At Wyomia Tyus Olympic Park, options range from a paved loop trail to a 5K cross-country trail. There are also cycling routes with different stated skill levels, fishing and swimming options, and Griffin’s historic sites. When planning your trip, you can give different weight to nature, exercise, history and events, rather than reducing Spalding to a single experience.
Trails, Parks and Water
Wyomia Tyus Olympic Park covers 164 acres and includes a three-acre lake. Seven soccer fields and five baseball fields are at the heart of its sports facilities. For walking, there is a 1.25-mile paved loop trail and a 5K cross-country trail. Ernie’s Trail is also in the park and is considered a nature-rich trail with diverse flora and fauna; it is described as suitable for quiet recreation and educational activities.
Other facilities have their own distinctive features: Thomaston Mills Village Park has a quarter-mile paved walking path. The 34-acre park is on land that formerly belonged to the mill. Airport Road Park offers a 0.5-mile rubberized walking path, a large play structure for children ages two to twelve, and an accessible play area. Julian Jones Park in Orchard Hill has two playgrounds, two walking paths, a baseball practice field, five picnic pavilions and restrooms across its 15 acres.
Cycling trails can also be distinguished by their stated length and suitability. The 1.1-mile Green Loop in Quarry’s Edge Park is suitable for beginners and family outings. The 3.1-mile Blue Loop is designed for experienced cyclists. Cleared areas at the foot and along the top of the quarry offer a first glimpse inside. If you would rather spend time by the water, Dundee Lake Park has a 28-acre fishing lake suitable for shore fishing and small boats without gasoline engines. Check fishing and boating conditions before your trip.
Sports Facilities with Different Features
The Grind Skate Park has a six-foot-high halfpipe, several quarter pipes, bank-to-bank features, an event funbox and various grind rails. It is open to BMX bikes, inline skates, scooters and roller skates. Since individual features may change, it is a good idea to check the current facilities if you are coming specifically for a particular feature.
The Spalding County Aquatic Center has a 25-yard competition pool with eight lanes and a 25-yard warm-water pool with four lanes and ramp access. Tournaments, events and classes for all age groups take place year-round at Wyomia Tyus Olympic Park; dates may change. The facilities therefore differ not only by activity, but also in scale: from a short park path to designated cycling loops and sports and event venues.
Griffin’s Architecture and History
The Griffin Museum displays artifacts and memorabilia from Griffin dating back to the mid-19th century. Topics include the Dixie Highway, the development of the railroad, aviation pioneers, agricultural innovations, textile manufacturing and Doc Holliday. The Our Legacy Museum focuses on the historical and cultural experiences of Griffin-Spalding’s African American community.
Several buildings bring different chapters of local history to life. The Bailey Tebault House was built between 1859 and 1862 in the Greek Revival style and now houses the Griffin Spalding Historical Society. Built in 1859, the Spalding County Courthouse is one of only 15 surviving antebellum courthouses in Georgia and is considered a rare example of the Italianate style that was common when it was built. Griffin’s Rosenwald School was built in 1929 during racial segregation in the southern United States. The Gothic Revival St. George’s Episcopal Church has a church building dating from 1869. Griffin Opera House dates from the 19th century and was renovated to highlight its historic, dignified character.
Oak Hill Cemetery is also part of Griffin’s history: it was included in the original town plan and is the burial place of many historical figures with ties to Spalding County. The different sites and institutions each focus on their own themes—from architecture and urban development to the history of the African American community.
Events and Practical Information
The annual, free, family-friendly event features live music, food vendors and more than 100 tons of sand. The annual event is free and family-friendly; the program includes live music, food vendors and more than 100 tons of sand. Feast on East is an annual fall gathering featuring a shared outdoor meal and local music on East Solomon Street. A festival honoring Doc Holliday includes historical reenactments, live entertainment and a BBQ competition. Dates and programs may change, so it is recommended that you check event details before your trip.
More than 900 free public parking spaces are available for getting around Downtown Griffin. Griffin-Spalding Airport serves private and business aircraft, including small jets, and offers charter services for cargo and passengers. If you wish to use these services, confirm them in advance. When choosing your accommodation, your priorities can help guide your decision, whether they are trails and sports, family activities, events or Griffin’s historic sites.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Griffin, Cook, Glynn, Tattnall County, Walton, Putnam, Pulaski County, Stewart County.
For the main travel overview: Georgia.
