HELEN — Though it will not be open for public use for a little while longer, select partners and neighboring officials recently received a progress update on the Helen to Hardman Heritage Trail linking Hardman Farm State Historic Site to Helen.
The 4,400-foot concrete trail itself runs along an old railroad bed beside the Chattahoochee River, starting behind Nora Mill and ending off Edelweiss Strasse.
Officials from Helen, White County, the chamber of commerce, convention and visitors bureau, local media outlets and others who have been involved in the project gathered March 9 at the park visitors center to preview the completed portion of the trail.
“The group that has been working on this trail, The Chattahoochee Group, has done a fantastic job,” Park Manager Will Wagner told those gathered. “I think you’ll love what you see today.”
The trail includes promenades, overlooks, rock outcroppings, views of the Chattahoochee River and native flora and fauna.
Most of the trail is eight feet wide, with a tree and foliage canopy.
At the north end of the trail, currently a construction site, a parking lot will be constructed with a couple of handicapped spaces and a gazebo designed with the Hardman Farm theme.
“This is a construction site right now, but this will be a parking lot,” Wagner said. “There will be no fees collected here, so it’s a park and hike. Enjoy it compliments of White County, the State of Georgia and the City of Helen.”
Wagner pointed out heading out of the parking lot, the City of Helen will be constructing a sidewalk tying into the one along Edelweiss Strasse. That one will link directly with the trail to Unicoi State Park.
“From there, you can either take a walk or bike or roll down the trail here, or can go directly into Helen,” Wagner said. “Helen will be improving this road here and building a sidewalk that ties directly into the Helen pedestrian system, so these two trails will officially connect, which we’re terribly excited about. White County is helping out by funding part of this project as well.”
A short distance down the trail from the Helen end are a couple of strategically placed iron rails, representative of the old railbed the trail follows along the Chattahoochee River.
“The rails are just old railroads and those are meant to interpret more of the trail or how this used to be,” Wagner said. “This is one of your Rails to Trails projects.”
While the Helen to Hardman Heritage Trail will be a multi-use opportunity, there are restrictions.
“No motorized vehicles except any of those that are for access,” Wagner said. “We support anything that helps access to the trail as long as it’s not recreational motorized. Motorized scooters, carts for handicapped access – no golf carts.”
Interactive electronic displays along the trail will feature two-minute interpretive videos to help trail users learn about the area, its history and heritage.
“It’s been good to spend time with each and every one of you on the trail talking about different aspects and different tie-ins, and how it’s going to bring our entire community together and bring people up from Atlanta to let them know what the real Chattahoochee [River] looks like,” Wagner told the group.
The trail will be closed at dark.
While the trail may appear to be ready to host walkers, officials stress the trail will not be open for use for another month or so. Work is ongoing that will prevent use until such time as it is completed.
Wagner said the trail should open to the public later this spring, depending on weather.
