Parks & Refuges
It's time for a celebration and 2006 marks a very special occasion for Georgia's state parks system. In 1931, Indian Springs State Park and Vogel State Park joined together to form what would become one of the oldest park systems in the nation. So Georgia's state parks are celebrating with their 75th anniversary. Be sure to check out this special commemorative page highlighting histories, events and exhibits, camp recipies and much more.
Georgia's waterfalls and lakes, beaches and swamps, forests and mountains are just a sample of the settings you’ll discover as you explore our beautiful parks and refuges on your next great adventure. Come watch the leaves turn vibrant shades of autumn within our mountain parks or escape to a coastal refuge and get away from the hustle and bustle of city life – there’s plenty of places to explore in the Georgia outdoors.
Travel to Unicoi State Park, nestled in the north Georgia mountains just a few miles from Helen, and enjoy an array of activities the park offers – from numerous scenic trails to fun-filled, special programs held throughout the year. If mystical mountain vistas are more your thing, don’t miss Cloudland Canyon. Located at the northern end of Lookout Mountain, this park will leave you breathless with the beauty of its cascading waterfalls and canyon rim views.
An easy drive south of Columbus, Georgia will take you to one of the state’s natural wonders – the “Little Grand Canyon” at Providence Canyon State Park. Marvel in the colors layered throughout the canyon rock and splashed among the fields of wildflowers that fill the area. For wildflowers to animals of the wild, travel to Reed Bingham State Park, near Valdosta, Ga., and discover the creatures of land and water that thrive there. Whether you’re fishing in its 375-mile lake or searching for the park’s famous black and turkey vultures, Reed Bingham State Park will give you a pioneer experience that you’ll never forget.
Georgia’s coast is lined with a string of barrier islands that offer adventurous parks and refuges to explore. Walk through the rich natural communities of Skidaway Island State Park or Sapelo Island Reserve and share the locals’ unique culture. Travel along nature trails and catch a glimpse of the deer, migrating birds, turtles and other wildlife that roam from the forested uplands to lush salt marshes. Or travel to Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and explore one of the oldest and most well preserved freshwater areas in the U.S. Discover the swamp’s unique ecosystem as you enjoy Okefenokee’s 396,000-acres of wilderness adventure.
The perfect place for an affordable adventure, Georgia’s parks and refuges give you the chance to enjoy the activities you truly love like camping, fishing, hiking, boating, photography, horseback riding and much more. Visit anytime of year and you’ll soon discover that the only thing more diverse than the activities are the accommodations. From backcountry campsites to rental cottages, the lodging options at Georgia’s parks and refuges are as limitless as the good times.
Travel Resources:
Georgia Lodgings & Accommodations
Georgia Tourism Events Calendar
Georgia Tourism Search Engine
Visitor Information Centers
Convention & Visitors Bureaus
Local Travel Services
State Park Lodges
Request Georgia Travel Guide or Brochures
Related Sites:
Georgia State Parks
Unicoi State Park
Cloudland Canyon State Park
Providence Canyon State Park
Reed Bingham State Park
Skidaway Island State Park
Sapelo Island Reserve
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge