Top 5 Most Favourite Georgia State Parks And Historic Sites

By Author: Rodney Cook Peace Park
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Georgia is blessed with beautiful state parks, wildlife, mountains, waterfalls, lakes, coastal areas and islands, Civil War and historic sites, gardens, trails, festivals, and other fun places to visit. Fortunately, much of the beauty and fun can be found right here in Habersham County.

In fact, visiting and immersing oneself in the natural, cultural, and recreational resources protected within the boundaries of Georgia state historic sites is the best way to experience and comprehend the story of North Georgia. Georgia's heritage includes the southern Appalachian Mountains, waterfalls, wildflowers, wildlife, canyons, Cherokee Indian history, the Gold Rush, the Civil War, the Civilian Conservation Corps, hiking, boating, fishing, canoeing, and camping.

Black Rock Mountain State Park
Black Rock Mountain State Park, located in Rabun County, is named for its sheer cliffs of dark-colored biotite gneiss and encompasses some of the best country in Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Black Rock Mountain, Georgia's highest state park, is located astride the Eastern Continental Divide at an elevation of 3,640 feet. Numerous ...
... scenic overlooks offer breathtaking 80-mile views of the Southern Appalachians, and several hiking trails take visitors past wildflowers, cascading streams, small waterfalls, and lush forests. Visitors to northeast Georgia enjoy the summit visitor center and picnic tables.

Moccasin Creek State Park
Moccasin Creek Park, known as "where spring spends the summer," is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the shores of lovely 2,800-acre Lake Burton in Rabun County. Despite its mountain location, the park is relatively flat, making large RVs, children's bicycles, and wheelchairs easy to navigate. A fully accessible fishing pier sits above a trout-filled creek and is only open to physically challenged visitors, seniors, and children. Visit the nearby trout rearing station, hike on one of the nearby mountain trails, or simply relax in this tranquil setting. The park's central location makes it an ideal starting point for mountain exploration.

Travelers Rest Historic Site
Devereaux Jarrett, the "richest man in the Tugaloo Valley," lived on Traveler's Rest plantation. Jarrett purchased the land in 1833 and turned it into the heart of his thriving plantation. He expanded the structure to accommodate the growing number of visitors to northeast Georgia. In 1837, English traveler George W. Featherstonhaugh stopped by Traveler's Rest and was pleasantly surprised.

Traveler's Rest was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966 for its fine architecture, which included a 90-foot-long porch and hand-numbered rafters. Visitors today are given a guided tour of the plantation home. The majority of the furnishings are original antiques, with some made by local craftsman Caleb Shaw.

Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge
Dukes Creek, North Georgia's premier trout stream, runs through this breathtaking mountain property in White County and is a favorite for catch-and-release fishing. Hikers and bicyclists can explore hardwoods, streams, and wildlife on four miles of trails and 18 miles of roads. Trout fishing and van tours are only available on certain days of the week, so visitors should call ahead for the most up-to-date schedule. The Lodge at Smithgall Woods is a luxurious mountain retreat ideal for romantic getaways or business retreats. There are 14 bedrooms with private baths in five beautifully decorated cottages. Rates include lodging, meals, and activities. Smithgall Woods-Dukes Creek Conservation Area was given to the state by Charles A. Smithgall Jr., a well-known conservationist and businessman, in 1994 as a gift-purchase.

Unicoi State Park and Lodge
Unicoi State Park is one of most beloved historic parks in Georgia, located in the north Georgia mountains just two miles from the Alpine village of Helen in White County. Throughout the year, the park provides excellent programs centered on natural, cultural, historical, and recreational resources. Specialized programs can be reserved in advance by groups. Hiking and biking on scenic mountain trails, particularly those leading to Helen and Anna Ruby Falls, will appeal to outdoor enthusiasts. Craft enthusiasts should not miss the lodge gift shop, which specializes in handcrafted quilts and local pottery. There are numerous picnic tables scattered throughout the park.

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

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