The first 6 miles of trails at Standing Boy Creek scheduled to be constructed and open in late spring, complement and enhance Columbus’ reputation as an urban nature park and a green mecca for outdoor sports enthusiasts. Upon full completion within the next year or so, about 25 miles of winding, woody trails with elevation changes of up to 200 feet will be available for use by mountain bikers, pedaling tikes, hikers, picnickers, and nature lovers alike. In fact, about three-fourths of the trails will be optimized for mixed-use, with the remaining trails optimized for mountain biking.  

The decision a few years ago to head down this road came about as a result of a strong response from the community to best utilize the property in its natural state, versus original plans for a typical state park campground for RV’s, with cabins, and a pavilion. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will manage the trails as a wildlife management area (WMA).

Economic Impact for Columbus

From an economic standpoint, President and CEO of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, Brian Anderson, notes that when business developers research an area, “quality of life is always in the top 10 parameters.” He adds, “We’re able to advertise a ‘10-month climate’ (excluding February and late July) for outdoor recreational activity.”

Not only does this type of environment draw visitors and newcomers, he notes that Columbus’ green space, parks, and waterways contribute to the quality of life and help to retain current talent and companies.  

The addition of the new trail system will act as a further draw of outdoor sports persons who already frequent the Columbus environs for kayaking, rafting on the Chattahoochee River, and zip lining, and help to further connect them to the city’s River Walk, restaurants, and museums stretching from Ft. Benning to Green Island.

Over the next couple of years, says Anderson, as the trail are constructed, these downtown attractions will be amenable to courting young professionals to live along the river banks, while offering them the quality of a natural recreational environment only about 10 miles away. The support they are receiving from elected officials is key as it has been in the past history of Columbus, when the city has successfully accomplished good private/public projects of large magnitude, such as the local performing arts center.

Enthusiast Perspective

Blake Melton, who serves as an advisor to the Standing Boy Trails Fund and leads the Steering Committee—which stays up to speed on the project and provides feedback and assistance as needed—offers a enthusiast’s perspective: “It would unlock the value of having a nearly 1,600 acre track within the Columbus city limits.” He added that the terrain of the trail project gives visitors the feel of “getting away from it all,” while they are actually in the city. Because it’s a WMA, users still must have a state fishing or hunting license, or a land use pass. Participants can obtain any one of these permits on the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website at a reasonable cost.

Melton speaks realistically that challenges still remain to constructing all 25 miles of trail.  . Certain architectural and environmental surveys still remain, and funding for the entire project still has about halfway to go to reach its $1.7 million goal. 

Trail Solutions, the design arm of the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) has spent ten days flagging 25 miles of trails in a scientific manner, “measuring the slopes with clinometers, making sure there are not going to be erosion issues, and they’re  paying careful attention to sight lines to manage user conflict.” An archeological survey and a thorough, non-game and endangered species survey are set for early spring, even down to a certain flower, which will require until its blooming in late March or early April before the environmental study can be undertaken.  

Melton emphasizes that Standing Boy Trails are categorized similarly to ski runs, to allow for various levels of biking expertise, and they include a basic level Green Trail (the one that opens in May), to be followed by the construction of the more challenging Blue and Black Trails toward the end of the year and early in 2020. 

“I view it as a very long-term effort. It’s part of the existing campaign to use outdoor recreation to make Columbus a better place to live and work. It ties with white water, the zip line and a lot of what’s going on downtown.” He added that people support it because “it’s going to be designed and executed the way it makes Columbus a better place.” 

Lastly, Melton encouraged interested individuals to visit www.standingboy.org for more information and stated that individual contributions and corporate endowments to support the project may be made to the Standing Boy Trails Fund—a component fund of the Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley, Inc.— here: https://standingboy.org/donate/.

Project Management

Steve Kasacek, Trail Solutions Project Manager, notes, “Standing Boy Trails will offer 25 miles of various experiences for visitors. From a beginner skills development loop to introduce children and new riders to the sport, to remote lakeside views for hikers, runners, and riders seeking solitude, to rocky technical trails which will appeal to enthusiasts; Standing Boy checks a lot of the boxes we like to see in large multi-use trail systems near population centers.”

Kasacek adds, “Standing Boy Trails will make numerous positive impacts on Columbus and the region. As the second largest metropolitan area in Georgia, Columbus has a large community but no large community trail systems. These trails will inspire hikers, runners, and riders to get outside and engage in an active lifestyle. Additionally, Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources is continually managing and restoring the unique ecosystems at Standing Boy, which will provide excellent opportunities for Columbus residents to learn more about the interesting nature in their city.” 

He also believes, “The work in Uptown to bring world-class whitewater recreation along with an extensive greenway system shows the community's support for outdoor recreation to improve quality of life and welcome tourists. Standing Boy Trails will attract riders from Florida, southern Georgia, and Alabama regularly. It will also become a frequent destination for Atlanta trail users. And, visitors from northern states will likely add it to a rotation of rapidly growing popular winter riding destinations.”

What Other Community Leaders/Residents are Saying About Standing Boy Trails

“As chair of the Vibrant & Connected Places Action Area for Columbus 2025, our region’s strategic plan, I’m fascinated by the construction of professionally designed multi-use trails at Standing Boy. We’re realizing that our network of places for year-round outdoor recreation is a tremendous draw for tourists that also helps us attract and engage new and current residents. These high-quality public spaces can transform the way we interact with each other and with the world around us; they’re significant assets for our community.”

Betsy Covington, Chair of Vibrant & Connected Places Action Area for Columbus 2025 and President and CEO of the Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley

“Standing Boy Trails will bring a world class trail system into the city limits of Columbus. These trails will be a great asset to anyone wanting to get outdoors to hike, run or bike without having to drive 45 minutes. I know the local running community has been waiting for this project to happen for years. This trail system will open up a whole new opportunity for local citizens and visitors to experience this great property that has been the best-kept secret in Columbus.”

Reggie Luther, Co-owner of Big Dog, Board Member of Columbus Road Runners

“With each new addition to our outdoor adventure in Columbus, we become a more vibrant community and a brighter destination for those seeking a fun place to visit.  People are here now enjoying their ‘winter grounds’ for kayaking.   This is one of the warmest areas in winter for kayaking.   We are also becoming known as a great biking community.  Standing Boy Tails will be a wonderful new adventure for our biking enthusiast and visitors.”    

Dan Gilbert, President of Whitewater Express

“Part of the mission of Bicycle Columbus is to help make our city a place that attracts visitors and new residents. Adding a first-class mountain bike facility at Standing Boy fits perfectly into this goal by complementing the whitewater course and the Dragonfly trails, both of which now attract visitors. It also contributes to a high quality of life, which itself a powerful economic engine. This is a smart investment in the city, enhancing its ability attract and keep a workforce, encouraging healthy activities in its citizens, and becoming a tourist destination.”

Pat McHenry, President of Bicycle Columbus, Inc.

“I believe building trails at Standing Boy is a great solution and use of the property. The trails can be used by walkers, runners, and mountain bikers. Therefore, many citizens can use and enjoy this beautiful 1600 acres, but the natural condition of the property will be preserved.” 

Will Peek, Resident on Old River Road

About John Tabellione

John Tabellione is an award-winning, professional business writer, complemented by over twenty-five years of strategic communication responsibilities as a Marketing, New Business Development and National Account Sales Executive in consumer goods and commercial industries. 

Experience with Fortune 500 companies, as well as with smaller firms and non-profits, encompassing a variety of products, including those of Georgia-Pacific, Kimberly-Clark and Stanley Works. 

John has a B.A. in English from Fairfield University and an MBA in Marketing from the University of Hartford. In addition, he has studied Russian at the Defense Language Institute at Syracuse University, and Italian language and culture at Kennesaw State University.