Reinhardt College Trail System
Dec 31st, 2008 by Admin 1
Last weekend we wanted to hike, but the weather was dreary so instead of investing our time in driving somewhere more scenic, we decided to find a trail closer to home. We found ourselves on the Reinhardt College campus in Waleska, Ga. We had very low expectations but were pleasantly surprised.
The trail system consists of about 7 miles of easy to moderate hiking trails. Maps are supplied at the trailhead located on Grady Street next to the campus Wellness Center. You will also find a waiver you must fill out and sign as the trails are on private property. A little weird, but so what? It only takes a minute.
The map is accurate and easy to follow. One thing they aren’t lacking in is signage. I don’t think anyone could possibly get lost on these trails. We hiked the whole system except for trail #1 which is the beginner’s trail and looks like a flat path next to a ball field. All trails are blazed and marked at every junction.
You start off on trail #3 which is a big loop that encircles the rest of the trails. It’s OK if you just need to go for a run, or ride for some exercise, but it’s really just an ugly service road for the water reclamation ponds and you can see and hear the hwy from various parts of it.
Trails #2, 4, 6, & 7 are the best as far as scenery. #5 & 8 are not that pretty, but have some nice hills. They are listed as advanced, but I wouldn’t consider any of these trails advanced.
#2 is flat and very short, but it winds through ferns and mossy trees next to a cow pasture.
#4 loops around a pond with a stream and some small waterfalls
#6 and #7 are pretty woodsy and both have a good amount of varied terrain
All in all these are decent for fresh air and exercise, but if you care about what your surroundings look like, stay away from #3 and #8.
Directions to the trail head: From I-575 N to Canton take Riverstone Pkwy exit 20, go left from exit, continue for about half a mile, take right onto Reinhardt College Pkwy and go until it intersects with Hwy 140W (also still Reinhardt College Pkwy), take right and continue for about 6 miles to Waleska. Take a right onto Grady St. Trail head is on the right, parking for the wellness center is on the left.
From 515 S, take right onto Hwy 108 in Jasper and continue about 10 miles until you see the back of Reinhardt College. Turn left onto Grady Street, trail head is on the left, parking on right at the wellness center.
