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About Us

Georgia Hi-Lo Trail News

211-Mile Trail from Union Point to Savannah Breaks Ground This Month When Construction Begins on Phase 1 of the Washington County Model Project

The Georgia Hi-Lo Trail Story

After four years of being frustrated with a lack of safe cycling and economic opportunities in her home town, Mary Charles Howard decided to take matters into her own hands.

In 2019, she launched the Georgia Hi-Lo Trail initiative.

After seeing the success of Athens’ own Firefly Trail, she decided to build on the great work of that trail by extending Firefly Trail’s original 39-mile trail south another 200 miles with the Georgia Hi-Lo Trail – through Sandersville and beyond – and ending in Savannah, GA. 

Upon completion, the Georgia Hi-Lo Trail will be the longest paved trail in all of America. 

Join the cause by donating today or poke around our website to learn more about our exciting annual Athens to Savannah Ride and Kids Bike League program.

"Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants"
Louis Brandeis

Diversity & Inclusion

Inclusion is at the heart of the Georgia Hi-Lo Trail. Our mission is to build the longest paved trail in the United States. We have this BIG mission so we may empower rural Georgia. Access to active lifestyles and outdoor education for girls and traditionally underserved youth are how we make a positive impact now while building a trail for the future. We are deliberate in reconnecting long-divided neighborhoods to contribute to healthier and more inclusive communities. We focus on giving trail access to Hi-Lo communities of need that have traditionally been underserved. 

We focus on building a team that has diversity of thought, background, culture and experiences. If we are to achieve our vision of leaving rural Georgia better than we found it one mile at a time, we know we must prioritize diversity in our leaders who mentor, coach and advocate for the next generation of outdoor stewards.

Inspiration. Safety. Advocacy. Presence. Large-scale Impact.

Our Values

Inspiration

We believe magic is found outdoors.

Safety

We protect people + environment.

Advocacy

We stand up for others.

Presence

We show up for others.

Large-scale Impact

We make meaningful experiences.

Our Board

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Mitch Sheppard

President

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Bobby Jackson

Vice President

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Glenn Newsome

Treasurer

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Jesse Lindsley

Secretary

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Joseph Sumner

Board Member, Atorney

Our Staff

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Mary Charles Howard

Founder & Executive Director

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Jess Shipman

Director of Communications

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Tyrontha Nolley

Kids Bike League Program Manager, Sparta

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Brent Freeman

Kids Bike League Program Manager, Twin City

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Alden Strandburg

Kids Bike League Director/ Program Manager, Effingham County

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Rebecca Gonzales

Sandersville Program Manager

Our Coaches

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Philip Wu

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Dymear Poole

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Eddie Rhodes

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Connor Omar-Alves

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Misha

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Noah

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Andy

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Jimmy