Newman Wetlands Center, Georgia

Newman Wetlands Center is a nature area dedicated to environmental education, owned and operated by Clayton County Water Authority, and located about twenty-five miles south of Atlanta, Georgia. Visitors can explore one mile of trails that wind through forest and wetland habitats. There is also a learning center and accessible public restrooms.

The Newman Wetlands Center strives to provide a safe and welcoming environment that connects everyone to the natural world. Come learn about these wetlands, photograph wildflowers, and birds, and find a peaceful place to relax to spend time with loved ones. Conservation staff lead hands-on public and private guided tours and events throughout the year including a free wetlands art exhibit, Unfiltered, and the Wetlands & Watershed Festival. 

Trails

There are three loop trails at the Newman Wetlands Center, totaling about one mile long. Visitors with limited mobility have the option of borrowing an off-road power wheelchair, available by reservation through All Terrain Georgia.* 

• Boardwalk Trail is 0.59 miles. The substrate is boardwalk or crushed gravel. The max incline is ~6%.
• Turkey Ridge Trail is 0.21 miles. The substrate is gravel and crushed gravel. The max incline is ~30%. Some water bars may make it difficult to navigate.
• Scout Trail is 0.36 miles. The substrate varies from gravel to dirt to grass/moss. The max incline is ~15%. One section of the trail, which can easily be avoided, has a steeper incline and a lot of roots.
• Hammock Overlook is a 0.04 trail that leads to an overlook of the wetland. The trail is gravel and dirt. There are visible water bars that may make it difficult to navigate in a wheelchair or with a stroller.

*To use this chair, a person must pass a free online class and provide a valid ID. For all sites EXCEPT at the Newman Wetlands Center, proof of disability is required by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Once someone is approved and passes the course, this person can borrow an all-terrain hiking chair at no cost.

Visitor Info.

• It is free to visit Newman Wetlands Center.
• Open hours vary depending on staffing and time of year so please check the website.
• Guests generally spend about an hour on-site.
• There is a small parking lot at the trail entrance with three designated handicap spots. All three have one side facing the drive to be ramp accessible.
• There is a family restroom near the entrance and accessible restrooms in the learning center. All three restrooms are accessible and have diaper changing stations. 
• A wheelchair accessible drinking fountain is at the visitor center.
• There are multiple picnic areas near the parking lot where guests can enjoy food. The square table in the parking lot island has the bench removed on one side for wheelchair access.

Getting Here

Newman Wetlands Center can be easily accessed from I-75. For those coming south from Atlanta, take exit 235 and continue south on Highway 19/41 for approximately 7.9 miles. Turn left on Freeman Road. Drive another 2.3 miles to our entrance on the right. If coming north on I-75, take exit 221. Turn left onto Jonesboro Road, which turns to McDonough Road. In 6.4 miles, turn right onto Freeman Road. Continue for 1.4 miles to our entrance on the left. If coming north on Highway 19/41, turn right on Freeman Road just past the Lovejoy Village Kroger.