Meeks Park in Blairsville Georgia

fishing hiking bathrooms picnicking playground

On Hwy 515 along the west edge of Blairsville is Meeks Park, one of the most beautiful parks in North Georgia. The park setting has an open meadow, lots of shade trees, and playing fields. Three other features that make the park so picturesque is a grand mountain backdrop to the south of Meeks Park, the tree lined cascading waters of Butternut Creek running through the center of the park, and Nottely River bordering the park’s western boundary.

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Meeks Park’s athletic facilities include seven ball fields, four batting cages, a basketball court, tennis courts, a large swimming pool, a disk golf course, skateboard park, and over a mile of nature trails, both paved and unpaved. a riverside gazebo, Nottely River overlooks, a playground and field houses.  Meeks Park offers many facilities for outside exercise, family outings, reunions and local events.

Gardens and walking trailsThe park also has several pavilions, lots of picnic tables, benches and swings. The large open meadow is perfect for special events and festivals, including the popular Scottish Fest and Highland Games, and Sorghum Festival.

The walking and nature trails are a favorite park pastime for many of the folks visiting Meeks Park. The paved trail leads from the upper parking area following a tree-lined walkway near the banks of Nottely River.

All Garntos Art in Meeks ParkAlong the paved trail, hikers will encounter a sculpture by famed artist and local resident Al Garnto. At the northern edge of the park the trail passes under the Hwy 515 viaduct, then continues on to the campus of the North Georgia Technical College, located across the roadway from Meeks Park. This paved low-impact walk is both picturesque and a good cardio workout.

The parkland’s nature trails, can be accessed from several points throughout the park. Nature trails follows along both sides of Butternut Creek crossing over several bridges in route. On the opposite side of the creek the easy to follow nature trail leads through a woodland area and up a hill creating 1-mile loop. The trail offers a good workout with an atmosphere liken unto a National Forest trail. At the top of the hill visitors will encounter additional art sculptures by artist Al Garnto before descending downhill to the banks of Nottely River and back into the main park.

Dogs are not allowed in Meeks Park, instead beloved canines are offered the opportunity to enjoy their own ‘dog-park’ where they can partake in the privileged canine ritual of mingling and socialize amongst their own kind. The Dog Park is located behind North Georgia Technical College, adjacent to Union County Senior Center and across the road from Meeks Park.

Meeks Park Trails
(total of 4.62 miles)

hiking Bathrooms Picnics along the trail

The Paved ‘Handicap Accessible’ Trail

This trail leads from the upper parking area at Meeks Park, located on the edge of Blairsville. The trail follows a tree-lined walkway along the bank of Nottely River. Along the paved trail, hikers will encounter a sculpture by famed artist and local resident Al Garnto.

At the northern edge of the park the trail passes under the Hwy 515 viaduct, then continues on to the campus of the North Georgia Technical College, located across the roadway from Meeks Park. This paved low-impact walk is both picturesque. The trail can be a good cardio workout, or a causal stroll according to the pace of your walk.

Trail Rating: easy in difficulty

The Parklands Nature Trail

This trail can be accessed from several points throughout the park. Nature trails follow along both sides of Butternut Creek, crossing over several bridges in route. On the opposite side of the creek is the easy to follow nature trail leading through a woodland area and up a hill to its crest.

The trail creates 1-mile loop. The trail offers a good workout with an atmosphere liken unto that of a National Forest trail. At the top of the hill visitors will encounter additional art sculptures by artist Al Garnto. From the hilltop the trail descends downhill to the banks of Nottely River and back again into the main park. Meeks Park is located on the western edge of Blairsville.

Trail Rating: moderate in difficulty

Union County Dog Park Trail
490 Meeks Park Road
Blairsville, GA 30512

The Dog Park TrailThe Union County Dog Park trail system is equal to 1.18 miles and is a part of the Meeks Park Trails, located behind Georgia Technical College across from Meeks Park. The dog park trail goes through shady woods with fields. You’ll also find a covered pavilion and the Nottely River.

The Dog Park also has a new off-leash area that is completely fenced. There are two pens and a state of the art doggie drinking fountain. Clean-up bags are available on site. It is a wonderful place to spend some quality time with your dogs.

Trail Rating: easy in difficulty