The 10 Best State Parks In Georgia

By Author: Rodney Cook Peace Park
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One of the many advantages of living in the South is being surrounded by breathtaking scenery. In Georgia, for example, you can spend your day hiking a mountain peak as well as kayaking along the coast. Regardless of the season, many of Georgia state historic sites are ready for adventure. There's always a park to explore, from hiking trails brimming with vibrant fall foliage to waterfalls and waterfronts to cool off summer visitors. To assist you in planning, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources has compiled a list of all of The Peach State's parks. These are the best state parks in Georgia for fishing, biking, camping, or simply enjoying the scenery.

Providence Canyon
This state park, known as Georgia's Little Canyon, was created by accident. The massive, albeit picturesque, gullies were formed as a result of poor farming practices in the 1800s. Visitors now flock to the canyons to marvel at the pink, orange, red, and purple hues of the soil. It's as if a painting has come to life. The rim trail provides views of the canyons below, or takes the 2.5-mile loop trail to see canyons one through nine.

Tallulah ...
... Gorge
Tallulah Gorge is two miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep and is located in the north-eastern part of the state, just minutes from the South Carolina border. The 80-foot-high suspension bridge provides the best views of the gorge, river, and waterfalls for both thrill seekers and novice hikers. There are several rim hikes with scenic overlooks for those who prefer to keep their feet on solid ground.

Cloudland Canyon
Cloudland Canyon State Park is one of Georgia's largest parks, located near the northeast Alabama state line in northwest Georgia. It has 3,538 acres to explore on foot, bicycle, or horseback. There are canyons a thousand feet deep, sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, disc golf, and geocaching. There are 72 campsites for those who want to stay overnight.

Skidaway Island
Savannah is a popular tourist destination because of its charming historic district and beautiful squares, but it also attracts outdoor enthusiasts because of Skidaway Island State Park. Visitors can explore trails that bend through maritime forests and marsh along Georgia's Intracoastal Waterway. Wildlife such as crabs, egrets, and deer can also be found here. Camping and cabins with screened porches and (gasp!) air conditioning are available for overnight stays.

Roosevelt’s Little White House
Before becoming America's 32nd president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt built the Little White House in Warm Springs, Georgia. He hoped to find a cure for his crippling polio in the nearby 88-degree buoyant water. While the pools are closed for swimming today, visitors to the home and museum can learn about FDR and his vision.

Stephen C. Foster
This state park serves as one of the main entrances to the Okefenokee Swamp, the South's largest wetland. It is a 402,000-acre sanctuary for turtles, raccoons, black bears, deer, a variety of birds, and other wildlife. The refuge is also home to an estimated 12,000 alligators. Visitors can rent canoes or take guided boat tours to see the swamp and its inhabitants. This park is also ideal for nature photographers, but please leaves your pets at home. Pets are not permitted on boats.

Sweetwater Creek
This state park is a tranquil haven just minutes from Atlanta's bustling city center. Trails through the forest follow the stream and the 215-acre George Sparks Reservoir. The reservoir is a popular spot for recreational activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Visitors come to the park to see the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company, an old textile mill. Many movies, including The Hunger Games, have featured the mill ruins.

Kolomoki Mounds
This state park is one of Georgia's and the Southeastern United States' most historically significant sites. It is the oldest and largest Woodland Indian site, and indigenous peoples lived there from 350 to 750 A.D. There is a large temple mound here, as well as two smaller burial mounds and several ceremonial mounds. There is a museum and a park dedicated to telling the story of the people who once lived here.

Unicoi
Unicoi State Park, historic parks in Georgia, has 1,029 acres as well as the 53-acre Unicoi Lake. The park is a short drive from Atlanta, making it a popular day trip from the city. Ziplining, archery, and fly fishing are among the activities available at Unicoi. Hikes are also open to leashed dogs! Camping, on the other hand, is the most popular activity at Unicoi. There are nearly 100 different types of campsites, including glamping tents outfitted with home decor and coffee makers.

Vogel State Park
This is Georgia's second oldest state park. It was founded in 1931 and is located in the Chattahoochee National Forest at the base of Blood Mountain. Because this park is located in the heart of Georgia's leaf-peeping region, fall is the best time to visit. There are moderate hiking trails as well as a 13-mile backcountry trail to explore. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) museum, which tells the story of the "CCC Boys," should not be missed.

Know more about Rodney Cook Sr. Peace Park, please visit www.rodneycooksrpark.org.

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