Joel Harper and complete an adventure challenge card!

Linear Park/Walnut Street Hard Hat Tour from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | $20
This special “Hard Hat Tour” showcases the changes underway in Linear Park and along Walnut Street. Tour guides will highlight the history of the Pleasant Hill neighborhood and the collaborative efforts being made to improve Linear Park and the Walnut Street connection.

OHT Photo Walk from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. | $20
Join Jave Bjorkman, Founder and Creative Director of And So We Go Productions, on a scenic photo walk along in Jackson Springs Park. This unique tour is designed for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, aiming to capture the stunning natural beauty of the trail.

Rose Hill After Dark from 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. | $30
The exclusive “Rose Hill After Dark” tour offer participants an opportunity to experience Rose Hill in the evening hours. Led by Bill Causey, a devoted member of the OHT committee with a deep passion for Rose Hill Cemetery, and Hailie Poppell, NewTown Macon’s Digital Content Manager, this tour will lead participants through the next phase of the trail with fascinating insights into the cemetery’s historical significance.

As the sun sets, you can head to Fall Line Brewing Co. from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail Master Plan Reveal Party. There will be an unveiling of a visionary 25-year master plan for the OHT. You will also have a chance to discuss future projects, and celebrate with the exclusive Trail Blazer beer. Proceeds will help fund trail improvements.

Rachel Umana, Executive Director and founder of Bike Walk Macon, highlighted the trail requires donations, grants, and other funding to build.

“It is maintained by our local county government. But it takes a lot of money and a lot of work to be able to build the trails,” Umana explained. “So Macon Trails Day, while it’s a day to get out on the trail and celebrate the trail, we also want to raise some funds so that we can keep constructing the trail and expanding it and improving it,” Umana emphasized.

According to NewTown Macon, 100% of the tour admission fees will support the development of new trail sections and maintenance of the existing trail.

To sign up for tours, click here.