Sandy Creek Nature Center, half a mile north of the Athens bypass, off U.S. 441, offers some 200 acres of woodland and marshland, with a live animal exhibit. It has many nature trails for hikers, and on-site is a cabin nearly 2 centuries old. For more information, call tel. 706/613-3615 or visit their website.

Visitors can enjoy Sandy Creek Park (tel. 706/613-3631), north on U.S. 441 (signposted). It offers a beach, fishing, playgrounds for children, softball, volleyball, and shelters for picnics. Paddleboats and canoes can be rented. April to September, hours are Tuesday to Sunday 7am to 9pm. Off-season hours are Tuesday to Sunday 8am to 6pm.

Golf can be played at the Creek Side Country Club (tel. 706/548-6032), an 18-hole, par-72 course at 4080 Barnett-Shoals Rd. Greens fees are $18 to $35, and hours are daily 7:15am to dusk.