Georgia DNR Announces 17 Grants Through the Recreational Trails Program

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced the selection of projects for grant funding through the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) to support the construction and rehabilitation of trails across the state. Selected applicants will be invited to submit final applications for their proposals, which will provide more than $3.1 million in funding to expand outdoor access throughout Georgia. Through partnerships with public and private organizations, grantees will leverage RTP funds to generate a total estimated investment of nearly $9.4 million in trail projects.

“The Recreational Trails Program helps ensure Georgians and visitors alike have access to high-quality outdoor recreation opportunities,” said Walter Rabon, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. “By supporting trail construction and rehabilitation projects across the state, this funding strengthens communities, encourages healthy outdoor activity, and enhances Georgia’s growing recreation economy.”

RTP supports communities in developing recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both nonmotorized and motorized outdoor recreation. These funds come from the Federal Highway Trust Fund and represent an estimate of the motor fuel excise tax collected from off-highway recreational fuel use.

DNR conducts biannual grant application cycles for RTP funding. The 17 awardees were selected from 23 project proposals requesting $3.9 million.

The complete list of RTP awards is below. For more information about RTP and these grants, visit gadnr.org/RTP

2025-2026 Georgia Recreational Trails Program Selected Projects 

Athens-Clarke County Government

Southeast Clark Park Trail Accessibility Improvements; $200,000.00

The Southeast Clarke Park Trail Project will upgrade parts of the existing natural-surface trail into a paved, accessible, all-weather route, connecting both sides of the 135-acre park. This enhancement includes erosion control, replacement of a failed pedestrian bridge, addition of a nature-viewing bench, and installation of new signage for safety and navigation. The upgrades will improve access to nature, dog parks, playgrounds, sports fields, and event areas, supporting walking, running, wheelchairs, and strollers.

Bryan County 

Green Creek Trail Extension; $180,000.00

The Green Creek Trail Extension project will enhance outdoor recreation opportunities in Bryan County by extending the existing trail and improving connectivity for residents, visitors, and surrounding neighborhoods. The current 0.7-mile trail traverses along the Green Creek and follows the canal embankment and incorporates a bridge crossing into DeVaul Henderson Park. This project will extend the trail and introduce additional amenities, including an eight-foot-wide timber boardwalk, ADA accessible parking area, and the construction of a new trailhead featuring a crosswalk to improve pedestrian safety and access.

City of Albany

Albany Riverfront Trail Improvement; $160,000.00

The Albany Riverfront Trail Phase 1 supports the regional vision for a continuous, accessible trail along the Flint River, connecting Albany's neighborhood parks as outlined in the 2016 Master Plan. Improvements include upgrades to the existing north trailhead, construction of an additional trailhead, restoration of existing decks and storm-damaged trail segments, expanded ADA access, and installation of interpretive signage and trail amenities. The Riverfront Trail is a key component of Dougherty County's planned 20+ mile greenway system, promoting public health, tourism, and downtown revitalization.

City of Cedartown

Big Spring Heritage Trail; $200,000.00

The City of Cedartown will construct a 0.75-mile (3,960-foot) new 10-foot-wide paved trail. Access paths will provide ADA-compliant connections to new and existing trails, parks, and facilities. The project improvements, along with educational kiosks, will enhance recreational opportunities and encourage use by people of all ages and abilities.

City of Milton

Birmingham Park Restroom Installation and Trail Improvements; $200,000.00

The Birmingham Park project will include construction of a new restroom building, development of an ADA-compliant parking lot at the trailhead, and installation of signage for guidance and safety along walking and equestrian trails. The project will replace the wooden bridge near the parking area and reroute two sections of the Yellow Trail to enhance user safety. 

City of Morrow

Barton Memorial Park Trail; $200,000.00

The Barton Memorial Park Trail Project will transform a 0.5-mile unpaved maintenance path into a safe, 10-foot-wide asphalt trail for walking and biking. Running along the park's western and southern boundaries, it will provide access and connectivity for visitors. The project will promote physical activity, expand nature access, and improve the quality of life for the community.

City of Moultrie

Eastside Trail; $200,000.00

The City of Moultrie will develop a 3.8-mile, 12-foot-wide asphalt multi-use path, transforming an abandoned railroad corridor on the eastern side of the city into a safe, accessible, and scenic recreational facility. The Eastside Trail project is designed to revitalize this underutilized corridor (currently undeveloped, with overgrown vegetation, remnants of old rail ties and ballast, and restricted public access), converting it into a functional and attractive community asset while building upon the success of Moultrie’s existing rails-to-trails conversion on the western side of the city.

City of Peachtree Corners

Tech Park Lake Trail Phase II; $200,000.00

The City of Peachtree Corners will complete the loop around the lake, initiated in Phase I. The new segment will connect the northern trail with the remaining perimeter of the lake along its southern and eastern boundaries. This addition will establish a continuous and clearly defined pathway around the lake. The extension will add approximately 2,300 linear feet of multi-use trail, utilizing a combination of semi-pervious, grade-separated surfaces and concrete to ensure accessibility while supporting environmental sustainability.

City of Ringgold

Slabtown Park and South Chickamauga Blueway Phase I; $200,000.00 

The Slabtown Park and South Chickamauga Blueway project entails the stewardship of 14.5 acres of land within the City of Ringgold for the purpose of developing greenspace. This initiative will incorporate 780 linear feet of paved trail and 2,924 linear feet of mulched trail. Additionally, the project will encompass three rain gardens and a canoe launch, serving as components of the Blueway trail on the property. The developments will facilitate activities such as hiking, walking, canoeing, and kayaking.

City of South Fulton

Cedar Grove Park Trail Phase I; $200,000.00

The Cedar Grove Park Trail supports the City of South Fulton’s goal of establishing an accessible network of trails that encourages outdoor leisure and enhances community connectivity. Phase I includes the construction of an ADA-compliant multi-use path, connecting nearby residential areas to Cedar Grove Park and its newly developed recreation center. The trail will provide direct access to park amenities, including the playground, basketball court, multipurpose field, and picnic shelters, encouraging residents to walk, jog, and cycle in a safe environment.

City of Union City

Longino Drive Trail; $200,000.00

The City of Union City will connect an 800-foot trail, located in southern Fulton County, as a non-motorized pathway to provide pedestrian access to the Eagles Nest Sports Complex, and other recreation and community facilities in an effort to create a safe, seamless route between these destinations. The project prioritizes pedestrian safety along Longino Drive, a narrow, curved road with limited visibility, by adding directional signage. The trail aims to encourage walking and reduce vehicle use for access to these locations.

Development Authority of Seminole County and Donalsonville 

Access to Adventure: Trails at McFadden Nature Center; $160,118.00

Development Authority of Seminole County and Donalsonville in partnership with McFadden Nature Center is launching a trail enhancement project to improve accessibility, inclusivity, and educational opportunities for the community. The plan includes refurbishing ten miles of existing trails, adding an ADA-compliant restroom, and constructing two new, child-focused educational trails near the future Nature Center. Trail improvements will include resurfacing uneven areas to ensure safe access for all users, including those with mobility challenges. A new trailhead kiosk will also be installed to enhance navigation and welcome visitors.

Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners

Rock House Road Park to Lake Zwerner Reservoir Trail Connectivity; $78,600.00 

Lumpkin County will construct a trailhead and 1.25 miles of pedestrian trail, including a one-mile connection from Rock House Road Park to the existing trail system and a 0.25-mile accessible loop within the park near parking and restrooms. This multi-benefit project will improve access, expand recreational opportunities for all users, and boost Lumpkin County’s outdoor tourism economy by separating pedestrian traffic from boating and fishing activities.

Macon Bibb County

Ocmulgee Heritage Trail Connector Over the River; $165,000.00 

The Ocmulgee Heritage Trail (OHT) Vision Plan outlines a framework for expanding connectivity and recreational opportunities along the Ocmulgee River. The proposed project will extend the OHT from its current endpoint at the Vineville Branch bridge in Riverside Cemetery to the access point under construction by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). A key component of the project is the planned conversion of two decommissioned traffic bridges, one over the railroad and one over the river, into safe, multipurpose trails for pedestrians and cyclists, enhancing OHT connectivity.

Madison County Board of Commissioners

Recreation Trail System at Diamond Hill Park; $160,000.00

Madison County will construct a new trail that meets ADA accessibility requirements, providing safe and easy passage for hikers, individuals with disabilities, parents with strollers, and joggers. The trail will feature a hard-packed surface to support broad accessibility and include up to six fitness stations to promote physical and cognitive health. Off-trail seating areas will offer opportunities for rest and quiet reflection.

Paulding County Board of Commissioners

Richland Creek Reservoir Trails Project; $200,000.00

Guided by the Richland Creek Master Plans, Phase 1 of the trail project will add a paved loop trail and a 4-mile hiking trail on the county-owned parkland at the Richland Creek Reservoir. The project will enhance public access and support existing outdoor recreational activities, including fishing.

Troup County Board of Commissioners 

Pyne Road Park Accessible Trails and Trailhead; $200,000.00 

The Pyne Road Park Trails expansion project will enhance recreation, access, and connectivity at West Point Lake. The project includes a Gateway Trail consistent with the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) standards and the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, a 1.2-mile lakeside and wooded multi-use trail, a 0.66-mile beginner Mountain Bike Trail (MTB), and a connector trail, along with a new trailhead kiosk and signage. The accessible lakeside route will provide accessible entry from the Oakfuskee Conservation Center parking lot for visitors of all abilities.

ABOUT THE GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

The mission of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is to sustain, enhance, protect, and conserve Georgia's natural, historic and cultural resources for present and future generations, while recognizing the importance of promoting the development of commerce and industry that utilize sound environmental practices. For more information, please visit www.gadnr.org.

ABOUT THE RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM

The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is a federal grant program funded by the Federal Highway Administration and administered at the state level by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The purpose of RTP is to support recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both nonmotorized and motorized recreational trail uses. Eligible applicants include qualified local governments, authorized commissions, and state and federal agencies.