Tours, trails, & parks
Discover It All
Tours, Trails & Parks Across Athens–Limestone
Whether you’re exploring on foot, by bike, or from a carriage seat, Athens–Limestone offers unforgettable ways to take it all in. Stroll through scenic parks, follow historic and cultural trails, or join a guided tour to uncover the stories and sights that make this place one of a kind.
Top Picks for Local Parks
- Doug Gates Park
- Athens, Al
- Doug Gates Park in Athens, AL, is a vibrant community space featuring the Athens Farmers Market, updated facilities, and a welcoming atmosphere for local events and gatherings.
- Coffman Mitchell Park
- Piney Chapel Road Athens, AL
- Coffman-Mitchell Park is in the Piney Chapel Community and serves as the southern anchor for the Richard Martin Rails-to-Trails. There is a pavilion, restrooms (may not be available in Winter), and plenty of parking for horse trailers for those wishing to ride the trail.
- Big Spring Memorial Park
- 350 Market St E, Athens, AL 35611
- This community park is in the Historic Beaty District of Athens. It is often referred to as the "Duck Pond" due to its year-round feathered habitants that offer a relaxing view and entertainment. Duck food feeders are available on site. Additional amenities for this park include a playground, tennis courts, pavilion, benches, swing and a walking loop.
Still More Parks to See
- Ardmore Town Park
- Ardmore, AL
- Ardmore Town Park in Alabama offers walking trails, playgrounds, and sports courts, providing a welcoming outdoor space for community recreation.
- Bassham-Phillips Park
- 18854 McWilliams Street Elkmont, AL
- Bassham-Phillips Park in Elkmont, Alabama, is a community park featuring a pavilion, playground, and open space for recreational activities. Established in 2017, it honors local leaders Robert Bassham, Will Ed Phillips, and Willie Lawrence Moore for their contributions to the town.
- Bicentennial Park Garden
- Mooresville, AL
- Bicentennial Park Garden is a community park located in Mooresville, Alabama. It features a commemorative garden that honors the town's bicentennial, blending historical preservation with community life. The garden serves as a space for residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities and learn about the town's history
- Big Spring Memorial Park
- 350 Market St E, Athens, AL 35611
- This community park is in the Historic Beaty District of Athens. It is often referred to as the "Duck Pond" due to its year-round feathered habitants that offer a relaxing view and entertainment. Duck food feeders are available on site. Additional amenities for this park include a playground, tennis courts, pavilion, benches, swing and a walking loop.
- Coffman Mitchell Park
- Piney Chapel Road Athens, AL
- Coffman-Mitchell Park is in the Piney Chapel Community and serves as the southern anchor for the Richard Martin Rails-to-Trails. There is a pavilion, restrooms (may not be available in Winter), and plenty of parking for horse trailers for those wishing to ride the trail.
- Doug Gates Park
- Athens, Al
- Doug Gates Park in Athens, AL, is a vibrant community space featuring the Athens Farmers Market, updated facilities, and a welcoming atmosphere for local events and gatherings.
- Elkmont Municipal Park
- Elkmont, AL
- Elkmont Municipal Park is a community space in Elkmont, AL, featuring a pavilion, playground, and open areas for recreation and events.
- Fitness Park
- Located on the corner of West Washington Street and Hine Street
- This park is located in west Athens near the Athens-Limestone Hospital and Athens-Limestone Wellness Center. The park is shaded by trees and offers a pavilion, fountain, exercise stations, walking trail and playground.
- Jimmy W Gill Park
- 2341 Hine St S, Athens, AL 35611
- Jimmy W. Gill Park is located south of U.S. Highway 72 at the intersection of Hine Street and Sanderfer Road. This pastorally set park offers playground, pavilion, basketball court and plenty of wide open space for play.
- John T Barnes Park
- 30515 Ardmore Ridge Rd, Ardmore, TN
- John T. Barnes Park in Ardmore, Tennessee, is a community hub offering walking trails, sports fields, a playground, splash pad, and picnic areas, hosting events like the annual rodeo and car show.
- Lincoln Bridgeforth Park
- 815 Westview Avenue Athens, AL
- The Lincoln Bridgeforth Park is located in the Trinity-Fort Henderson area. This community park features pavilion, playground, horseshoe pits, and basketball courts.
- Lucy’s Branch Park
- Located on Snake Road adjacent to Lucy's Branch Marina
- This Limestone County Park is part of the Tennessee Valley Authority managed lands. The park overlooks the Tennessee River/Wheeler Lake Reservoir with 1-lane boat ramp into Lucy's Branch. Adjacent to the property is the Lucy's Branch/Little Elk Community historic marker.
- Morris Municipal Park
- 25461-25467 Smith St, Elkmont, AL
- Morris Municipal Park in Morris, Alabama, features a newly built inclusive playground with a walking track, picnic areas, and plans for future sports courts, serving as a vibrant community space for all ages.
- Robert Allen Tinnon 5th Avenue Park
- 5th Avenue in Athens Alabama
- This community park is located in the 5th Avenue/Athens Elementary Community. Amenities include pavilion, playground, walking track and ball field.
Explore Our Tours & Trails
- African-American Heritage Trail
- Limestone County (multiple sites)
- A collection of sites highlighting the history, heritage, and legacies of the African-American communities in Limestone County.
- Antebellum Trail
- Limestone County (self-driving route)
- Explore 24 antebellum homes, churches, plantations, a college, post office, and a stagecoach inn showcasing architecture from 1812–1861.
- Ardmore Walking Tracks
- Ardmore Town Park & John Barnes Park, Ardmore Ridge Road
- Two walking tracks (¼ mile and ½ mile) shaded by trees with nearby playgrounds—perfect for family strolls and outdoor play.
- Athens & Limestone County Historic Districts
- Multiple historic districts in Athens
- Beautiful antebellum homes featured in walking and driving tours, with free brochures at the Athens Visitors Center.
- Athens Greenway Walking Trail
- Athens Sportsplex to Hwy 72
- A 3.3-mile walking trail extending 1.2 miles more, passing schools and archery range, ideal for walkers and runners.
- Civil War Trail
- Various sites in Limestone County, including Athens and Elkmont
- Driving and walking trail featuring Civil War historical sites, including battles of Athens and Sulphur Creek Trestle.
- Columns & Culture Walking Tour
- Downtown Athens
- Self-guided historic building tour with audio history; also a Pokemon Go route for a fun twist.
- Cowford Landing Walking Trail
- Cowford Road off Snake Road (near Athens)
- A peaceful walking and hiking trail along the Tennessee River, perfect for nature lovers.
- Limestone County Canoe/Kayak Trail
- Elk River (near Elkmont)
- A 21.9-mile canoe/kayak trail with five launch sites, famed for springtime blooms along the riverbanks.
- Marbut’s Bend Accessibility Trail
- 26790-27208 Buck Island Rd, Elkmont, AL 35620
- An accessible 1.1-mile trail with compacted walkways and wooden bridges, offering wildlife viewing and river access.
- Noah Bike Trail
- Limestone County
- An 89-mile bicycle and motorcycle trail offering scenic rides through Limestone County.
- North Alabama Birding Trail
- Seven sites in Limestone County, including Athens
- Part of a larger birding network linking 50 sites across 12 counties, perfect for weekend birdwatching.
- North Alabama Patriot Trail
- Various memorials and parks including Limestone County sites
- Honors U.S. veterans with memorials and museums showcasing military history and artifacts.
- Richard Martin Rails to Trails
- Downtown Elkmont to Sulphur Creek Trestle site
- A 10.3-mile trail for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and nature study, open daylight to sunset.
- Sulphur Creek Trails
- Elkmont Rural Village
- A 20-mile trail system with paved paths, hiking trails, and horse riding trails offering varied terrain.
- Swan Creek Greenway National Recreation Trail
- Athens Sportsplex to U.S. Highway 72
- A 2.3-mile paved trail with scenic views, a covered bridge, and abundant wildlife; accessible to walkers, strollers, and bicycles.
- The Glory Road: Limestone County Hallelujah Trail
- Churches across Limestone County
- A driving tour visiting historic churches throughout the county showcasing religious heritage.
- Wellness Park Walking Trail
- Wellness Park, West Washington Street, Athens
- A peaceful ¼-mile walking trail in Wellness Park, ideal for light exercise and relaxation.
