Special to the Herald

SPRINGFIELD – An asphalt trail in downtown Guyton is a launching pad for recreational and economic opportunities in Effingham County.

The popular path extends ¾ of a mile from the red caboose located just north of Third Avenue on Central Avenue to the concrete Pilgrim Park walking trail. The total length is 5,500 feet – or just over a mile.

“It is used every day,” Guyton Mayor Russ Deen said.

The recently repaved trail lures locals and out-of-towners to Guyton because it is safe, flat, and shaded, the mayor added.

“We’ve got walkers, skateboarders, roller skating, roller blading, scooters – you name it – bicycles, too,” he said.

Guyton hosts four annual “Sale along the Trail” events that feature local artists, a farmer’s market, food vendors, community organizations, and local businesses. Plus, “Trick or Trail” is conducted every Halloween.

In addition, the trail is available for rent for private events.

The Effingham County Board of Commissioners wants to link to Guyton’s trail and branch it to Pineora Park, Sand Hill Elementary School, Sand Hill Park and the Atlas Reservoir, a future county park. Dubbed “Treutlen Trail,” that goal received a positive jolt in February when U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg announced that the board’s application for a $200,000 Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant was approved.

SS4A, established in the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), funds regional, local, and tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. Effingham County will use its grant on its Greenway Trail Action Plan, which intends to enhance safe pedestrian activity.

Guyton’s trail is included in the Georgia Hi-Lo Trail initiative. Establishment of the Treutlen Trail would help Hi-Lo officials achieve their objective of having a continuous paved path from Athens to Savannah.

When completed, the Hi-Lo would be the longest paved trail in the United States at approximately 239 miles.