VWG_spring 2017

The Carrollton GreenBelt Carrollton

I f you want a place to bike, hike, run or rest, you can’t beat the Carrollton GreenBelt , one of the most unique attractions in all of west Georgia. The GreenBelt is an 18-mile, shared- use path that encircles all of Carroll- ton. There are access points all over town, none more than a few minutes from the center of the city. It’s a great place to go for a walk, as much of it winds its way through nature. It’s an easy bike ride, with few hills, and it’s paved the entire way. And runners can get great exercise as they breathe in the fresh air. The trail was begun in 2011 and has recently been completed. In that short time, it has become almost the social center of Carroll County. It’s a terrific

place for friends to meet up for a walk, and kids and adults use it as an eco- friendly way to commute to and from work. Cyclists don’t even need to own a bike to explore the trail. Zagster has just in- stalled rental bicycles at the trailheads – all you’ll need is an app on your smartphone to reserve one for yourself. You can even play a round of disc golf at the Hobbs Farm section of the trail, one of its most popular sections. The GreenBelt links neighborhoods to schools, including the University of West Georgia, as well as several com- mercial shopping areas. It is the largest green space and green-way conserva- tion project that the City of Carrollton has undertaken, and it is the largest paved loop trail system in the entire

state of Georgia.

It has become a major tourist draw, but the existence of the GreenBelt rep- resents a style of living that has proved very attractive for local employers. It promotes a healthy lifestyle for all ages and it literally connects all sides of the community, breaking down all of society’s artificial barriers. In this safe, police-patrolled environ, children, families and friends meet each other along the way, even as they pass through the natural beauty that the city has carefully preserved for the enjoyment of everyone. In the future, there will be spurs added that will fur- ther reduce vehicular traffic in town, encouraging more and more people to get out and exercise. ♥ VWG

Visit West Georgia, Spring 2017 11