Athens, Ga., Lauches New Rail-Trail Project
Looking wistfully at the famous and much-loved Silver Comet Trail about 70 miles to the west, local organizers near Athens, Ga., are hoping to build a similar rail-trail attraction in their region.
According to the Athens Banner-Herald, the proposed 39-mile Firefly Trail will follow the former Athens Railroad from Winterville to Union Point.
"It's scenic, historic and level," says John Stephens, mayor of the town of Maxeys. "It links schools, businesses and town centers, and it's within easy driving distance of more than five million Georgians. It has the potential to bring much-needed opportunities for safe, off-road exercise and economic development to our area, just as similar rail-trails have done in other parts of the country."
To build community energy behind the project, supporters have organized a bicycle ride along the route this Saturday. For more information on Saturday's ride, email shermankathens@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/fireflytrail.
