A rare steam locomotive offers an unusual glimpse into the region’s history: the Milstead 104 “Dinky” is a 1905 Rogers steam locomotive and one of only three locomotives of its kind remaining in the world. It once ran along a 3.5-mile railway line between Conyers and Milstead. The locomotive and route give the railroad theme a concrete historical connection.
Explore Trails and Nature
The Olde Town Conyers PATH Trail runs 1.7 miles from the Nancy Guinn Library to the Rockdale Career Academy. The third phase runs from the library through Olde Town Conyers to Pine Log Park. This makes both endpoints of the longer route description, as well as Olde Town and Pine Log Park, important landmarks along the trail.
Big Haynes Creek Nature Center spans 173 acres of wetlands, forests, and open meadows. One distinctive feature is a 5,000-square-foot pollinator garden, certified as both a Monarch Waystation and a National Wildlife Habitat. More than five miles of trails are designated for hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers. South Rockdale Park also has 5.5 miles of mountain bike trails for beginners, intermediate riders, and experienced cyclists.
The Rockdale County Master Gardeners’ Memorial Arboretum also combines nature with recreation: its public trail is one mile long and intended for walking and horseback riding. Panola Mountain offers a different landscape: this 100-acre granite outcrop has a rare ecosystem. The different options—from the trail at the arboretum to the extensive trail networks at the nature center—can help you tailor your nature outing to your interests.
Art, Gardens, and History
In Conyers, a self-guided public art tour showcases a variety of public art, including murals, painted fire hydrants, fountains, and sculptures. More water and garden features come together at the Lewis-Vaughn Botanical Garden. The garden has a fountain and a stream with goldfish and pond plants; the stream is fed by Conyers’ original water tower.
Another historical landmark is Haralson Mill Covered Bridge. It was built in 1997 to replace a historic ford in North Rockdale County. The Old Jail Museum is dedicated to the history of Conyers and Rockdale County. If you’re considering a visit, check current visitor information before you go.
The “Dinky” locomotive also recalls an earlier connection between Conyers and Milstead: it once ran the 3.5-mile route between the two places. Together with the bridge and the Old Jail Museum, it offers a historical perspective that differs distinctly from the trails and gardens.
Monastery, Events, and Water
At the Monastery of the Holy Spirit, the Monastic Heritage Center is a 17,000-square-foot complex of new and renovated historic monastery buildings. A prayer walk at the monastery leads to the Abbey Church. The Abbey Store offers monk-made fruitcakes, fudge, biscotti, and cookies to sample and purchase; offerings may change.
Events add variety to the calendar. For more than 40 years, the Olde Town Fall Festival has welcomed artists and craftspeople. The Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival takes place annually over two days in March at the Georgia International Horse Park; dates and programming may change. Olde Town Conyers also hosts evening events from 6 to 10 p.m. on the second Saturday of April, May, and June. The Walk of Heroes Veterans War Memorial holds annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies. If you’re planning your trip around an event, check the dates and programs in advance.
For water activities, Randy Poynter Lake in Black Shoals Park is suitable for fishing, boating, and canoeing. The range of experiences extends from historic sites and recurring festivals to nature trails and water sports.
Discover more destinations: Conyers, Gordon, Floyd, Washington County, Dawson County, Pulaski County, Hart County, Fannin County
For the main travel overview: Georgia.
