Azalea Bowl

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.