Georgia’s state parks have tumbling waterfalls, stunning mountain views, and miles and miles of hiking trails. There is plenty to do for every adventure traveler, from hiking to mountain biking, rock climbing to zip lining, and kayaking to caving. Georgia has nearly 50 state parks, but a few stand out as crowd favorites. Check out these top five Georgia State Parks that outdoor enthusiasts will love.
Amicalola Falls
Amicalola Falls State Park is located in North Georgia at the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest. This park contains the tallest cascading waterfall in Georgia and the Southeast, the 729-foot Amicalola Falls. Amicalola Falls State Park also offers trail access to the start of the Appalachian Trail.
You can stay overnight at the park’s mountain lodge, cabins, or campsites. The park also provides trail access to the state’s only hike-in backcountry lodge. To keep outdoor enthusiasts occupied, the state park provides plenty of trails, archery, a tomahawk challenge, a wilderness survival trip, a zip line adventure, and animal meet-and-greets.
Tallulah Gorge
Located in northeast Georgia, Tallulah Gorge State Park overlooks a 2-mile long, 1,000-foot deep canyon that is home to waterfalls, rapids, trails, and a suspension bridge. The state park has played host to two tightrope walkers who have crossed the gorge, once in 1883 and once in 1970.
The park has over 50 campsites for those wanting to stay overnight. This is a great option for those wanting to explore the gorge floor, which requires one of a limited number of permits. On the gorge floor, you have access to more hiking trails and swimming at Bridal Veil Falls. Tallulah Gorge State Park has 20 miles of hiking trails, mountain biking trails, special weekends for whitewater kayaking, and rock climbing to keep adventure travelers entertained.
Read more about this park on Paige Minds the Gap website.
Fort Mountain
Fort Mountain State Park is located in North Georgia near the Cohutta Wilderness. In addition to a stone fire tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and an ancient rock wall on the highest point of the mountain, this state park also features a mysterious 855-foot long stone wall that is thought to have been built by Native Americans.
The park’s 17-acre lake is perfect for a summer swim or for kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding. You can stay the night at the state park’s more than 80 campsites. There are 25 miles of hiking trails, 27 miles of biking trails, and 25 miles of horseback riding trails. You’re likely to see black bears during your time at Fort Mountain State Park as this area has one of the highest densities of bears in the state.
Cloudland Canyon
Located in northwest Georgia, Cloudland Canyon State Park overlooks a deep canyon on the edge of Lookout Mountain. The 1,000-foot deep canyon resulted in two stunning waterfalls that are a highlight of the state park.
Cloudland Canyon State Park offers over 100 campsite options as well as yurts and cottages. The park has 64 miles of trails for hiking, 30 miles of trails for mountain biking, and 16 miles of trails for horseback riding. If that’s not enough adventure for you, experienced wild cavers can also explore the park’s caves systems during April, June through July, and September through October.
Read more about CC State Park on Paige Minds the Gap.
FD Roosevelt
At 9,049 acres, F.D. Roosevelt State Park is Georgia’s largest state park. Located in middle Georgia, the park features an overlook where President Franklin D. Roosevelt sometimes picnicked, two lakes, and amenities built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression.
F.D. Roosevelt State Park offers over 130 campsite options as well as over 20 cottages for those looking to stay overnight. There are 42 miles of hiking trails, 28 miles of horseback riding trails, privately operated stables that offer guided horseback rides, and a refreshing swimming pool fed by cool springs. The park offers boat rentals to use on its two lakes, and fishing is allowed. The state park’s remote location also makes it a great spot for stargazing.
This article was written by Paige Watts of Paige Minds the Gap.
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