The 15 Greatest State Parks in Georgia

With Covid-19 nonetheless limiting worldwide and, in some elements of the USA, even state-to-state journey, many individuals are struggling to seek out methods to fulfill their thirst for journey.

However typically, one of the best locations to discover might be proper in our personal yard.

For these of us who dwell within the southeastern US, the state of Georgia gives loads of out of doors recreation choices inside a couple of hours of metro Atlanta. 

Whether or not you’re climbing to the towering cascades of Amicalola Falls, kayaking by means of the Okefenokee Swamp, or exploring the grand Windfall Canyon, our house state has some spectacular inexperienced areas which are good for a nature escape.

So learn on to see our workers picks for the 15 Greatest State Parks in Georgia, together with an outline of one of the best actions, sights, and lodging in every!

READ MORE: The 15 Greatest Day Journeys from Atlanta (for Nature Lovers)

BEST GEORGIA STATE PARKS GUIDE

1. Amicalola Falls State Park
2. Black Rock Mountain State Park
3. Cloudland Canyon State Park
4. F.D. Roosevelt State Park
5. Fort McAllister State Park
6. Fort Mountain State Park
7. Panola Mountain State Park
8. Windfall Canyon State Park
9. Crimson Prime Mountain State Park
10. Skidaway Island State Park
11. Smithgall Woods State Park
12. Stephen C. Foster State Park
13. Tallulah Gorge State Park
14. Unicoi State Park
15. Vogel State Park

1. Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge

418 Amicalola Falls Highway

Dawsonville, GA 30534

Reservations: 1-800-573-9656

Entry Payment: $5 GA State Park Move or $50 Annual Park Passes can be found

Home

Simply eight miles from the southern finish of the Appalachian Path within the Chattahoochee Nationwide Forest, Amicalola Falls State Park is house to the largest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi river and an abundance of breathtaking surroundings.

Issues to Do in Amicalola Falls State Park  

There are greater than 10 climbing trails you possibly can discover right here, together with three that may take you proper to the large cascades of the 729-foot Amicalola waterfall.

These are the West Ridge Falls Entry Path, the one-mile East Ridge Path and, most notably, the New Appalachian Strategy Path.

The latter will information you on a one-mile hike to the falls overlook, then proceed on 7.5 miles to the southernmost level of the Appalachian Path, Springer Mountain.

For an extra cost, the Amicalola Falls Lodge additionally gives loads of enjoyable actions, together with dwell reptile displays, guided hikes, birds of prey demonstrations, and a few of greatest mountain ziplining in north Georgia.

Amicalola Falls State Park Lodging

Positioned at two websites– the Wooded Mountain Prime and Creek Aspect under the falls– the Amicalola Falls State Park Lodge gives cabin leases. Every of those cabins boasts a front room and full kitchen, in addition to being pet-friendly.

Additionally on the state park premises are lodges starting from mountain view lofts to suite-style choices, with trendy facilities like central air and Wi-Fi.

For those who’re trying to go tent tenting or are touring in an RV, there are 24 wooded campsites that every have water, energy, picnic tables, and a grill and fireplace ring.

READ MORE: Record of Nationwide Parks by State (An Epic Information)

2. Black Rock Mountain State Park 

3085 Black Rock Mountain Parkway

Mountain Metropolis, GA 30562

Reservations: 800-864-7275

Entry Payment: $5 State Park Move or $50 annual Park Passes can be found

https://gastateparks.org/BlackRockMountain

Black Rock Mountain gives a number of the most spectacular year-round views of the north Georgia mountains. It towers over the Japanese Continental Divide at peak altitudes of three,640 ft, making it the very best of Georgia’s state parks.

Issues to Do in Black Rock Mountain State Park 

There are 5 climbing trails that wind by means of the park, ranging in size from the zero.10-mile Norma Campbell Cove Path to the 7.2-mile James E. Edmond Path.

The park’s hottest climbing path is the two.2-mile Tennessee Rock Path, which takes you to a number of the highest overlooks within the forest. There you possibly can gaze out practically 80 miles into North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Different widespread actions are fishing and canoeing or kayaking within the 17-acre Black Rock Lake, geocaching, and purchasing on the Summit Customer Heart’s reward store.

 Black Rock Mountain Lodging

There are 12 walk-in campsites situated all through the park, and 44 tent, trailer, and RV campsites geared up with pull-through and back-in driveways.

Prime-of-the-line north Georgia cabin leases are additionally out there. Every has a kitchen, front room, and a pair of to three bedrooms that may maintain Eight to 10 folks.

READ MORE: 10 Greatest US Nationwide Parks (World Journey Bucket Record)

Three. Cloudland Canyon State Park

122 Cloudland Canyon Park Highway

Rising Fawn, GA 30738

Reservations: 800-864-7275

Entry price: $5 State Park Move or $50 annual Park Passes can be found

https://gastateparks.org/CloudlandCanyon

One of many largest state parks in Georgia, Cloudland Canyon gives Three,538 acres of sandstone cliffs, cascading waterfalls, lush woodlands, and thousand-foot-deep canyons ready to be explored.

Issues to Do in Cloudland Canyon State Park

As you possibly can think about from its measurement, there are an immense quantity of Cloudland Canyon actions for guests to take pleasure in.

These embrace over 30 miles of mountain biking trails, 16 miles of horseback using trails, a fishing pond, geocaching, and an 18-hole disc golf course.

The park additionally gives a number of the greatest climbing in north Georgia, with 64 miles of beautiful, well-tended trails.

Some widespread hikes embrace the one-mile Overlook Path, the two-mile Waterfalls Path (resulting in Cherokee and Hemlock Falls), and the six-mile Sutton’s Gulch Path, which is lined with lovely wildflowers in March and early April.

Cloudland Canyon State Park Lodging

There are two- and three-bedroom cottages out there for as much as Eight friends, in addition to 10 distinctive Yurts which are totally furnished and might maintain as much as 6 folks.

There are additionally 72 tent, trailer, and RV campsites which have pull-through and back-in driveways, 13 backcountry campsites, 30 tent solely walk-in campsites, and four pioneer campsites that may maintain as much as 25 folks.

The park additionally boasts one group shelter that seats 175 folks, and a bunch lodge that sleeps as much as 40 folks.

READ MORE: The Most Comfy Strolling Footwear & Mountaineering Footwear for Girls

four. F.D. Roosevelt State Park

2970 Georgia Freeway 190

Pine Mountain, GA 31822

Reservations: 800-864-7275

Entry price: Wednesday & Thursday $Three; Friday, Saturday & Sunday $5

https://gastateparks.org/FDRoosevelt

F.D. Roosevelt State Park spans 9,049 acres, making it the most important state park in Georgia. This park was named after President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who used to frequent the world and swim within the heat springs to get reduction from his polio. 

Issues to Do in F.D. Roosevelt State Park

With over 40 miles of climbing trails, there’s a path right here to go well with all ages and health stage.

There are comparatively straightforward hikes like the three.2-mile Mountain Creek Nature Path, which passes by means of a number of beautiful plant habitats.

There are additionally longer treks, just like the 23-mile Pine Mountain Path, which can take you all through a number of the park’s most scenic spots.

Different enjoyable actions embrace 28 miles of horseback using trails, fishing in one of many park’s two lakes, birding, and geocaching.

The park additionally has fairly a little bit of historical past: Facilities sich because the cottages, workplace, and Liberty Bell swimming pool had been constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the course of the Nice Despair.

 F.D. Roosevelt State Park Lodging

The park gives 20+ cottages that may home as much as Eight folks. All are furnished and have air con, fridge, microwave, oven, and grill.

Different lodging choices embrace 115 tent, trailer, and RV campsites, in addition to 16 backcountry campsites and two group shelters.

Two picnic shelters and a bunch camp that may maintain as much as 75 persons are additionally out there with an advance reservation.

READ MORE: The 25 Most Comfy Strolling Footwear & Mountaineering Footwear for Males 

5. Fort McAllister State Park

3894 Fort McAllister Highway

Richmond Hill, GA 31324

Reservations: 800-864-7275

Entry price: $5 State Park Move or $50 annual Park Passes can be found

https://gastateparks.org/FortMcAllister

Located on the banks of the Ogeechee River, Fort McAllister State Park is among the extra historical past-packed state parks in GA, providing a mix of well-preserved historic websites and scenic pure magnificence.

Issues to Do in Fort McAllister State Park

Historical past buffs can discover the park to seek out cannons, bomb-proof barracks, a furnace, and palisades left over from the Civil Warfare.

To be taught extra about Civil Warfare historical past, discuss to one of many workers historians, who’re specialists on matters comparable to infantry, drugs, soldier life, weapons, and extra.

There’s additionally a Civil Warfare Museum that comprises artifacts, movies, and a present store.

For those who’re merely eager to benefit from the nice open air, the park has an array of different actions as properly. These embrace four.Three miles of climbing trails, birdwatching on the Colonial Coast Birding Path, biking, and fishing and boating alongside Redbird Creek.

Fort McAllister State Park Lodging

There are seven cottages close to the park’s marsh, every of which has two bedrooms and might maintain as much as Eight folks.

Different lodging choices embrace over 60 tent, trailer and RV campsites, and two pioneer campgrounds that require reservations.

There are additionally two backcountry campsites out there, however you’ll should make a 1.5-mile hike to achieve them.

READ MORE: The 35 Greatest Daypacks for Journey

6. Fort Mountain State Park

181 Fort Mountain Park Highway

Chatsworth, GA 30705

Reservations: 800-864-7275

Entry price: $5 State Park Move or $50 annual Park Passes can be found

https://gastateparks.org/FortMountain

Positioned on the southwestern finish of the Cohutta Mountains, Fort Mountain State Park is located on land that belonged to Cherokee Indians for tons of of years.

The park is thought for its unbelievable wildlife and pure magnificence, in addition to having a number of the most scenic North Georgia climbing trails.

Issues to Do in Fort Mountain State Park

Close to the crest of the mountain, you’ll discover some of the intriguing elements of the park– an historic, 855-foot-long stone wall.

Believed to have been constructed by early Native Individuals, the wall is purported to have been used as a defensive fortification and/or for non secular and ceremonial functions.

For those who hike the one-mile Hearth Tower Path, you’ll attain one other historic website– the stone fireplace tower in-built 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Open home visits to the tower can be found each Saturday and Sunday from 1 to four p.m.

There are over 25 miles of climbing trails in addition to 27 miles of trails which are good for mountain biking, all providing spectacular views of the park’s numerous nature and wildlife.

 For those who’re fortunate, you would possibly even spot one of many many Black Bears that roam the mountains. Simply keep in mind you can admire from afar, however don’t strategy or feed them!

Fort Mountain State Park Lodging

For in a single day adventures, the park has 15 two- to three-bedroom cottages that may home as much as 10 folks.

There are additionally walk-in, platform, pioneer, and backcountry campsites ,in addition to 70 tent, trailer, and RV campsites with pull-through or back-in driveways. Simply make sure to double test upfront that they’re out there, as some are seasonal.

For a bunch of as much as 80 folks, there’s additionally one group shelter out there.

READ MORE: 10 Greatest Nationwide Parks in USA for Wildlife Watching

7. Panola Mountain State Park

2620 Freeway 155 SW

Stockbridge, GA 30281

Reservations: 800-864-7275

Entry price: $5 State Park Move or $50 annual Park Passes can be found

http://gastateparks.org/PanolaMountain

For an intown escape from the hustle and bustle of town, Panola Mountain State Park is the proper getaway.

It gives an abundance of out of doors actions and nature regardless of being situated simply 15 minutes from the guts of Metro Atlanta!

Issues to Do in Panola Mountain State Park

A part of the Arabia Mountain Nationwide Heritage Space– certainly one of simply three Nationwide Heritage Areas in Georgia– Panola Mountain is acknowledged as a Nationwide Pure Landmark.

Among the park’s hottest actions embrace archery, birdwatching, fishing, tree climbing, and biking and climbing over 25 miles of trails. However the principle attraction right here is the distinctive, 100-acre granite outcrop.

Just like Stone Mountain, however smaller in measurement, the Panola summit provides guests an opportunity to see nature as Native Individuals would have tons of of years in the past.

For those who reserve a spotin advance, you possibly can even take a ranger-led hike to be taught extra concerning the uncommon crops and animals that dwell within the space.

Panola Mountain State Park Lodging

There are 5 primitive campsites for tent tenting solely, and 4 picnic shelters that may maintain as much as 50 folks.

For particular events, there’s an occasion room that may be reserved and seats 50 folks.

READ MORE: Prime 5 Autumn Actions Round Atlanta

Eight. Windfall Canyon State Park

8930 Canyon Highway

Lumpkin, GA 31815

Reservations: 800-864-7275

Entry price: $5 State Park Move or $50 annual Park Passes can be found

https://gastateparks.org/ProvidenceCanyon

Referred to as “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon,” Windfall Canyon State Park gives a novel show of eye-catching geological formations, enchanting wildlife, and journey awaiting round each flip.

Issues to Do in Windfall Canyon State Park

If exploring a canyon in Georgia is in your bucket checklist, this gorgeous west Georgia landmark is a good place to go to.

It gives some 10 miles of climbing trails that may give you views of the colourful canyons and gullies, a few of that are as deep as 150 ft. 

For an in a single day journey, backpackers can go alongside the backcountry path, which gives a number of the greatest views of the canyon and goes deep into the forest.

Photographers and flower followers alike will enjoyment of getting a glimpse of the uncommon Plumbleaf Azalea (discovered solely on this area), which blooms all through July and August.

Windfall Canyon State Park Lodging

There are six backcountry campsites for tent tenting (every holds as much as 10 folks) which are out there in a single day, in addition to three pioneer campsites and two picnic shelters.

READ MORE: The Greatest Backcountry Tenting Gear

9. Crimson Prime Mountain State Park

50 Lodge Highway SE

Acworth, GA 30102

Reservations: 800-864-7275

Entry price: $5 State Park Move or $50 annual Park Passes can be found

https://gastateparks.org/RedTopMountain

Named for the reddish hue that comes from its soil’s excessive iron-ore content material, Acworth’s Crimson Prime Mountain State Park gives an thrilling mixture of enjoyable water actions, forest hikes, and beautiful scenic views which are assured to please.

Issues to Do in Crimson Prime Mountain State Park

With direct entry to Lake Allatoona, Crimson Prime Mountain State Park is among the greatest Georgia parks for swimming, fishing, boating, and waterskiing.

You’ll be able to deliver your personal personal boat, or hire one for a half or full day from close by marinas. The general public seaside typically gives pick-up video games of seaside volleyball. 

Apart from the water-based actions, there are 4 miles of gorgeous biking trails and 15 miles of climbing trails. These embrace a paved path behind the park’s workplace, the place you possibly can discover an genuine 1860s-era reconstructed homestead.

Since Crimson Prime Mountain was at one time an influential mining space, iron pour applications are typically held on the park as properly.

Crimson Prime Mountain State Park Lodging

There are 20 cottages at Crimson Prime that include trendy facilities like air con, a dishwasher, fridge, oven, and so forth. There’s additionally one yurt campsite that may maintain as much as 6 folks.

Additionally scattered throughout the park are 93 tent, trailer, and RV campsites with water and electrical energy hookup, picnic tables, and fireplace rings.

READ MORE: 20+ Tenting Ideas & Tips for Accountable Vacationers

10. Skidaway Island State Park

52 Diamond Causeway

Savannah, GA 31411

Reservations: 800-864-7275

Entry price: $5 State Park Move or $50 annual Park Passes can be found

https://gastateparks.org/SkidawayIsland

Positioned near Savannah on the state’s Atlantic Coast, Skidaway Island State Park is a part of Georgia’s Intracoastal Waterway. The park gives loads of intriguing sights, and is a one-of-a- form place to discover mom nature.

Issues to Do in Skidaway Island State Park

Skidaway has a number of the most scenic climbing trails in Georgia, taking you thru a lush maritime forest.

You’ll see lovely dwell oaks, pink cedar, pines, and cabbage palmettos as you meander by means of salt marshes and tidal creeks that offer you superb views of the Intracoastal Waterway.

There are additionally a number of biking trails on the park, together with a ship ramp for individuals who need to spend time on the water.

Skidaway Island’s interpretive nature heart boasts a bunch of enjoyable household actions, comparable to an enormous floor Sloth exhibit, reptile room, birding station, and different instructional shows.

Skidaway Island State Park Lodging

The park has three camper cabins for in a single day stays: Every has one bed room and loo and might maintain as much as 5 folks.

There are additionally 87 tent, trailer, and RV Campsites with back-in or pull-through driveways and water and sewer hookups.

For teams of 10+ folks, the park additionally gives three pioneer campgrounds.

READ MORE: 40 Greatest Backpacks for Vacationers

11. Smithgall Woods State Park

61 Tsalaki Path

Helen, GA 30545

Reservations: 800-864-7275

Entry Payment: $5 State Park Move or $50 annual Park Passes can be found (All guests should register on the Customer Heart)

https://gastateparks.org/SmithgallWoods

Now broadly thought-about one of many greatest North Georgia state parks, the Smithgall Woods space was initially used for hydraulic gold mining within the 19^th century.

The park will get its title from Charles A. Smithgall Jr., a conservationist who donated the state park land to Georgia as a present. 

Issues to Do in Smithgall Woods State Park

With Dukes Creek (certainly one of Georgia’s greatest trout streams) working by means of the park, Smithgall Woods may be very widespread with fisherman and is a good place for catch-and-release fishing.

There are additionally 28 miles of climbing trails that lead you thru alluring woodlands scattered with wildflowers and tranquil creeks.

Among the Smithgall Woods trails– just like the one-mile Cathy Ellis path, .9-mile Martin’s Mine path, and Wetland Loop path– will take you to certainly one of north Georgia’s greatest waterfalls. 

Different enjoyable actions within the park embrace chook watching and archery.

 Smithgall Woods State Park Lodging

There are six totally furnished Smithgall Woods State Park cottages out there. All are situated subsequent to a one-mile path that results in Dukes Creek, and include a phone and tv.

Picnic shelters and a pioneer campground are additionally out there with advance reservation.

READ MORE: The Colours of Autumn in North Georgia’s Mountains

12. Stephen C. Foster State Park

17515 Freeway 177

Fargo, GA 31631

Reservations: 800-864-7275

Entry Payment: $5 State Park Move or $50 annual Park Passes can be found (All guests should register on the Customer Heart)

https://gastateparks.org/StephenCFoster

Coming into the enchanting Okefenokee Swamp– certainly one of Georgia’s seven pure wonders– by means of Stephen C. Foster State Park presents an unbelievable show of numerous wildlife, distinctive scenic views, and rousing out of doors journey.

Issues to Do in Stephen C. Foster State Park

Canoeing or kayaking by means of the swamp is the park’s principal attraction. It’s an otherworldly expertise, gliding by means of the reflections of Spanish moss dangling from the timber above, with numerous wildlife peeking out throughout the swamp.

Turtles, Deer, Wooden Storks, Herons, and Black Bears are only a few of the numerous creatures you may even see right here, however essentially the most frequent sighting is the American Alligator. Almost 12,000 are estimated to dwell within the space!

Daytime, nighttime, and sundown guided boat excursions of the swamp are additionally out there, and you’ll hire canoes, kayaks or Jon boats on the park workplace.

Stephen C. Foster State Park is Georgia’s first Worldwide Darkish Sky Park. So you possibly can gaze up on the stars and see the Milky Approach with minimal mild interference. For those who’re fortunate, you would possibly even spot a meteor dashing throughout the sky!

Stephen C. Foster State Park Lodging

The park gives 9 two-bedroom cottages that may maintain 6 to eight folks, in addition to 66 tent, trailer, and RV campsites.

Stays on the Suwannee River Eco Lodge are additionally widespread, with full kitchen cottages which have screened porches and exquisite views of the forest. 

READ MORE: The 10 Greatest Canoe Journeys for Your World Journey Bucket Record

13. Tallulah Gorge State Park

338 Jane Damage Yarn Drive

Tallulah Falls, GA 30573

Reservations: 800-864-7275

Entry Payment: $5 State Park Move or $50 annual Park Passes can be found (Free permits are additionally required to go to the gorge flooring and are restricted to 100 per day)

https://gastateparks.org/TallulahGorge

Between the wildlife-filled climbing trails, a jaw-dropping 1,000-foot canyon (carved by the Tallulah River), and a number of the most spectacular cascading waterfalls in north Georgia, Tallulah Gorge State Park gives adventures you gained’t quickly neglect.

Issues to Do in Tallulah Gorge State Park

The park boasts 20 miles of climbing trails, a few of which can information you to dazzling outlooks and throughout an 80-foot-high suspension bridge that provides stellar views of the canyon under.

To discover the underside of Tallulah Gorge, take the Gorge Flooring Path after getting a allow from the Interpretive Heart. They’re free, however restricted to 100 per day, so get there early!

With entry to the Tallulah River, the park gives superb fishing, swimming, kayaking, and canoeing experiences. Whitewater rafting can also be out there throughout sure instances of the 12 months.

Tallulah Gorge State Park Lodging

There are 50 Tallulah Gorge campsites for tent, trailer, and RV tenting, every with pull-through or back-in driveways and electrical energy and water hookups.

A pioneer campsite that may maintain as much as 25 folks can also be out there, together with three backcountry Adirondack shelters.

READ MORE: The Greatest Yard Tenting Gear

14. Unicoi State Park

1788 Freeway 356

Helen, GA 30545

Reservations: 800-573-9659

Entry Payment: $5 State Park Move or $50 annual Park Passes can be found

https://www.unicoilodge.com

Positioned within the Chattahoochee Nationwide Forest, Unicoi State Park guarantees an unparalleled north GA nature expertise. In our expertise, the attractive climbing trails, abundance of out of doors actions, and beautiful mountains views could make you need to keep without end.

Issues to Do in Unicoi State Park

Centered across the glistening Lake Unicoi (a.okay.a. Smith Lake), this state park is ideal for boating, kayaking, and paddle boarding (out there for hire for $15 a day throughout summer time hours), or simply having fun with the views from the lakeside seaside space.

Avid fisherman will probably be delighted to seek out mountain steams full of bream and mountain trout, and newcomers may even take fly fishing courses.

The park additionally boasts a number of the greatest climbing trails in north Georgia, together with the ever-popular Unicoi Lake Loop Path (2.5 miles) and the four.Eight-mile Smith Creek Path to the double cascades of Anna Ruby Falls. You may also hike a Three-mile path to the Alpine city of Helen, GA.

Different enjoyable actions at Unicoi embrace visiting the archery/air gun goal vary (the place tutorial courses can be found) and GPS scavenger hunts. 

Unicoi State Park Lodging

There are a selection of lodging on the Unicoi State Park & Lodge, together with 100 hotel-style rooms.

Select from King rooms, double Queen rooms, or rooms with two full-sized beds, all of which provide Wi-Fi entry and cable TV.

There are additionally a number of the coolest barrel-shaped cabins in north Georgia, in addition to 51 RV websites and 82 tent campsites.

READ MORE: Exploring Unicoi State Park & Lodge

15. Vogel State Park

405 Vogel State Park Highway

Blairsville, GA 30512

Reservations: 800-864-7275

Entry Payment: $5 State Park Move or $50 annual Park Passes can be found

https://gastateparks.org/Vogel

One of many oldest state parks in Georgia, Vogel was established in 1931 and stays some of the beloved north GA sights.

Issues to Do in Vogel State Park

Located on the base of Blood Mountain within the coronary heart of the Chattahoochee Nationwide Forest, Vogel State Park has some actually beautiful climbing trails.

We particularly love the Trahlyta Lake Path, which crosses an earthen dam constructed again in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

You’ll additionally get an opportunity to stare upon some of the alluring waterfalls in Georgia, Trahlyta Falls. You’ll be able to hike proper alongside it through the Bear Hair Hole Path, which guides you thru the decrease ridges of Blood Mountain.

The seasonal Civilian Conservation Corps Museum is one other enjoyable exercise to take a look at, together with renting out kayaks, paddleboards, and pedalboats to take out on the water. 

Vogel State Park Lodging

For in a single day stays, the park gives 34 one- and two-bedroom cottages, in addition to walk-in campsites and RV-accessible campsites which have pull-through or back-in driveways.

There’s additionally a pioneer campsite for teams of as much as 50 folks. –by Christina Maggitas; lead picture courtesy of GaStateParks.org.