Bear Hollow Wildlife Trail image

Bear Hollow Wildlife Trail

Tourist attraction Wildlife park

Woodlands, wetlands & a historic cabin on 225 acres, plus visitors' center for interactive exhibits. People often mention animals, free, great, park, Great, kids, small, family, bears, Park,


Address

293 Gran Ellen Dr, Athens, GA 30606, United States

Website

www.accgov.com

Contact

+1 706-613-3580

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (296 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 9 am to 5 pm
  • Saturday: 9 am to 5 pm
  • Sunday: 9 am to 5 pm
  • Monday: 9 am to 5 pm
  • Tuesday: 9 am to 5 pm
  • Wednesday: 9 am to 5 pm
  • Thursday: 9 am to 5 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: animals (31) free (19) great (16) park (15) Great (14) kids (12) small (11) family (11) bears (10) Park (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Christine B. 11 months ago on Google • 178 reviews
    Small rehab zoo with free entry. Otters, beavers, small reptiles, deer, an alligator, owls, a skunk, a fox, bears, turkeys, and a bald eagle. Some lovely relatively new murals now too. The nearby Birchmore Trail and Memorial Park with playground, small lake, and dog park are worth checking out.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 ジェナGenna 3 years ago on Google • 22 reviews
    Always a delight to visit. Clean areas and healthy looking animals. The park has also taken extra precautions to keep people and animals safe during the pandemic. In general the park is always well cared for. The animals are beautiful and amazing to see. It's a great place to visit.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Judy W. 2 years ago on Google • 41 reviews
    This zoo is great. It is small as some reviewers say but they should keep in mind it is a free zoo for rehabbed animals. We saw owls, bears, turkeys, river otters, a bald eagle, a gator and more. My 7 year old didn’t want to leave. We all had a great time and will be back.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Ang1 4 years ago on Google • 282 reviews
    It's free! Very small but nice we as a family enjoyed it as soon as we got there we noticed how active the otter was seemed as it was happy they had 3 bears which also seemed to enjoy the company of people on the downside for the reptile room we were let down when we saw fake Plastic things, also when you are done walking around you can enjoy a picnic in the park.

  • 5/5 Karen P. 3 years ago on Google • 78 reviews
    We love coming here and seeing the bears, alligator, otters, and other animals. The zoo has just reopened after being shut down from covid 19 for a few months. They have re-routed part of the path so it is one way to cut down on guests getting close to each other. It is a nice little free zoo!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nancy C. 4 years ago on Google • 262 reviews
    Have loved this place for years. Shady, quiet, and free zoo. Next to a lovely lake and community athletic facility. Pool open seasonally.Dont miss the lively antics of the river otters-sure to make you smile!

  • 4/5 Broocks R. 2 years ago on Google • 140 reviews
    It's a little bit more rundown than it was when we visited in 2019. They are in the middle of some renovations that look very nice. The new fences look much better than the old ones. I don't know why some of the gates were locked. It was a little troubling. The biggest detractor right now is the condition of the animal sanctuaries. Kind of reminds me how yellow River game ranch was in their decline. Have to keep in mind that this is a free to the public zoo. If you go to their website there are options to help to support them if we don't want to see something like this disappear.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steven L. 5 months ago on Google • 225 reviews
    A neat little zoo that's easy to walk around and is free! Lots of great animals and nature.

  • 5/5 Kristin W. 2 years ago on Google • 3 reviews
    Great free morning activity for my small children! The animals were all out and very active. The trails are clean and easy to navigate with a stroller. We finished the zoo trail an about an hour.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mildred H. 2 years ago on Google
    Grandbabies love this spot. Zoo & Park all into one
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Brianna G. 4 years ago on Google
    i’m so sad for these animals. All of their water bowls or “ponds” are filthy. Dead decomposing rats in the birds cages. small cages. i would never bring a child to see this. super sad for these animals.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Melanie K. 1 year ago on Google
    Love this place. Quaint and quiet. A great place for a quicker outdoor activity. Don't expect to spend your whole day here, the whole zoo can be experienced in full in about 30 to 45 minutes. Head over to the pond from the same parking lot and see more wildlife than the zoo has to offer. Turtles, frogs, geese, ducks, squirrels, snakes, fish, and plenty more are all available for your viewing pleasure! Picnic tables are available for lunch :)
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 R 2 years ago on Google
    We enjoyed the wildlife trail and the pool. Knocked off one star due to the girls collecting the fee for pool entry telling us and others they didn't have change to provide. I feel bad for the people who got hustled into giving them extra money just to get in, because I saw inside their cash box and there was plenty of change.. I guess they were just trying to get a little something extra for themselves 🤷🏼‍♀️ I went back to my car and counted change to avoid the issue, and I would recommend that you bring exact change/ amount, it is one dollar per person for the pool entry. Other than that minor hiccup, it is a very nice place and great place to bring the kids!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 All Things S. 4 years ago on Google • 142 reviews
    Spent an hour walking around here with the family. It was really too cold to be out when we were there but we really enjoyed seeing the animals. Anytime we can get out and with the family, enjoy being outside, and learning is a big win! Thanks for the public access. We will visit again if we ever get back to Athens.

  • 4/5 spain 4 years ago on Google
    Love bear hollow! Fun to go to with friends, and free! The animals seem super happy, and it dosnt seem artificial. Animals have big enclosures, and are only taken in for rehab or if they couldn't survive in the wild by themselves. Only complaint is that the reptile house is almost never open, witch is super annoying
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rosie C. 5 years ago on Google
    Great place for alone time or for family's with small children. Bear Hollo. Wildlife Park is side by side with Memorial Park. Bear Hollow Wildlife Park is the park with all the animals. It has a very nice and clean walkway so that you can visit the animals and they have all sorts of animals. Such as the Otters, Alligators, Eagles, Deer, Snakes etc. The Memorial Park has the lake where you can feed the fish and ducks and turtles. It also has a huge playground for children. They also have a dog park with public restrooms as well. You just have to cross over the bridge to get to it. This place has great photo opportunities! The photos here are from The Bear Hollow Wildlife Park. And Guess what! It's FREE! Just take your children and walk through and enjoy your day!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dolly A. 2 years ago on Google
    My son and I brought the dogs too the park. There wasn't many animals out, which is understandable, we still enjoyed ourselves.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kenny R. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 John B. 1 year ago on Google
    I was very disappointed. It's always been such a great park, but there's trash in the water and it needs a good cleaning. We still fed the ducks, but visitors need to do better! There are plenty of trash cans!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cindy C. 4 years ago on Google
    I'm pretty good at creating itineraries of fun things to do when visiting places. It's why I'm the one in my group who plans anything form elaborate adventures to Mardi Gras, to small dinner at Mexican places. So when I was in Athens for a show, I decided I wanted to find some fun, free things to do while there. This place was way more than I was expecting for the amount of FREE that it is. You'll find the namesake bears there of course, but also various birds of prey, a lynx, possum, deer, otter, alligator, turtles, and also a reptile house, among a few other animals. We spoke to someone feeding the possum, and they explained that this place is a sanctuary for animals that can't really be rehabilitated back into the wild for various reasons. It's reliant on volunteers, who commit their time and come here when they can to take care of the animals, clean up, do tours, and help with special events.

  • 5/5 Sheyla L. 4 years ago on Google
    I loved it.

  • 5/5 Miss C. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place for everyone. Took my babies there for the free zoo, end up seeing a nice Picnic table to eat, a nice fun family park to play with kids after eating just before taking a nature walk to see the animals, waterfalls, ducks swimming across lawn , and a small family zoo.. just awsome and peaceful

  • 5/5 Shannon H. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing and free bears are the highlight!!!! But we enjoyed all the animals except the dern snake exhibit, ughhhh lol And Memorial Park is Incredible and always Clean!!!!!

  • 5/5 Christina 4 years ago on Google
    I had a great time here today! Free parking and admission, and all animals are non releasable.

  • 5/5 Chelsey S. 5 years ago on Google
    Free and cute! My kids loved it

  • 2/5 Madelyn Clare P. 4 years ago on Google
    I used to practice tai chi in the park, and loved it.

  • 5/5 Joy S. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely spot to bring your kids. I let my son take the lead & set the pace and he can learn a bit about local wildlife (all rescued, which I love). Well shaded, which is fantastic during summer months. They have special programs and events throughout the year which may or may not require advance ticketing, but in general this is a free excursion.

  • 5/5 BB W. 2 years ago on Google
    Did service work cleaning bird cages a couple of years ago with students from Monsignor Donovan Catholic High School. Been in Athens 32 years. Memorial Park and Bear Hollow are great to take a friend and and chill, find your center, and just relax! We prayed as a group for the safety of the animals. The Keepers are wonderful and full of stories about the personalities of each ward. Ask them! Great place to get your chill on!

  • 5/5 Rachel K. 2 years ago on Google
    Took my family had a great time

  • 3/5 Mrs. C. 2 years ago on Google
    Love that it's free, but almost cried seeing one of the bears pacing back and forth..only taking about 5 steps back and forth. He wasn't doing this the 1st time we came but when they had boo at the zoo. This place is so huge it saddens me to see the enclosures not bigger than they are so owls could fly. I do really love to come see the animals here though. It's only crowded when they have events like this, so when they don't, it's nice to watch the animals without a bunch of people swarming around them.

  • 5/5 Kit K. 2 years ago on Google
    Bring the whole family.The Bear Hollow crew will make you feel right at home.Thank you for all your hospitality.

  • 5/5 Helena R. (H. R. 2 years ago on Google
    I loved the Halloween decorations! Awesome family adventure.

  • 4/5 The Yoga C. 2 years ago on Google
    It’s a cool place for little kids. Nice because it’s free. Having said that, there are only a few animals there and it’s hit or miss if they are out. So if you have toddlers, I’d say visit but expect to be done in less than an hour.

  • 5/5 Renee G. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place to have a birthday party. There was a place to grill. You do have to reserve the pavilion. Summer rates cost more than winter rates. Each pavilion has about 4 picnic tables. You can also walk around the pond.

  • 5/5 Lil P. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful place. Great to go walking or take kids to see the animals, play on the playground, or feed the ducks and turtles in the pond.

  • 2/5 Renee T. 3 years ago on Google
    Place has great potential but the habit conditions are really run down and in major need of cleaning and sprucing up. Especially the alligator and otters. Left with a sort of sad feeling for the animals.

  • 5/5 John H. 4 years ago on Google
    Keep up the great work Bear Hollow. We visited this place while checking out Athens, it’s free close by and it’s amazing what they do. Great for kids, wheelchair accessible and just plain fun in nature.

  • 5/5 Abcd l. 3 years ago on Google
    My daughter loves this place. Great for kids of all ages.

  • 5/5 Bryan T. 3 years ago on Google
    Cute. Variety of animals. Small.

  • 5/5 Andrea P. 3 years ago on Google
    Small little zoo. Pretty neat area.

  • 5/5 Vivian P. 4 years ago on Google
    Such a fun, informative, family friendly place. A wonderful wildlife experience right here in Athens! Will go again.

  • 5/5 Denis 4 years ago on Google
    It is a small zoo but its in a beautiful setting. When we went there were three black bears, a gator, two deer, turkeys, owls, bobcats, hawks, a bald eagle, a river otter and more. There is a reptile room. It is such a quiet and beautiful setting, plenty of cover from the trees. It's not too far from the botanical garden. Don't miss it!

  • 5/5 YOUNG N. 3 years ago on Google
    ANIMALS

  • 5/5 Travis M. 3 years ago on Google
    Great for kids

  • 4/5 ayman s. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice

  • 5/5 John P. 3 years ago on Google
    A great little animal park in Athens to visit and enjoy.

  • 5/5 Ryan S. 3 years ago on Google
    Such a fun place to bring the kids and it’s free!

  • 5/5 Aimee M. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to visit!! We brought a lunch and had a picnic at the park after going to the zoo. It was a great day!!

  • 3/5 Zaki J. 3 years ago on Google
    The arrows suck!

  • 4/5 L W. 4 years ago on Google
    Free and quaint. Nice setting.

  • 5/5 Michael S. 3 years ago on Google
    The bears are so funny

  • 5/5 Jessica S. 3 years ago on Google
    Cute free park with clear social distancing routes to visit some of the local rescued animals. The path is in the shade and not very crowded that it was easy to navigate with a stroller. Fun educational afternoon for a family with kids

  • 5/5 Thrdiyo J. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) See you!!! (Original) A plus!!!

  • 3/5 1Snodster 3 years ago on Google
    I wish they stayed open longer on weekends.

  • 5/5 katrina B. 3 years ago on Google
    Love this place

  • 4/5 Rebecca B. 3 years ago on Google
    Great small zoo with local wildlife.

  • 5/5 David T. 3 years ago on Google
    Go for peaceful and quiet and relax time

  • 5/5 Pedro 3 years ago on Google
    I'm glad they have a place like this in Athens.

  • 5/5 Megan H. 4 years ago on Google
    Great collection of native, non-releaseable animals! Great family events as well!

  • 5/5 Daniel S. 4 years ago on Google
    Great local park with dog park and kids areas. Check out the free zoo too if you’re around.

  • 5/5 Elliott G. 3 years ago on Google
    Very good place to take little children. Free, has play ground, and cool animals being kept in good conditions.

  • 5/5 Barbara B. 4 years ago on Google
    We met one staffer feeding the bears and we chatted a few moments. Someone went to a great deal of effort with he air-filled decorations - no question as to target audience.


Call +1 706-613-3580 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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