Conyers: Greenways, Water and Railroad History

Conyers offers a variety of themes for your trip: paths through parks and downtown, horseback riding trails through wooded areas and open pastureland, waterside landscapes, and railroad and monastery history. If you’re looking for a hotel in Conyers, you can first consider which of these themes you’d like to shape your stay. Each destination stands out for its own trails, landscapes, and historical connections.

Greenways, Horseback Riding Trails, and Parkland

The Olde Town Conyers Trail is a greenway that connects Johnson Park and Pine Log Park with downtown Conyers. Its defining feature is this connection between two parks and the city center. For trip planning, this trail offers a different point of reference from the horseback riding trails at Georgia International Horse Park: They extend for more than 15 miles and pass through wooded areas, open pastureland, and along streams. Their length and scenery give you a clear idea of what sets these trails apart.

Costley Mill Park offers another park landscape. It spans 77 acres along the banks of Big Haynes Creek and includes a waterfall pond. Its creekside setting and pond define the park’s character; its size also shows that it is an expansive park. These features distinguish it from the greenway connections and the landscapes along the horseback riding trails.

Water and Activities

Black Shoals Park at Randy Poynter Lake includes a 650-acre reservoir. The park has a fishing pier, bank fishing opportunities, and a boat ramp. Fishing, boating, and canoeing are possible at Randy Poynter Lake. When choosing activities that match your interests, it helps to distinguish between the park’s specific facilities and the activities available on the lake: Options range from bank fishing to boating and canoeing.

Olde Town and Railroad History

Olde Town Conyers developed from a railroad town along the tracks into an entertainment district in downtown. Today, special events and dining, boutique, and art offerings shape the district. Its character also includes pedestrian-friendly streets, shopping, restaurants, entertainment, and festivals. If you’re interested in how a district has evolved, you’ll find both a historic connection to the railroad and a diverse range of local offerings here.

The Milstead 104 Dinky Steam Locomotive offers a direct historical connection to the railroad. The Rogers steam locomotive dates to 1905 and once ran along a 3.5-mile railroad line between Conyers and the neighboring mill town of Milstead. The length of the line is part of its former use and adds to the picture of Conyers as a railroad town.

Monastery History and Local History

The Monastic Heritage Center includes a visitor center, the Abbey Store and Cafe, and a Prayer Walk to the Abbey Church. The Monastery of the Holy Spirit has been home to Cistercian monks for more than 80 years. Each name offers a different point of connection for exploring Conyers’ religious and monastic heritage.

The Old Jail Museum focuses on the history of Conyers and Rockdale County. Its building was constructed in 1897 and used by Rockdale County until 1969. The construction date and former use highlight different aspects of its history: One date relates to the building, the other to its use by the county. If you’re planning a visit to the museum, check the current schedule beforehand.

For an overview of the wider area: Rockdale.