20 Things to Do at Georgia's State Parks
With so much to do at Georgia's 63 state parks and historic sites, it can be hard to decide where to begin! Here is a list to get you started.
1 - Hike Georgia's Little Grand Canyon
Otherwise known as Providence Canyon State Outdoor Recreation Area, Georgia's Little Grand Canyon makes some of the prettiest photographs within the state. The canyon soil's pink, orange, red and purple hues make a beautiful natural painting at this quiet park.
2- Learn archery
Eight Georgia State Parks have archery ranges, ranging from traditional static ranges to realistic targets. Some parks, including Panola Mountain State Park, offer archery lessons and events, so you can learn how to take aim like a pro.
3 - Play championship golf
With designs that take advantage of the diverse terrain across the state, the eight Georgia State Park golf courses, such as Highland Walk Golf Course at Victoria Bryant State Park, will challenge your skills just as well as private courses and at a fraction of the cost.
4 - Look for Georgia's official state reptile
Residents of longleaf pine ecosystems, gopher tortoises are a threatened species and a candidate for listing as endangered. They can be found in the southern part of Georgia, including at Reed Bingham State Park.
5 - Explore colonial history
One of the original 13 colonies of the United States, Georgia has two coastal forts dating back to the 1700s: Fort King George Historic Site in Darien and Fort Morris State Historic Site in Midway.
6 - Go birding on the coast
A stop on the Colonial Coast Birding Trail, Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation State Historic Site is an excellent spot to look for herons, egrets, ibis and painted buntings.
7 - Enjoy a picnic with a view
At F. D. Roosevelt State Park, Dowdell's Knob is where President Franklin D. Roosevelt sometimes picnicked and pondered world affairs. A life-size sculpture of the president now welcomes visitors to the overlook.
8 - Experience a wild cave
At Cloudland Canyon State Park, a local guide service will show you the spectacular world underneath the North Georgia mountains. Reserve your guided tour through G3 Adventures Outpost.
9 - Learn about the nation's first major gold rush
Twenty years before the 1849 gold rush to California, thousands of gold seekers flocked into North Georgia to make their fortunes. Between 1838 and 1861, more than $6 million in gold was coined by the U.S. Branch Mint in Dahlonega. The Dahlonega Gold Museum offers visitors a look at Georgia's mining history.
10 - Learn about Cherokee culture
During its short history, New Echota State Historic Site was the site of the first Indian language newspaper office, a court case that carried to the U.S. Supreme Court, and the assembly of Indians for removal west on the infamous Trail of Tears. See several original and reconstructed buildings, interpretive exhibits and a short film.
11 - Watch an iron pour
Celebrate North Georgia's rich 19th century history and mining traditions while watching an iron pouring demonstration at Red Top Mountain State Park. Check the park's calendar for dates.
12 - Become a Canyon Climber
Georgia's Canyon Climbers Club is for those few who brave the swinging bridge in Tallulah Gorge, scale to the top of Amicalola Falls, explore the depths of Providence Canyon, and master the staircase in Cloudland Canyon. Hike all four parks and earn rewards for your adventures!
13 - Go geocaching
More than 40 state parks participate in the Parks GeoTour, and 14 historic sites are on the History Trail GeoTour. Take the geo-challenge at Wormsloe State Historic Site and search for multiple caches to solve clues and earn prizes.
14 - Ride a train
Ride the rails on the Historic SAM Shortline Excursion Train through southwest Georgia in air-conditioned 1949 vintage cars. There are fun and exciting train stops, including at Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear, the Telephone Museum, Americus and Plains, the home of President Jimmy Carter. Check the train's schedule for special events like visits from Thomas the Train and Santa!
15 - Climb in the trees
At Panola Mountain State Park, you can climb into the canopy of a noble Southern Red Oak that tops out around 100 feet! Learn how to use ropes to lift yourself into the branches, and you can even spend a night in the tree. Check the park's calendar for introduction climbs, night climbs and sleepovers.
16 - Go mountain biking
Join the Muddy Spokes Club, and set out to tackle 68 miles of trails at 11 state parks from Fort Mountain to Magnolia Springs. Complete all 11 parks and earn a t-shirt!
17 - Try camping for the first time
The First-Time Camper Program lets you borrow gear, get expert advice and experience the great outdoors in a whole new way! At six state parks, including Don Carter and Gordonia-Alatamaha, you can test out great gear provided by REI & Coleman and get help setting up from a park ranger.
18 - Kayak whitewater rapids
One of the most spectacular canyons in the eastern U.S., Tallulah Gorge is two miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep. The first two weekends of April and first three weekends of November are when the dam’s water release is high enough for paddlers to experience the rapids. Boaters must be quite skilled to tackle Oceana, Bridal Veil and the other falls. If you're not up for kayaking, spectating can be just as thrilling!
19 - Commune with alligators
Perhaps the most famous inhabitant of the Okefenokee Swamp is the American Alligator. Officials estimate that 12,000 of the country's largest reptile live within the 402,000-acre refuge. Keep an eye out for them while you explore Stephen C. Foster State Park.
20 - Experience the darkest skies in Georgia
Stephen C. Foster State Park is among the best spots in the world for star gazing. The gold-tier "International Dark Sky Park" located in the Okefenokee Swamp offers exceptional views of the moon, stars, planets and comets. Check the park's calendar for guided tours of the galaxy.
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