One of our favorite things to do during our research trips is to pack a picnic lunch and head out on a community's hiking trails. Whether by foot or on the seat of a bike, we love the natural scenery, the sounds of nature and smells of the fresh air. Our ideal hike leads us among a forest, along a sparkling lake or through a field of wildflowers. In fact, we've just returned from a weekend trip to Reynolds Lake Oconee, where we hiked and biked 3 of the lake's 7 fabulous nature trails. After three days of biking, we were reminded how this is truly one of the best places to live in the south.
We believe the winter is an excellent time to explore the trails, and get a taste of the of the good life in Central Georgia. The most enjoyable thing about Reynolds Lake Oconee is its privacy and incredibly smart master plan. And with more than 21 miles of nature trails, residents feel they're living in a world all to themselves. With approximately 10,000 acres of private land, there are beautiful lake views, boardwalks, bridges, golf courses and more. For Baby Boomers, this is an excellent way to stay healthy and spend leisurely days.
When you go exploring Reynolds Lake Oconee, here's a detailed breakdown of the 7 hiking trails:
1) Angel Pond Trail
At the north end of property, the Angel Pond Trail consists of 5.75 miles of path, mostly along a scenic cove of Lake Oconee (an incredible fishing spot, by the way). The trail begins along a long boardwalk and gives ample opportunity to catch an osprey nesting or an egret coasting along the glassy coves. Finish by strolling past the Jim Engh-designed Creek Club golf course.
2) Armor's Ford Trail
For braver hikers, the Armor’s Ford Trail at the north section of Reynolds follows the more dramatic elevation changes of The Creek Club course. Be ready for a full workout during this 3.5-mile walk, which finishes at the Lake Club Marina.
3) The Oconee Trail
The centrally located Oconee Trail is a popular hike for guests of The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake OconeeThe Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee. It’s a moderate trail that moves through towering hardwoods and pines and passes several popular attractions including The Kingdom at Reynolds Lake OconeeThe Kingdom at Reynolds Lake Oconee and multiple holes of the Oconee and National golf courses.
4) The Saddle Ridge Trail
The Saddle Ridge Trail is a 3-mile walk through white oaks, hickories, poplars, dogwoods, and loblolly pines that rise overhead. Listen for birds calling from the canopy, feel the wind rustling the trees, and enjoy the foliage adding perfume to the air. This trail is perfect for birding, tree identification, and tracking. Also take a special moment to wander through the Reflection Garden, built by members to memorialize loved ones within the community and located behind the Commons building.
5) The Linger Longer Trail
The Linger Longer Trail, starting at Linger Longer Marina, is 4 miles of hikes that wanders through two of Reynolds’ six Lake Oconee golf course (Preserve and National), passes numerous creeks and ponds, and offers several peeks at Lake Oconee. If you like to angle when you amble, bring along a fishing rod and plan to stop at the pier dock at Linger Longer Pavilion, Carolyn’s Pond, or the pond or lake pavilion at either end of Curtwright Place. It’s an especially scenic stroll when the dogwoods are in bloom.
6 & 7) The North and South Trails
The North and South Trails, in the Great Waters neighborhood, cover 3 miles through this lovely community. Walk under the limbs of towering trees and alongside the Jack Nicklaus Signature Great Waters course. The South Trail begins at the clubhouse and finishes close to the community entrance, passing numerous holes on the front nine. The North Trail also begins at the clubhouse and finishes in the middle of the back nine among some of the most scenic holes on Lake Oconee - or anywhere else.
View all Walking Trails HereView all Walking Trails Here
If you're looking to escape the brutal winters, high taxes and concrete jungle, we're confident a day or two spent walking the hiking trails will give you an inside glimpse into one of the best places to live in the south.
For 25 years, Margie was employed by residential & commercial real estate developers in the Southeast. Today, Margie is an industry leader of online real estate reviews about the best master-planned communities in the Southeast and best cities to live. She travels each month to a different state in the Southeast and in Central America, searching for the best master-planned communities. It's her hope buyers reading her real estate reviews will learn critical information before purchasing property.
Discover all of Margie's Reynolds Lake Oconee adventures at realestatescorecard.comrealestatescorecard.com
