Submitted by Alexandria Ducksworth
Did you know GCPL provides Georgia State Park passes?
Here are a few of the parks you can visit:
1. Chattahoochee Bend
425 Bobwhite Way, Newnan GA, 30263
Coweta County
About 2,910 acres, Chattahoochee Bend is one of Georgia’s largest state parks. The park provides many fun activities including archery, nature tours, and the Hooch Hike and Paddle (for ages 10 & up). Don’t forget to visit the butterfly garden!
2. Don Carter State Park
5000 North Browning Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA 30506
Hall County
Don Carter is the first state park established at Lake Lanier. It provides eight cottages and 44 campsites for RVs, tents, and trailers. Horse lovers should tryout the horseback riding trails.
3. Fort Yargo State Park
210 South Broad Street, Winder, GA 30680
Barrow County
You can still see remnants of Fort Yargo built in 1729. The area has about 21 miles of hiking trails and stylish yurts for overnight stay. Bring a bathing suit to swim at Fort Yargo beach.
4. Indian Springs State Park
678 Lake Clark Road, Flovilla, GA 30216
Butts County
This state park with the legendary springs was established in 1927. The Creek Indians nourished themselves with the water for its rumored healing properties. You can have a taste at the park’s Spring House.
5. Sweetwater Creek State Park
1750 Mt. Vernon Road, Lithia Springs, GA 30122
Douglas County
More Georgia state parks include:
- Amicalola Falls
- Black Rock Mountain
- Cloudland Canyon
- Crooked River
- High Falls
- Panola Mountain
- Red Top Mountain
- Seminole
- Skidaway Island
- Tallulah Gorge
- Tugaloo
- Unicoi
- Vogel
- Victoria Bryant
- Watson Mill Bridge
Note: You won’t be able to use the Georgia State Park pass for Stone Mountain Park, Lake Lanier Islands, Jekyll Island, the Chattahoochee National Recreation area, or any of the state historical sites.
Check out these books before you hit the trails:
-“Camping Guide: Camping Skills You Need” by T. Edward Nickens
-“The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Backpacking and Hiking” by Jason Stevenson
-“The Down and Dirty Guide to Camping with Kids” by Helen Olsson
-“Hiking Atlanta’s Hidden Forests Intown and Out” by Jonah McDonald
Which park are you planning to visit?