As good as it gets, here- In Macon, that is. This review is really for the Heritage Trail...which I couldn't really decide how to list. This whole complex- trail and playground- is one of the few areas in town that will fool you into thinking that Macon is actually a diverse, well integrated town, instead of the super segregated mess that it really is. Sorry, that should go in my Macon review. I digress. As far as the playground goes,I will throw in the fact that it seems cute, and is well used. I'd like to bring my niece here- it has all the fun kiddie stuff- slides, swings and monkey bars. It also has benches for exhausted parents.
This trail has restored my sanity many an afternoon. I can remember several hellish days that were somehow made less hellish by coming out here for a long walk/jog. The setting, even though it is partially under/along I-75 is beautiful, and quiet. Every time I come out here I see some sort of personal good luck talismen- whether lady bugs, cardinals, a grove of bamboo, sprigs of mistletoe or a single blossom sticking out of a tangle of vines. Something about being out here feels very spiritual...and I love it.
I love the side that is directly opposite the cemetery....it's especially beautiful to look out across the river (when it's running and not totally dry like it can get in the summers) and see the stately, centuries old Rose Hill cemetery.
Parts of the trail are shaded, and there are some really beautiful examples of local trees and native flowers all along the way. Some even have signs explaining what they are. Over in the Otis Redding part they have a bunch of cherry blossom trees...and I swear, they were blooming today. Yep, in January. This place really is sorta like a nature preserve, right in the middle of this glorious "city" with a "world view"....really?
Yes, there are some bums under the bridge. I've never seen them stop or bother anyone: they pretty much do the same head bob that all friendly trail users do. And yes, James H's description: "Boat ramp with local in breed trailer park trash swimming in the water" is also hilariously true.
But really, truly, this will be one of the things that I'll miss about Macon. read more