My husband wanted to work around the house, so I decided to pack up the kids and their bikes and…read moretake them out of the house so he can focus. I wanted that wall painted! JF Gregory Park (JFGP) seemed like the perfect place to enjoy the day and burn some energy. We met up with friends to play at the playground, went for lunch and then returned to hit the trail, the kids on bikes and me on foot.
Named after J.F. Gregory, basically Henry Ford's right hand man for all of his operations in Richmond Hill, the 335-acre community park includes: 3 plus miles of walking and biking trails; a fenced in playground that is recognized by the Playful City USA program; 25,000 square feet covered pavilion (most of the food vendors set up here at The Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival that occurs every year); picnic areas, The Veteran's Monument; Richmond Hill City Center; John W. Stevens Wetlands Education Center.
Parking: There is a parking all over the park, but for the trail, we parked in the dirt lot before the trail head, near the Richmond Hill City Center.
Trail Description: The trail is over 3 miles and is just one giant loop. When you get to the "Rice Cultivation on the Ogeechee River" historical marker, whether you go straight or left, you will find yourself back at the marker. If you go right of the marker over the bridge, this will lead you near the John W. Stevens Wetlands Education Center.
I would say about half of it is paved, the other half a dirt gravel road, but well worn for bikes to get through (I would use mountain bikes or bikes with thicker tires and treads). There is a lookout deck, benches and trash cans along the way, as well as the exercise stations (VitaCourse 2000, similar to the ones seen at Tom Triplett Park in Pooler, see my review).
Difficulty Level: Easy for all ages in terms of terrain, moderate in terms of length.
What we did: We did the entire loop and also went right at the marker to explore that path which led us to the John W. Stevens Wetland Education Center so we walked around the front and then walked back to the car that way.
JFGP is such a great spot in Richmond Hill to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you just want to sun bathe, spend time with kids, have a picnic, walk, run or bike the trail. There is something for everyone to do and most importantly, do it together.