Page 59 - Athens New Comers Guide 2023

Go By Bike
Athens’ Oconee River Greenway is a
linear park and trails system that provides
wildlife corridors, a wetland hiking trail,
and a family friendly multi-use path for the
public’s enjoyment. Currently, the Oconee
River Greenway System provides 3.1
miles of natural surface hiking-only
trails and eight miles of concrete,
multi-use trails that are designated
for non-motorized use.

Athens-Clarke County hosts over
three miles of the Firefly Trail, with an
additional 1.5 miles planned expansion
that will connect downtown Athens
with downtown Winterville, continuing
toward the Oglethorpe County line. The
Firefly Trail, when complete, will form a
continuous trail along old railroad lines
from downtown Athens to Union Point, GA.

IN THE
NEWS

Athena Studios is the first major film
studio to open in Athens, and when
completed in 2023, it is expected to
generate 1,000 production-based
creative jobs annually, including lighting,
props, set design and construction,
videographers, sound, and more.

Fly In
Athens-Ben Epps Regional Airport is
a base for corporate jets and charter
services. Athens-Ben Epps continues to
pursue an agreement with an airline to
restart scheduled commercial service at
the airport. For those in Athens who need
a commercial flight, Hartsfield-Jackson
Atlanta International Airport is only a
90-minute drive away.
Ship Out by Rail
Athens’ businesses can also benefit
from the state’s extensive 4,700-mile rail
system, which provides direct rail service
to 500 Georgia communities. The rail
system, operated primarily by mainlines
CSX and Norfolk Southern, offers
businesses the ability to ship efficiently
throughout the nation, and especially
to the state’s two deep-water ports –
Savannah and Brunswick – both providing
access to international markets.

Athens Area Chamber of Commerce • www.athensga.com • (706) 549-6800 Business and Industry 55