Free Summertime Activities: Dauset Trails Nature Center - Jackson, Georgia

This May Be One of the Best Kept Secrets in Georgia!

A well kept secret for free summertime family fun is the Dauset Trails Nature Center located in Jackson Georgia between Indian Springs and High Falls Parks on Mt. Vernon Road!

Dauset Trails offers clearly marked hiking and biking trails as well as a separate 10 mile horse trail! (BYOH=Bring Your Own Horse!) Part of the hiking trails wander through the wildlife reserve area where

hawks, owls, raccoons, bison, bobcats and other native wildlife is cared for. For those wanting an up close look at gentler creatures there is a farm yard exhibit that is home to horses, chickens, goats and pigs!

The trails are all so well maintained we were easily able to push a baby stroller along. The trails for the most part are clear enough to be wheelchair accessible with the exception of perhaps the sandy areas around the wildlife exhibit trail. These spots with loose sand caused us to slow our pace but it didn't slow the 5 year old racing ahead and screeching in delight as she spotted another surprise at every turn!

The Dauset Trails visitor center offers 'scavenger hunt' lists for children of all ages to use to seek out 'hidden surprises' such as the giant acorn or the 'half the men we use to be' exhibit. No...I'm not giving away details, you don't want me ruining your surprise do you??

The visitor center has a nice patio porch area that overlooks the creek where carp and turtles can be seen. Ducks, guess and even the carp readily come close enough for picture taking when you put change in the feed dispenser and toss grain or dog food like kibbles their way!

There is a cold drink dispenser and well kept bathroom facilities, but better pack your picnic lunch if you are spending the day! There is a shaded picnic area near the pond and it is also close to the bathrooms and visitor center. Of course anything less than a day doesn't do justice to all the exhibits and beautiful garden and woodland trails to be seen.