Newman Wetlands Center — Attraction in Georgia

My mom and I visited for the first time today 4/19/2025. There was plenty of parking and it was easy to find the trail entrance. They have trail maps inside the visitor center as well as restrooms and water fountains. The walking trails were very beautiful. There were plenty of shaded areas as well as benches to stop and rest. The trails were marked very clearly. Some of the best I have seen. The trails were also very well kept and clean. There were several different small detours you could take including an overlook of the boardwalk. The only trail that was strenuous was the Turkey Ridge Trail. It had a pretty steep incline but it was very short. We saw several different animals including minnows, larger fish, turtles including a very large snapping turtle, a duck, a buzzard, dragonflies and even several deer tracks. The trails were a mix of fine gravel, larger gravel and boardwalk. They also have a handicap accessible wheelchair that you can call ahead and reserve for someone to sit and ride along the trail with you. The visitor center was very nice and air conditioned which felt great after our walk. We looked at all the taxidermy animals and spoke to a very nice female employee before heading home. This place is only 10 minutes from where I live. It’s literally been hidden right under my nose this whole time. I will definitely be back regularly. They also have a small donation box inside on the wall. The restrooms were very clean and they even had a small stepstool for kids to stand on and wash their hands. You can also buy fish food from a small quarter vending machine that sits right outside of the entrance to the visitors center. They also have little paper cups to catch the food in so that you can carry it with you without a mess. Make sure to bring your cup back and throw inside the recycling bin just inside the visitor...

Such a fantastic spot on the Southside to enjoy nature. As an avid Birder, I visit the Wetlands often and am never disappointed in the wildlife and natural beauty there. A paved parking lot is available as you pull in and the Visitors Center is a great place to start (filled with displays of wildlife and info on the animals and plants at the wetlands that any kid who loves nature will enjoy). There is a restroom available outside of the Visitor Center which helps if you like to stay as long as I do there (always super clean!). Everything there is very well maintained (trails, boardwalk, gazebos, viewing decks, covered bridge) and there are several trails you can take through the woods (clearly marked and accessible) and a loop of a boardwalk that goes across the ponds. There is even a viewing deck where you just might catch a glimpse of a Great Blue Heron, several Red-headed Woodpeckers, Belted Kingfisher or some Wood Ducks! The Staff are walking encyclopedias concerning any of the flora and fauna there and are well educated, caring people who also lead in nature walks and programs for kids. Follow the Wetlands on Facebook (@newmanwetlandscenter) and you can watch for their events they have such as night frog walks, nature walks, etc. which are great for kids as the Staff love teaching children (and adults!) all about nature. The Staff also take great care in maintaining the area with native plants removing the non-natives such as privet, etc. So lucky to have this wonderful retreat to...

My family just came from the Wetlands and Watershed Festival today! Wow! What a wonderful event for all members of the family. The CCWA hosts the festival the 1st Saturday in October. This was our 1st time visiting the festival and 1st time visiting Newman Wetlands. Let me start off about the festival. It was free admission. There were many booths, tents and tables educating everyone about water conservation, clean water, the wetlands, the environment, animal and plant life. Many of the tables gave out free gifts, such as buttons, water bottles, posters, bag clips, pencils, etc. There was face painting, storytelling, crafts, reptile exhibit, and games. My favorite games were the "migration challenge" and identifying invasive and noninvasive plants. The festival was very educational, fun and cool! Everyone that we encountered was very nice, friendly and helpful. Now, for the Wetlands Park itself. Beautiful half-mile trail thru the wetlands. Gazebos, decks, benches, covered bridges are along the boardwalk and gravel path. Beautiful scenery! The wetlands is free admission, open sunrise to sunset everyday. There is a public restroom. This is a place we...