Reynolds Lake Oconee has added two exciting new amenities—an aerial adventure course and a falconry experience—to its offerings available at Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds.
The Aerial Adventure course features 24 unique challenges and elements, and allows guests to “choose their own adventure” from beginner, intermediate, and advanced routes. All platforms and ropes are attached to existing trees on the course, which covers 3.75 acres with 6,300 feet of cable. The course was designed by Bonsai Design, a leader in building aerial adventure courses throughout the country.
Access to the Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds and these new activities is available to Platinum Members of Reynolds Lake Oconee and resort guests staying in a cottage or at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee. Each group is accompanied by an experienced guide.
The Falconry Experience is under the direction of Linda Spence, a Master Falconer of birds of prey for over 15 years. Guided by Linda, Members and resort guests can interact with and experience the thrill of handling trained birds of prey, including an Aplomado Falcon, two Harris Hawks, and a Eurasian Eagle Owl. She explains the program as “take a hawk for a walk,” with guests receiving an introduction to the ancient sport of falconry before taking to the trails along the lake at Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds. During the walk, the birds look for prey and do what comes naturally as they hunt for food. Linda will also demonstrate the talents of these birds and their native instincts along the walk.
Both offerings are ideal for meeting groups, team building, family excursions, and other gatherings.
“These new programs take our outdoor amenities to even higher levels,” said Tim Hong, Chief Operating Officer of Reynolds Lake Oconee. “Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds is already recognized among the finest facilities in the U.S., and with the aerial adventure course and falconry additions, it ascends to world-class status.”
Resort Outfitters, which operates similar experiences at several top-level U.S. resorts, including The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, The Greenbrier, Boar’s Head Resort, Garden of the Gods Resort and Club, and The Omni Homestead, has partnered with Reynolds, and will manage these new amenities.
Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds, which opened in 2017, offers a 20-station sporting clays course designed by Justin Jones, director of the facility, who created the course to bring the traditions and authenticity of his native Britain to this southern destination. Other activities available at the 100-acre sporting grounds include an air rifle range, five- stands, archery, fishing, and off-roading.
The hub of the facility is the historic Sandy Creek Barn, which was built in the early 1800s and relocated from Pennsylvania to Reynolds Lake Oconee in 2007. It also serves as a one-of-a-kind event venue for parties, meeting groups, concerts, and other special events.
