Discover Middle Georgia: Amerson River Park

MACON, Georgia. (41NBC/WMGT) – One of Macon’s most popular parks is known for its scenic view of the Ocmulgee River and vast amenities to visitors.

Amerson River Park offers visitors a peacful place to journey through nature.

The park consists of 180 acres of native trees, meadows and wetlands, surrounded by a local river.

“The property was acquired after the flood of ’94 when we had to move the old water treatment plants here across the river,” says Sam Kitchens, Director of Macon-Bibb Parks and Beautification.

After a multi-million dollar project to upgrade and beautify the park, Amerson River Park re-opened to the public in 2015 with full amenities.

Kitchens says “you can absolutely spend the day here and have everything you need to enjoy a day with your family.”

The park features over five miles of concrete trails for walking, running and biking as well as a six acre open field known as the Great Lawn, used for frisbee throwing, kickball and other pickup sports.

The park is widely known for its location and beautiful views of the Ocmulgee River.

“I think that’s one of our best assests,” Kitchens says. “There’s so many opportunities [here] from the overlooks and beautiful scenery and views of the river but also the river itself,” he added.

Visitors can access the river from multiple launches and take-out points in the park.

Kayaks, canoes or tubes are also available to rent, or you can always bring your own and float along the two mile river oxbow.

Frequent visitor Brent Woodard says he enjoys coming to the park to walk his dogs and float down the river with his friends. He says “all the people are friendly, and it’s very quiet and relaxing.”

Last year, Leadership Macon 2017 installed new equipment for visitors hoping to get a more intense workout in while navigating the park.

The new fitness circuit includes eight machines with directions intact to help visitors perform the workout properly.

This year, the park received its third “Best of the Best” readers award from The Telegraph, earning the title of “Best Place to Take Your Kids.”

All children are welcome to explore and play on a state-of-the-art playground designed for use by handicap and special needs children, too.

The park is maintained by just three full-time staff members who keep the park clean seven days a week from open to close (7 am to 8 p.m in the summer and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the winter).

Whether you want to take a quiet stroll and reflect after a long day or take the family out for some fun – Amerson River Park has it all.

Coming soon to the park: a tree identification program similar to the State Parks. A local Eagle Scout is going to identify, label and mark the trees with their specific species.