8 Experiences you can only have in Greene County, Georgia
June 8, 2026
When people think of Greene County, Georgia, they often picture beautiful Lake Oconee views and championship golf. While those are certainly part of the story, this corner of Georgia offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else. From staying at America’s only lakefront Ritz-Carlton and touring Georgia’s oldest masonry jail to exploring the ruins of a forgotten mill town and trying your hand at falconry, Greene County is full of one-of-a-kind adventures.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime local looking for something new, these unique experiences showcase the history, culture, and outdoor recreation that make Greene County unlike any other destination in the South.
Stay at One of the Only Lakefront Ritz-Carlton Resorts in the World
Nestled along the shores of Lake Oconee, The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee offers a luxury experience unlike almost anywhere else. As one of the only lakefront Ritz-Carlton resorts in the world, it combines the brand’s legendary service with the relaxed pace of life on the water. Spend your days enjoying championship golf, lakeside dining, spa treatments, boating adventures, and unforgettable sunsets over the lake. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a weekend with friends, a stay at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee is a quintessential Greene County experience.
Tour Georgia’s Oldest Standing Masonry Jail
Step inside a piece of Georgia history at The Old Gaol in downtown Greensboro. Built in 1807 from locally quarried granite, this fortress-like structure is the oldest standing masonry jail in the state and has remained largely unchanged for more than two centuries. Behind its two-foot-thick walls, visitors can explore dark prison cells, see the original gallows and trap door, and learn what life was like for inmates in the early 1800s. For an even more unique experience, stop by Genuine Georgia to pick up the key and take a self-guided tour of one of Greene County’s most fascinating historic landmarks.
Visit The Kingdom at Reynolds Lake Oconee
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just looking to improve your game, The Kingdom at Reynolds Lake Oconee offers an experience unlike any other. As one of only three TaylorMade Kingdom facilities in the world, this state-of-the-art golf improvement center gives guests access to the same technology, expertise, and personalized training used by PGA Tour professionals. Visitors can undergo data-driven club fittings, receive one-on-one instruction, and even have custom TaylorMade clubs built on-site in authentic TaylorMade Tour Trailers. Surrounded by Reynolds’ championship golf courses and a 16-acre practice facility, The Kingdom is a bucket-list destination for golfers looking to elevate every aspect of their game.
Ride at Durhamtown Off Road Park
For adrenaline seekers, few places in the Southeast compare to Durhamtown. Located just outside Greensboro, this off-road destination features more than 150 miles of one-way trails winding through thousands of acres of Georgia countryside, along with motocross tracks, ATV courses, side-by-side adventures, and beginner-friendly riding areas. Whether you’re an experienced rider bringing your own machine or a first-timer looking to rent one on-site, Durhamtown offers an unforgettable outdoor experience for all skill levels. It’s no surprise that riders from across the country travel to Greene County to experience one of the premier off-road riding destinations in the United States.
Take a Photo with the Iron Horse
Standing 12 feet tall in a pasture along Highway 15, the Iron Horse is one of Georgia’s most iconic and mysterious roadside landmarks. Created in 1954 by artist Abbott Pattison for the University of Georgia, the abstract steel sculpture was originally installed on campus before being relocated to a Greene County farm after becoming the center of student controversy and pranks. Today, the 2-ton sculpture has become a beloved destination and a rite of passage for generations of UGA students, alumni, and visitors. Whether you’re stopping for a quick photo or soaking in the history behind this unique work of art, a visit to the Iron Horse is a quintessential Greene County experience.
Jump Off the Famous Jumping Rock
No summer on Lake Oconee is complete without a trip to Jumping Rock. Accessible only by boat, this beloved lake landmark has become a rite of passage for visitors and locals alike. Located on the south end of the lake, the natural rock formation rises about 10 feet above the water, offering the perfect spot for a refreshing leap into Lake Oconee. Whether you’re brave enough to make the jump or prefer to watch from the boat, Jumping Rock is all about making memories, capturing action photos, and embracing the carefree spirit of lake life. It’s a simple tradition that has become one of Lake Oconee’s most iconic experiences.
Explore the Ghost Town of Scull Shoals
Hidden within the Oconee National Forest, Scull Shoals offers visitors a chance to step back in time and explore the ruins of one of Georgia’s earliest industrial communities. What began as a frontier settlement in the late 1700s grew into a thriving mill village that was home to sawmills, gristmills, textile operations, and Georgia’s first paper mill. After devastating floods and economic decline led to its abandonment in the late 1800s, nature slowly reclaimed the town. Today, visitors can walk among the remnants of stone foundations, brick structures, and historic mill ruins while imagining life in what was once a bustling community along the Oconee River. Part history lesson, part outdoor adventure, Scull Shoals is one of Greene County’s most fascinating hidden gems.
Experience Falconry at Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds
Step into one of the world’s oldest traditions with a hands-on falconry experience at Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds. Guided by Master Falconer Linda Spence, guests are introduced to the ancient art of falconry before setting out on a memorable “hawk walk” through the scenic trails surrounding Lake Oconee. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with and handle trained birds of prey, including hawks, falcons, and even a Eurasian Eagle Owl, while learning about their remarkable instincts and behaviors. Combining outdoor adventure, wildlife education, and unforgettable up-close encounters, falconry at Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds is one of the most unique experiences available in Greene County.
For questions or more information, contact Hannah@visitlakeoconee.com.