Harris County: Hiking, Nature, and History

When looking for hotels in Harris County, it helps to consider the excursions you have planned: options range from trails of varying lengths to gardens, wildlife experiences, and historic sites. First decide whether you mainly want to hike, cycle, experience nature, or visit cultural sites. This lets you plan your stay around the places that interest you.

Choosing Hiking Trails and Cycling Routes

The Man O’ War Trail crosses much of Harris County, covering 13.4 miles from Pine Mountain to Mulberry Creek. The paved trail is 10 feet wide and open to cyclists, runners, and dog owners. Motorized vehicles are not permitted; e-bikes are welcome. Parking is available at both ends and at several access points. Check local guidance before using the trail.

For shorter routes, the Dowdell’s Knob Trail is a one-mile nature path that ends at a waterfall near Brown Dog Bluff. At Dowdell’s Knob, a life-size presidential sculpture greets visitors at the overlook. The Mountain Creek Trail, by contrast, is a 3.2-mile loop through oak and pine forest along the upper reaches of Mountain Creek. The F.D. Roosevelt State Park is also home to the 7.8-mile Big Poplar Loop. The Pine Mountain Trail extends for 23 miles; shorter connecting trails make less challenging hikes possible. The different trail lengths help you choose a route that fits the time you have planned.

There are several options for cyclists, too. The paved Robin Lake Trail runs around the lake and is suitable for walking or cycling. General admission to Callaway Resort & Gardens includes more than 10 miles of the Discover Bicycle Trail; check current admission terms before your trip. The Mountaintop Hiking and Bike Park has miles of trails for hiking and trail running, as well as mountain biking for beginners. The downhill trails include flowing sections, tight turns, and rocky stretches for different skill levels. Check trail conditions before riding. Roosevelt Stables offers guided rides on the Creek Trail, Mountain Overlook Trail, and Cowboy Trail; these are available by appointment only.

Gardens, Wildlife, and Seasonal Activities

The Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl covers 40 acres and features more than 3,000 native and cultivated azaleas. Wide paths wind through the hillside gardens. The Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center typically houses at least 1,000 butterflies in a tropical conservatory; seasonal exhibits may vary. The 1,200-acre Cason J. Callaway Memorial Forest is designated a National Natural Landmark and protects the unique transitional ecosystem of Pine Mountain Ridge.

The Discovery Amphitheater hosts free-flight demonstrations featuring birds of prey; demonstration times may change. Robin Lake Beach offers a range of beach activities in summer, and the selection is seasonal and subject to change. The Liberty Bell Pool at F.D. Roosevelt State Park is open seasonally. Check its current operating status before your trip. TreeTop Adventure includes ten zip lines ranging from 44 to 700 feet long. The three courses extend horizontally for more than 3,000 feet and reach up to 70 feet above the forest floor. Course details may change.

The drive-through tour at Wild Animal Safari covers more than 250 acres; visitors can feed zebras, llamas, and bison from their own vehicles. Along the way, they can see more than 550 wild animals. Which animals are available may vary, and animal numbers and operating details may also change. For those interested in a self-guided activity, Pine Mountain also has a digital scavenger hunt: it covers less than half a mile and takes about an hour. Check in advance for information about possible prizes and how to take part through the Visitor Information Center.

History and Practical Information

Historic sites include the Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel, built by Cason Callaway in 1962 in honor of his mother in the woods of Callaway Gardens, and the Pioneer Log Cabin, which dates to the early 19th century. The boathouse at Callaway Gardens was built on Mountain Creek Lake in 1951. Cason’s Garden includes a historic Victory Garden and is open seasonally. The Trains Mural depicts Pine Mountain’s railroad history.

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. If you are planning additional places to visit, the Pine Mountain Tourism Association Visitor Information Center offers maps, attraction information, restaurant recommendations, shopping guides, an events calendar, and visitor tips. Check opening hours before you arrive.

As a general guide, Callaway Resort & Gardens is about 60 minutes southwest of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and 30 minutes north of Columbus; drive times vary depending on traffic. Harris County Airport is a few minutes from downtown Pine Mountain and serves private and business aviation. Jenny Jack Farm offers self-guided tours, as well as tours for school classes and adult groups, by appointment.

Discover more destinations: Pine Mountain, Decatur County, Wayne County, Burke County, Lamar County, Coffee County, Greene, Macon County

For the main travel overview: Georgia.