Ocmulgee Heritage Trail: Updates, Projects, & Progress
The Ocmulgee Heritage Trail (OHT) is a public/private partnership envisioned by NewTown Macon in 1996. NewTown Macon continues to plan trail expansions and raises private funds to support improvements. Once new portions of the trail are complete, Macon-Bibb County operates and maintains improvements in perpetuity as public parks.
The vision is a seamless bicycle and pedestrian urban trail system that connects our parks and public spaces. The goal is to provide more and better options for bicycles and pedestrians.
Bike Walk Macon is working alongside NewTown Macon and Macon-Bibb County to keep the public informed about trail projects, construction updates, events, and opportunities to get involved.
Looking for info about the history, vision, and development of the OHT?
Visit NewTown Macon's Ocmulgee Heritage Trail page.
THE OCMULGEE HERITAGE TRAIL IS MORE THAN A RECREATIONAL PATH - it's an investment in a more connected and sustainable Macon. Together, community partners are helping create a trail network that links neighborhoods, parks, schools, businesses, and destinations throughout Macon-Bibb County.
Meet the OHT Partners
NewTown Macon has served as the primary driver behind the development of the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail. The organization works to secure funding, oversee trail planning and construction projects, coordinate long-term trail expansion efforts, and support the OHT Board.
Macon-Bibb County maintains completed sections of the trail and supports future trail development through infrastructure improvements, maintenance, and funding partnerships.
Bike Walk Macon helps connect the community to the trail through education, engagement, and activation. The organization shares trail updates, organizes events, and promotes the trail as both a recreational asset and a transportation network.
Working Together
While NewTown Macon, Macon-Bibb County, and Bike Walk Macon serve as the trail's primary partners, its success depends on the support of many organizations, agencies, businesses, and community members. From funding and planning to construction, maintenance, programming, and advocacy, these partners play an important role in growing and strengthening the trail.
As the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail continues to expand, we remain committed to keeping the community informed, engaged, and excited about its future.
Interested in supporting the trail? Contact us to learn about partnership, volunteer, and sponsorship opportunities.
Trail Updates + News
JULY 2026 - MATS Citizens Advisory Committee Projects Report
MBC Planning & Zoning shared quarterly project updates with the Macon Area Transportation Study Citizen Advisory Committee. These projects directly impact the riverwalk portion of the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail.
Project 0012700 is reportedly 99% complete: Phase II consists of 1.02 miles of operational improvements along I-75 northbound from Hardeman Avenue to the southern limit of the I-16 interchange (milepost 164.12 to 165.14)
Project 31100 is reportedly “Pending Closeout”: Phase I improves operational efficiency of interchanges at I-75 and I-16, and I-16 at Spring Street, Second Street, and Coliseum Drive.
Project 311400 expected completion in late 2029: Phase VI of interstate construction at I-75 from I-16 to CR 478/Pierce Avenue
Projects 0014072, 311005 (Phase IV), 0012701 (Phase V) expected completion in early 2027: Projects consist of construction and widening of I-16 from I-75 to Walnut Creek, and bridge replacement on I-16 eastbound and westbound at Walnut Creek
Summary - Cautiously optimistic that the existing riverwalk under the interchange will be usable by Summer 2027.
June 2026 - Macon-Bibb Co. Commission Approves RTP Match
On Tuesday, June 2, the Macon-Bibb County Commission approved a resolution supporting NewTown Macon's application for grant funding to improve and expand the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail. NewTown is seeking $165,000 from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Recreational Trails Program (RTP) and has committed the required $45,000 local match.
If awarded, the grant would help fund improvements near Riverside Cemetery, creating a safer pedestrian crossing over railroad property and helping connect the trail to a future pedestrian bridge over the Ocmulgee River. The project is part of ongoing efforts to grow the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail and make it easier for people to safely walk, bike, and enjoy Macon's natural and historic resources. The Commission's approval allows NewTown to move forward with the grant application process. Learn More.
June 2026 - retired OHT advocate, Bill Causey, talks Connecting our community through trails
Causey spent much of his career working in engineering, helping plan and improve infrastructure throughout Macon-Bibb County. In the Macon It podcast, he shares how that experience shaped his passion for connecting communities through trails, pathways, and outdoor spaces. Listen Here.
May 2026 - Phase 1 Approval for Riverside Cemetery Expansion
NewTown Macon and Macon-Bibb County are excited to announce Phase I approval for a Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant to extend the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail through Riverside Cemetery!
This connection has been part of the Trail Master Plan - Vision Plan for years. The project will link the Riverside Cemetery Trail to a future pedestrian bridge connecting to the decommissioned GDOT bridge over the Ocmulgee River, with ADA accessibility, a boardwalk over wetlands, and protections for old-growth trees. Learn More.
Get Involved
Friends of the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail
We're building a network of trail users, advocates, and community members who want to help support, promote, and steward the trail. Friends serve as ambassadors for the OHT, helping share information, identify needs, support volunteer projects, and build enthusiasm for the trail's future alongside Macon-Bibb County, Bike Walk Macon, and Bike Tech Macon.
Support the OHT
The future of the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail depends on community support. Unlike many public amenities, the trail does not currently have a dedicated funding source. Every expansion, improvement, and community activation is made possible through grants, partnerships, and individual donations. Your support helps create new connections, enhance the trail experience, and ensure this important community asset continues to grow.
FOLLOW THE TRAIL
Stay connected with the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail by following on Instagram for trail updates, project news, upcoming events, and opportunities to get involved.
You can also subscribe to Bike Walk Macon and NewTown Macon newsletters to stay informed about trail improvements and other community projects and activities happening throughout Macon.