Funding Award Marks Pivotal Milestone for Youth Programming and Trail Access in Rural Georgia Communities
Sandersville, GA, October 1, 2025 – Georgia Hi-Lo Trail, Inc. is proud to announce its youth cycling program, Kids Bike League, has been awarded a major grant from The Chestnut Family Foundation. This award will provide transformative resources to expand off-road cycling infrastructure that supports and empowers youth across rural communities in Georgia.
"We are profoundly grateful to The Chestnut Family Foundation and its trustees, Ben and Teresa Chestnut, for their generosity and vision for a more connected future across our rural communities," said Mary Charles Howard, Executive Director of Georgia Hi-Lo Trail. "Their support will have an immediate effect on our communities, transforming infrastructure and playing a vital role in our program's ability to help shape today's youth into tomorrow's leaders."
Grant Award Overview
The Chestnut Family Foundation has granted $715,568 to Georgia Hi-Lo Trail, Inc. in support of the Kids Bike League program. This investment will directly fund new mountain biking initiatives and trail development, bringing accessible recreation and youth programming to families across the region.
New Infrastructure for Rural Georgia
Grant funds will support exciting new infrastructure including:
A 2.6-mile mountain bike trail in Washington County, Georgia.
A 1-mile mountain bike trail in Hancock County, Georgia.
A pump track in Washington County, Georgia.
These additions will broaden opportunities for outdoor activity and youth engagement in communities along the planned 211-mile Georgia Hi-Lo Trail corridor.
About Kids Bike League
A program of the nonprofit Georgia Hi-Lo Trail, Inc., Kids Bike League serves communities in rural Georgia by inspiring and empowering today's youth to become tomorrow's leaders. The program is centered around the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to explore outdoors, discover their potential, and connect with their community through the joy of cycling. Kids Bike League advocates for accessible, inclusive, and inspiring outdoor experiences that empower youth and build community. All children are welcome - regardless of the family's ability to pay. By uniting Hi-Lo communities through meaningful outdoor adventures, Kids Bike League is committed to shaping healthier, more connected, and more responsible youth for future generations—one ride at a time. Learn more at KidsBikeLeague.org.
About Georgia Hi-Lo Trail, Inc.
Georgia Hi-Lo Trail, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to connecting and empowering rural Georgia through the development of the 211-mile Georgia Hi-Lo Trail. Crossing eight counties – Greene, Hancock, Washington, Johnson, Emanuel, Bulloch, Effingham, and Chatham - the trail will begin in Union Point and continue southeast through Savannah and on to Tybee Island. Designed for pedestrians, cyclists, and users of all ages and abilities, it aims to improve health outcomes, support economic growth, and strengthen community connections across rural Georgia. The full plan is available for review at GeorgiaHiLo.org.
