ATLANTA — With the southern summer heating up, there is no better place to cool down than at a Georgia State Park. Dozens of parks offer places to enjoy water activities, setting the bar for recreational excellence. Shaded campgrounds, yurts and cabins provide affordable vacations as well.
Just in time for summer, Magnolia Springs State Park has added a splash pad, the perfect cool down spot for younger park guests and non-swimmers. Little Ocmulgee and Gordonia-Alatamaha state parks also feature these "spraygrounds" composed of multiple elements which shoot water from the ground. The pads make for an enticing aquatic play place without the hassle of suiting up for deep water. Guests can truly make a splash this season by reserving pad space for birthday parties or summer events.
Georgia State Parks also offer a diverse array of paddling experiences for those seeking a little adventure during their next excursion to the great outdoors. Stand-up paddleboards and aquacycles are available for rent at several state parks, and true challenge-seeking water buffs can join Georgia's Park Paddlers Club which encourages members to explore all 22 miles of the club's scenic waterways. After paddling the six club trails, visitors earn a members-only t-shirt.
Kayaking enthusiasts can revel in unique opportunities to paddle through coastal waterways and salt marsh at Fort McAllister and Crooked River state parks, the famed Okefenokee Swamp at Stephen C. Foster State Park and a whitewater river for experts only at Tallulah Gorge State Park. Beginners looking to practice paddling skills can venture to the small mountain lakes of Fort Mountain and Vogel state parks. Many of Georgia's State Parks rent canoes and kayaks, and some even lead guided paddles.
For a more traditional aquatic experience, guests can plunge into state parks which feature recreational swimming. Those looking to take a dip with nature can make a splash at Tallulah Gorge State Park with river swimming at the base of 490 feet of stunning waterfalls with a special permit. Tallulah Gorge and Watson Mill Bridge state parks also provide summer swimmers with a unique opportunity to experience a natural waterslide made of "sliding rocks."
Nothing says summer in the south like a trip to the lake and at Georgia State Parks people of all ages can unwind at picturesque lakeside beaches. These sandy swimming beaches serve up all the amenities of a trip to the coast without the expense, making the beaches an idyllic destination for a truly southern soiree.
In addition to lakeside beaches, dozens of Georgia State Parks provide public boat ramps and docks, with a few having their own marinas. Boat rentals are also available at more than 20 state parks. Larger lakes even allow boaters to partake in water skiing, sailing and other personal watercraft activities.
Georgia State Parks' commitment to consistently delivering outstanding outdoor recreation is made clear by the abundance of activities awaiting guests at each park. Georgia's newest state park, Don Carter, is no exception. Don Carter is a water lover's haven, being the first state park located on beloved Lake Lanier. The park offers many of the amenities of its fellow parks, including boat ramps, multi-use trails and a sand swimming beach in conjunction with features special to Don Carter such as a bath house, overnight cabins and an RV campground.
Whether guests are looking to take a dip in the pool, swim under breathtaking waterfalls, slip down natural waterslides, soak up sun on the beach or embark on a paddling adventure, Georgia State Parks offer guests the perfect locations to beat the summer heat in a setting that showcases Georgia's natural charm. Visit www.gastateparks.org to start planning a trip for this summer. Browse the tabs for locations, reservations and details on every Georgia State Park, including activities and events. To make reservations by phone, call 800-864-7275.
About Georgia State Park System
Georgia's State Parks are affordable destinations for vacations and quick getaways. Waterfalls and lakes, salt marsh and mountains are just some of the beautiful environments of the 48 state parks. Georgia State Park Golf Courses offer the best variety and value around. With eight golf courses to choose from, each features natural settings and picturesque surroundings, as well as fun and challenging play. Most state parks offer fishing, boating, hiking, camping, geocaching, birding and more. Accommodations include campsites, cabins, lodges, even yurts, and vary by park. Among the 18 Georgia State Historic Sites are presidential homes, ancient Indian mounds, battlefields, plantations and even a gold museum. Georgia's public libraries have ParkPasses and Historic Site Passes that can be checked out like a book. Annual ParkPasses are $50 (or just $25 for seniors 62 and older). Even better, membership to Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites includes a free ParkPass and more discounts. Campers can pick up loyalty cards that earn them every 10th night for free. www.GaStateParks.org/thingstoknow.
WSBTV
