The Mathis Trail is an easy loop trail which will take a mile to traverse as it takes you to a hardwood forest and some wet foot crossings as it crosses the Elachee Creek along the way. This is also well within the Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve. The Elachee Nature Science Center and Chicopee Woods are located off Atlanta Highway 13 which is near the Chicopee Village south of Gainesville, Georgia. The trail is best visited in the winter or early spring. After passing by I-85, the trail head is situated near the parking area.

On the southern end of the parking area, you will find a sign with the information about the whole trail. This is where you can also get maps of the trails. The trail signs are marked with blue blazes and one way can take 0.75 mile before it loops back to the start of the trail at the parking area. The trail can start from the Elachee Creek to Dodd Trail where several species of trees stand tall along the trail. Reversely, the trail is accessible at Dodd Trail’s picnic area.

Starting on the West Lake Trail, move further for approximately .15 miles to the Lake Loop or Mathis Connector on the right side. Continue past this and approach a rain shelter then make a right turn towards the Mathis Loop. This path is already on a ridge above the Elachee Creek watershed. Elachee Nature Center which is a finely developed and mark trail is just nearby and is located south of Gainesville, Georgia at I-985.

Approach Walnut Creek Trail where you will find an intersection and at this spot you will get to see another map that takes you to the right footpath towards Mathis Trail. The trail continues to some steps and a switchback down to the first crossing of Elachee Creek. Further on the descent you will approach a serene environment where several species of fauna abound this section.

Along this footpath several plants and trees thrive as the water cascades down the creek. After the bridge, there is an overlook where you can take view of the excellent habitat. Off to the second bridge where you will approach two footpaths. Crossing the Elachee Creek one more time, the path then starts to make an ascent to the top of the ridge and loops back to the parking lot where the trail head is.