Discover the Best State Parks in Georgia
Active travelers are spoiled for choice in Georgia, home to 50 state parks abundant with outdoor adventures. Hiking trails climb to waterfalls and drop into gorges in the rugged northern mountains, while waterways draped in Spanish moss navigate mysterious swamps in the south.
Disc golf courses and archery ranges test concentration skills statewide. However, opportunities for relaxation are plentiful too, with sandy lakeside beaches and cozy mountain cabins providing big views and comfy spots for unwinding. Here are seven of the best state parks to kickstart a fun Georgia adventure.
Amicalola Falls State Park
Best Park to Enjoy Waterfalls
The highest waterfall in Georgia and the third-highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi, Amicalola Falls drops 729 ft down rocky cliffs framed by forest greenery. And the name? Amicalola is the Cherokee word for “tumbling waters”.
The falls are an inspirational sight, especially for backpackers hiking to the summit of Springer Mountain via the 8.5-mile Appalachian Approach Trail, which begins beneath a stone archway beside the park visitor center. Springer Mountain is the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, the legendary 2,194-mile trail that extends north through the Appalachian Mountains across 14 states.
Moreover, the Approach Trail isn’t the only adventure in this privately managed park, located 75 miles north of Atlanta. Day hikers tackle 604 steps on the two-mile loop trail to the top of the falls, while visitors at the Len Foote Hike Inn must hike five miles from the park through Chattahoochee National Forest—crossing several streams—before settling in for the night.
Through ziplines, riders glide through the trees at the aerial park, while three-dimensional targets line the archery course. On weekends, learn about birds of prey and reptiles during animal meet-and-greets in the lobby of Amicalola Falls Lodge.
Providence Canyon State Park
Best Park for Photographers
Providence Canyon looks like it belongs in the American Southwest. Layered with yellow, red, purple, and white sediments, the park easily earns its nickname: the Little Grand Canyon. However, the photogenic gullies here were created by cotton farmers in the 1800s, whose poor farming practices allowed erosion to wreak havoc on the landscape.
Photographers can capture evocative images of the canyon from the Canyon Loop Trail along the rim, but the park’s true beauty reveals itself after a descent to the canyon’s lush base. Here, bigleaf magnolias thrive, and rare plumleaf azaleas bloom with striking red flowers in July and August. The canyon walls shimmer with 43 different colors, creating a captivating environment for photography.
Stephen C Foster State Park
Best Park for Stargazing
Pondering your place in the cosmos from the depths of a swamp is an experience like no other. Stephen C Foster, certified as a dark sky park by the International Dark Sky Association, ranks among the best stargazing locations in the southeast thanks to minimal artificial light.
The Milky Way shines brightly in summer, and rangers frequently host Night Sky astronomy talks on Saturday evenings. The park, surrounded by the expansive Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, offers not only incredible stargazing but also a paddler’s paradise, with water trails meandering through the cypress forest.
Paddlers have the option to reserve an overnight spot on one of the covered camping platforms beside the water trails. Additionally, ranger-led boat tours delve into the park’s geology, history, and wildlife, making for engaging excursions.
Cloudland Canyon State Park
Best Park for Hiking
Hikers, welcome to your happy place. Sixty-four miles of trails crisscross Cloudland Canyon State Park in the rugged northwest fringes of Georgia. This forested playground includes trails that skip over creeks, pause beside waterfalls, meander through meadows, and unfold beneath sandstone cliffs.
Ultimately, there’s a rewarding trail for every level, from the easy Overlook Trail to the strenuous Waterfalls Trail leading to stunning views. Moreover, Cloudland Canyon offers various camping options, including walk-in, backcountry, and tent and RV sites, making it a top choice for nights under the stars. The park is conveniently located 120 miles northwest of Atlanta and 30 miles southwest of Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Tallulah Gorge State Park
Best Park for Spectacular Views
A suspension bridge sways 80 ft above the rocky depths of Tallulah Gorge, which carves a two-mile path through the hills of North Georgia. The park is home to five stunning waterfalls, and nearly 1000 ft deep, making it an awe-inspiring location for both tourists and artists.
Rim trails lead to viewpoints overlooking the various waterfalls, yet full immersion in the canyon’s grandeur requires a hike into its depths. The Hurricane Falls Trail ventures into the canyon via 300 metal stairs, offering high-elevation views of three waterfalls along the way. To access the gorge floor, a permit is required, ensuring a focused visitor experience.
Fort Yargo State Park
Best Park for Family-Friendly Activities
At Fort Yargo State Park, visitors engage in a variety of family-friendly activities across more than 1,800 acres between Atlanta and Athens. The park’s challenging 18-hole disc golf course features numerous arboreal obstacles, making it an exciting destination for disc golf enthusiasts.
Families can enjoy a swimming beach on the 260-acre lake, where various watercraft rentals are available from April to October. Additionally, the park features mountain biking trails perfect for families, alongside other sports like mini-golf and hiking.
Red Top Mountain State Park
Best Park for Swimming
Relaxation can be found just 40 miles northwest of Atlanta at the newly renovated beach at Red Top Mountain State Park. Nestled in a cove surrounded by woods, this beautiful beach fronts the expansive 12,000-acre Lake Allatoona, which is dotted with parks and marinas.
With new amenities including a bathhouse and picnic area with grills, this park is designed for family enjoyment. While there are no lifeguards on duty, the cove provides a safe environment for swimming. Water skiing and boating are popular activities here, along with 15 miles of hiking trails winding through the park.
