Azalea Bowl
Calloway Gardens
17800 US Hwy 27
Pine Mountain, Georgia 31822
706-663-2281
Callaway Gardens is a 13,000-acre luxurious resort that is located a short distance from Columbus, Georgia. It is well-known for it’s four distinctive gardens and a host of outdoor activities which include hiking, swimming, fishing, tennis, golf and even organized shooting events. The gardens were named for the mother of founder Cason J. Callaway, and were created to promote and protect native azalea species. The property opened on May 21, 1952 as the Ida Cason Gardens, and includes a number of lakes, a golf course, and a scenic drive that still circles the property and provides access to the impressive gardens at the resort.
Callaway Resort offers a diverse array of hiking trails that cater to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts. With over 2,500 acres of lush landscapes, these trails provide opportunities to immerse yourself in Georgia’s natural beauty. During our stay, we did a 1.2 mile loop in the Azalea Bowl but missed the coveted spring blooms which happened a month earlier. Regardless, the route has outstanding views across a lake, is extremely well-maintained (even paved in parts), and passes numerous species of Azaleas as the route winds down, across a small bridge, and around the lake.
- click for more photos from this hike at the Callaway Gardens: May 18, 2008 (password required)
- click for a trip report from this hike near Pine Mountain, Georgia: May 18, 2008 (password required)
- click for a property map of Callaway Gardens Resort & Inn
- click for a trail map for the Azalea Bowl at Callaway Gardens
- click for a hike near Callaway Garden to Sunset Rock in January 2003
- click for a hike at the nearby F.D Roosevelt State Park in December 2011
- click for more hikes on the Pine Mountain Trail at Lil’ Butt Knob and Turtle Hollow
- click to access the guidebook Hiking Georgia which has more hikes in this area
- click for other Georgia hiking and backpacking books
- click for more hikes and backpacking trips in the State of Georgia