Dog Walkers in Bethlehem

Bethlehem is a historic neighborhood located in Augusta, Georgia, sitting along the Savannah River next to the Georgia-South Carolina border. Its historic designation comes from the fact that Bethlehem is, according to the U.S. National Park Service, an "intact historically African American urban neighborhood." Located in an industrial part of Augusta, this neighborhood was home to many industries due to the proximity of a major roadway and railroad. There are other historic districts in Augusta as well as several major golf courses, a university, and some tourist attractions like the Augusta Riverwalk. 

Today, there are still quite a few industrial properties located in this neighborhood, but a large portion of Bethlehem is actually more residential in nature. The neighborhood is composed of very small, single-family homes that were built in Folk Victorian, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman styles. Other than residential properties, Bethlehem also has several churches, a senior-living facility, a community center, a funeral home, and just a few local restaurants.

As previously mentioned, Bethlehem is a more industrial part of Augusta, so it is artificial terrain, if no greenways. There are very few sidewalks in the neighborhood, so always be careful when you and Fido are out for your daily walks. However, as a positive, it's rather flat terrain. You and your furry friend shouldn't have to worry about intense or steep hills. Another positive includes the many mature trees throughout Bethlehem as they provide much needed shade during those hot and humid summer days. 

The boundaries of Bethlehem include Wrightsboro Road to the northeast, a railroad line to the southeast, Molly Pond Road and Poplar Street to the southwest, with Clay Street and 15th Street to the west. Old Savannah Road, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, and Twiggs Street are other major roadways through the neighborhood. Pedestrians may wish to avoid these streets as well as the many railroad tracks that cut through the neighborhood.

Unfortunately, there are no greenways located in this neighborhood. This may be because of the industrial nature of the area. Thankfully, you and Fido shouldn't have to go too far to find some natural terrain and a park to explore. 

The nearest greenways to Bethlehem are Dyess Park, May Park, Pendleton King Park, and Carrie J. Mays Park. Carrie J. Mays Park, located to the southwest of the neighborhood, and May Park, located northeast of Bethlehem, both have a community center, some sports facilities, and a playground. Dyess Park has a walking track, sports facilities, a seasonal swimming pool, and a small creek that runs through it.

Pendleton King Park, which is almost three miles to the northwest of Bethlehem, is a 64-acre bird sanctuary. It has gardens, a lake, walking trails, a disc golf course, a playground, and a Bark Park! The Bark Park is an off-leash area with two sections including one for smaller breeds and one for larger pups.