Taking a trip doesn’t mean your whole exercise routine needs to be derailed. When you travel to Henry County, there are a multitude of activities that foster movement and can keep you in check with your fitness goals.
With activities ranging from hiking and biking to tree climbing and skating, you’re sure to stay fit during your travels. So whether you’re coming to Henry County for business or pleasure, be sure to pack your exercise clothes! You won’t regret partaking in some unique and fun fitness activities while you’re here.
Hiking, Biking & Tree Climbing at Panola
Traveling makes for an opportunity to switch up your fitness routine. At home, you’re probably used to running around your neighborhood or lifting weights in the gym. While visiting Henry County, you can exercise while taking advantage of the area’s natural beauty.
At Panola Mountain State Park, there are opportunities for hiking, biking and tree climbing. There are three main hiking trails of differing lengths and difficulty levels. You can venture off on your own to explore the vast acreage of the park. Or you can schedule a ranger-led hike to the top of the mountain that teaches about the rare plants and animals which live in this habitat.
Biking is also popular at Panola, with bike rentals available at the visitors center. There are 7 miles of paved trails dedicated to bikers. Panola’s trails also connect to the PATH Foundation trails which are over 20 miles long. A little south of Panola is another biking trail, Reeves Creek Trail, which is 3 miles.
If you’re looking for an even more unique experience, the park also offers tree climbing. Experience Canopy-Adventure-Research-Educational Technical Tree Climbing (CARE TTC), the type of rope assisted technical tree climbing offered at Panola Mountain State Park.
If you’re new to climbing, schedule an introductory climb. There are also group event climbs, night climbs, and wild climbs on the schedule.
Disc Golf
When you think of disc golf, you probably don’t think of vigorous exercise. However, there are plenty of physical (and mental) benefits to the sport.
Disc golf is a full body exercise, working the chest, triceps, back, and shoulders with the side-to-side motions players implement. Not to mention disc golfers walk a minimum of one mile per game. Why not try your hand at a game while you’re in Henry County? There are many places to play, including J.P. Moseley Park in Stockbridge. This course will soon have 37 holes to play. It is one of the most highly-rated disc golf courses in the Atlanta metro area.
Find the 30 Squirrel Tables
Perhaps the most unique exercise opportunity in Henry County involves a recent public art addition across the community. Back in 2021, the Bushy Tail Art Trail put tiny squirrel picnic tables decorated by local artists up across the county.
The goal of the consortium is to encourage more public art, draw visitors to public spaces and bring awareness to the artists who call Henry County home. So put on your walking shoes and embark on a squirrel table scavenger hunt. By the time you find them all, you should have exceeded your step quota for the day.
Walk around Noah’s Ark
What better way to get exercise than to do so while also looking at animals?
You can do just that at Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary!
If you’re traveling to the Locust Grove area this coming year, plan your visit to Noah’s Ark.
Wander around the sanctuary and view the countless animals that are cared for.
Schedule a guided tour to learn the stories of some of the animals, or pop in for a self-guided tour.
Skating at Starlite Family Fun Centers
Another unique opportunity to get your sweat on includes great music and roller skates. Visit the Starlite Family Fun Center at either of their locations in McDonough and Stockbridge.
Skate the day away in the roller rink. If it’s cardio you’re looking for, they have you covered.
Jump, Climb & Play
If you’ve never been to an indoor trampoline park before, you have to see what you’re missing. McDonough is home to both Urban Air and SkyZone, two adventure parks with countless opportunities for fitness.
Jump, flip, twist across the various trampoline attractions. Climb the rock walls or ropes courses. Participate in an intense game of dodgeball, laser tag or wipeout. There’s really no shortage of physical activity when you visit these parks. You may need to take a rest day when you’re done.